Federalism
Federalism is a governance system of self-rule and shared rule. It is a state order, which divides and shares power and authority among the national and the regional units. In a federation, the national government (e.g. Austria/Bund) and the member states (e.g. the Austrian Bundesländer) fulfill certain tasks independently from each other and certain tasks together. In federalism, the member states keep a degree of statehood, but are united in an overarching entity, the federation.
Why Federalism?
Because each federal state has its own particularities and for these particularities, tailor-made, regional solutions are needed.
Franz Jirka, Unternehmer und Spartenobmann Gewerbe & Handwerk der WK Tirol
Because local people are best able to assess their needs and then make the right decisions for them.
Andreas Cia, Social educator
Because different problems require different solutions. Modern federalism therefore needs financial autonomy and fiscal sovereignty
Christian Keuschnigg, University Professor of National Economics in St. Gallen
Because politics and authorities in their own federal state are closer to the needs of the people
Greta Lukasser, Student
Because a federal state forms a brand on the outside and an identity on the inside. Society and the economy need both: external glamour and internal meaning.
Wolfgang Sparer, Leiter des Bildungsconsultings
50. Bericht über den Föderalismus in Österreich (2025)
Eine Aufregung
Institutsdirektor Peter Bußjäger beschäftigt sich mit der Einführung der Patientenanwaltschaft in Vorarlberg vor über 40 Jahren.
Das Vorarlberger Abgabenrecht, Praxiskommentar. Teil I: Abgabenverfahrensrecht.
