Politics & Government Guide in Austria

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Austria is governed by a new ÖVP-SPÖ-NEOS coalition formed after the 2024 elections, led by Chancellor Christian Stocker since March 2025. This marks the first three-party coalition in the country's history. President Alexander Van der Bellen continues as head of state.

Government Type

Federal parliamentary republic

Legal System

Civil law system

Head of State

President Alexander Van der Bellen(since 2017)

Head of Government

Chancellor Christian Stocker(Austrian People's Party)since 2025

Legislature

Type:bicameral

Upper House:Federal Council (61 seats)

Lower House:National Council (183 seats)

Major Political Parties

Austrian People's Party(ÖVP)

Centre-right

71 seats

Social Democratic Party of Austria(SPÖ)

Centre-left

40 seats

Austrian Freedom Party(FPÖ)

Right-wing

30 seats

The Greens(Die Grünen)

Green left

26 seats

NEOS - The New Austria and Liberal Forum(NEOS)

Liberal

15 seats

Voting Rights

Austrian citizens have full voting rights from age 16. EU citizens can vote in local and European Parliament elections.

Recent Developments

New three-party coalition government (ÖVP-SPÖ-NEOS) sworn in on March 3, 2025
Christian Stocker (ÖVP) appointed Chancellor, Andreas Babler (SPÖ) Vice-Chancellor
Government formed following the September 29, 2024 general elections

Voting Age16

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution1920

Federal states9