Role and Powers
The Chancellor is "primus inter pares" ("first among equals") in the Austrian government, they chair the government meetings but do not possess the power to direct, appoint or dismiss Ministers. Appointments and dismissals are made by the President at the Chancellor's recommendation. However, it has become strong constitutional convention for the President to act on the Chancellor's advice. Furthermore, the Chancellor normally also heads a federal ministry. Thus, although considered as the most powerful political position in Austria, he has a much weaker standing than the United States President or the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
The Chancellor's political power is devolved from within their political party, which they normally chairs, and can vary depending on whether there is a coalition or single-party cabinet. The Chancellor is generally the leader of the largest party in the Austrian parliament. In 2000 Wolfgang Schüssel was appointed although his party then had only been third in the previous elections.
Read more about this topic: Chancellor Of Austria
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