Austrian Republic
In 1918, following the breakup of the Habsburg monarchy, the First Austrian Republic was established, but ended with "Anschluß" into the Third Reich from 1938-1945. Following World War II, the Second Austrian Republic was established in 1945, even though Austria remained under the control and protection of Allied and Soviet Forces between 1945-1955.
The current head of state is the President of Austria; however, in practice, the Chancellor of Austria is more important. Every law still needs to be signed by the President however.
Otto von Habsburg (1912–2011), son of Emperor Charles, was the head of the Habsburg house from 1922, but never reigned. In 2007 he handed the headship to his oldest son Karl Habsburg-Lothringen, Prince Imperial of Austria and Prince Royal of Hungary, who was currently first in the Line of succession to the Austro-Hungarian throne, but without any recognised title. He is now the new head of the imperial family.
Read more about this topic: List Of Rulers Of Austria
Famous quotes containing the words austrian and/or republic:
“An Austrian army, awfully array’d,
Boldly by battery besiege Belgrade;
Cossack commanders cannonading come,
Deal devastation’s dire destructive doom;”
—Alaric Alexander Watts (1797–1864)
“Universal empire is the prerogative of a writer. His concerns are with all mankind, and though he cannot command their obedience, he can assign them their duty. The Republic of Letters is more ancient than monarchy, and of far higher character in the world than the vassal court of Britain.”
—Thomas Paine (1737–1809)