Zwischen Gemeinschaftsprojekt, Tauschgeschäft und Symbolpolitik: die Initiativen zu Bundesstaatsreformen in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz

Grotz, Florian; Poier, Klaus

doi:10.1007/s12286-010-0085-7

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 23 publications

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“…In this regard, as pointed out above, Austria was far from being alone. The findings of comparative studies on extensive reform processes initiated at about the same time in Switzerland (1987–2008), Germany (2003–2009), and Austria (1992 to present) differ insofar as the reform in Switzerland is regarded as a success, if not an ideal case, while the outcome in Germany is considered to be modest, in Austria even a failure (Behnke ; Grotz and Poier ). So, given that federal reform is manageable as has been demonstrated by other countries (cf.…”

Section: Federal Reform: Initiatives and Resistancementioning

confidence: 99%

Strength through Weakness: State Executive Power and Federal Reform in Austria

Karlhofer

Pallaver

2013

Swiss Political Sci Review

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Due to the absence of a strong constitutional veto player, comparative research uses to classify Austria as country with weak federal structures, occasionally even as a "federation without federalism". From an institutional perspective, the assessment is definitely correct, in particular with regard to the nearly insignificant status of the second chamber Bundesrat. Apart from constitutional provisions, however, there are informal forces at work in decision-making processes. Our thesis is that any approach ignoring the fact that the nominal constitution is paralleled by a real one falls short. Instead, we focus on the Conference of State Governors which, though not established by law, is a strong player in Austria's multi-layered system qualifying the picture of "weak" federalism. The paper gives on overview of origin and function of the conference and its ambivalent role in making up for the shortcomings of the federal structures. Taking recent attempts of reorganizing fiscal equalization between states and federation as an example, the need of reforming the allocation of rights and duties between the different levels and, at the same time, the obstacles blocking the reform is outlined and analyzed.

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Section: Federal Reform: Initiatives and Resistancementioning

confidence: 99%