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Presidents & Chancellors of AustriaThe history of Austria in the 20th century is full of political change, revolutions, Anschluss and confusion. Yet to follow a logical "string", I always find it useful to keep a look on the rulers of a country.
In the case of Austria, we refer to the two "Republics of Austria" (the first from 1918 to the Anschluss to Nazi-Germany in 1938; the second from 1945 to the present). Here "ruler" means primarily the president, who is the head of Austria and commander of the army; and the chancellor, who is the head of the government. Both reside in Vienna; the president in the Neue Burg of the Hofburg Palace, the chancellor next doors in the Ballhaus to the opposite of the Minoritenkirche. Presidents of AustriaThe president is the head of state and has many important functions to control the work of the government. In daily life, however, the president's work is mostly representative. For details, please see "Politics of Austria". The First Austrian Republic (1918–1938)Michael Hainisch: 1920-1928 The Second Austrian Republic (1945–Present)Karl Renner: 1945-1950 Federal Chancellors of AustriaThe chancellor chairs the government and is the "person in charge" with running the country. Usually, the biggest party in the parliament nominates the chancellor. For details, please see "Politics of Austria". The First Austrian Republic (1918-1938)Karl Renner: 1918–1920 The Second Austrian Republic (1945–Present)Leopold Figl: 1945-1953
Back to "background" Further ReadingPolitics & Administration of Austria List of Salzburg's Prince Archbishops |
