Landeshauptfrau

Landeshauptfrau is the title used for the female head of government of a federal state (Land) in Austria. The male counterpart is Landeshauptmann. The term reflects Austria’s federal structure, consisting of nine states, each led by a Landesregierung (state government). The Landeshauptfrau chairs the state cabinet and represents the state in dealings with the federal government and other states, while also signing official acts within the state’s competences.

Role and powers typically include setting policy priorities for the state, proposing legislation and budgetary plans, and overseeing the administration through cabinet decisions. The position is fundamentally political and tied to the majority in the state parliament (Landtag); the Landeshauptfrau is usually the leader of the governing party or coalition and retains office as long as the coalition holds a majority or until elections, resignation, or a loss of confidence.

Appointment and tenure are defined by each state’s constitution and laws. The Landeshauptfrau is generally elected indirectly by the Landtag, reflecting the legislative composition, and remains in office until the term ends or a new government is formed after elections.

Usage and context: the term is gendered; Landeshauptfrau is used only when the officeholder is a woman, while Landeshauptmann is used for men. In Germany, a different title (Ministerpräsident/Ministerpräsidentin) is used for state heads. In Vienna, the state head is primarily styled as Bürgermeister; in formal contexts the combined title may appear as Bürgermeister und Landeshauptmann bzw. Bürgermeisterin und Landeshauptfrau.

See also: Landeshauptmann, Ministerpräsident, state government.