Summary
Highlights
The executive power is vested in the President. Qualification criteria include being 40 years of age and having higher education. The President is elected directly by the public for a 5-year term, limited to two terms. Candidates are nominated by political party groups (with at least 5% vote in national elections) or by 100,000 voters.
The State Supervisory Council is attached to the President and cannot audit judicial bodies. The National Security Council (MGK) is chaired by the President and meets every two months to determine security agendas with specific members from the cabinet and military leadership.
The President declares a state of emergency for up to 6 months, while the Parliament holds the authority to approve, shorten, or extend it. Ordinary presidential decrees cover economic and social rights, whereas decrees issued during OHAL have the force of law and are exempt from judicial review.
Regulations can be issued by the President, ministries, and public legal entities. Judicial review for these is generally conducted by administrative courts, or the Council of State if nationwide or issued by the President. Key powers include signing international treaties, commanding the military (on behalf of Parliament), and appointing senior officials.