The restoration of Monarchy in Austria...

[dmitri]

Some people forget that until 1806, the Habsburg Emperors were Holy Roman Emperors. They were Kings in Bohemia and Hungary. They became Emperors of Austria after Napoleon smashed the idea of a Holy Roman Empire. Any iidea of a restoration is a fantasy. Dr. Otto von Habsburg realised this long ago when he renounced any claim to the throne and he has also recently handed over Head of the House of Habsburg to his eldest son. Once the venerable Dr. Otto von Hapbsburg dies, the last link with the old Austro-Hungarian Empire will die with him. Austria will remain a republic as will Hungary. World War One destroyed the old concept on monarchy in the lands that had been ruled for centuries by the Habsburg dynasty. 

[Norbert]

Europe is a land of monarchy. The fashion will turn, especially if we have a European head of state that alternates every 5 years like Malaysia

[Robert_Hall]

For that matter, most of the entire world civilazation had monarchies of one sort or another. There is no goundswell of popular opinion anywhere to restore such a political system. The example of Malaysia is a poor one. That was the result of a compromise of post-colonial power-brokers.  And, not all agreed to be part of it. Brunei & Singapore opted out and not all of Malaysia is monarchy in form. I m a big fan of the EU concept. And I can see, perhaps, in the future, Head of the European Union, but not in any way dynastic.  The cultural diversity involved just would not support such a creation.  Remember such a project has been tried before, on a much smaller scale than what is now involved, and that did not work- on the principal of monarchy.  I think that only in established long-history monarchies, where the sovereign is pretty much universally admired and respected by the citizens will the institution survive.
 As for the former monarchies [and not a few current ones]- not a chance.

[Learning]

Actually, I find it surprising that there is not at least one political party in Austria that is pro-monarchy. Someone needs to start one!

[Robert_Hall]

Why should there be? The Austrian people do not seem interested.  Typically, such parties consist of snobs, eccectrincs, fanatics and or romantics with no real political purpose or connection to popular reality. If a monarchy is stable and popular, there is no need for  such a political party, as they are often seen as arch-conservative, church-linked and  therefore divisive in modern society. It also defeats the concept of a monarch being "above politics". They do come into play where the monarchy is under threat, however, as in Australia and Canada.  How effective they are is to  ultimately be seen.

[Adagietto]

One of the main reasons why monarchies are so hard to restore is that the restorationists almost inevitably represent a faction, and a monarchy can only be successful if it stands above factions; and for that to be possible, there is a need for historical continuity. On the other hand, resident monarchies are normally secure except in time of revolution or extreme instability following defeat in war and the like. None of the remaining European monarchies are under any serious threat in the foreseeable future. I do think, though, that the Austro-Hungarian monarchy would have faced considerable difficulties even if the Great War had never come about, because it was the only binding element in a union that had no natural basis. It was an exceptional case. The situation is different again in nations like Australia which have a non-resident monarch in a post-Imperial situation; for a variety of reasons, there is a natural tendency in such cases for the monarch to become assocated with specific factions.

[Learning]

Why should there be? The Austrian people do not seem interested.  Typically, such parties consist of snobs, eccectrincs, fanatics and or romantics with no real political purpose or connection to popular reality. If a monarchy is stable and popular, there is no need for  such a political party, as they are often seen as arch-conservative, church-linked and  therefore divisive in modern society. It also defeats the concept of a monarch being "above politics". They do come into play where the monarchy is under threat, however, as in Australia and Canada.  How effective they are is to  ultimately be seen.

All I can say, as a non-Austrian, is that it would be nice if a solid group of persons existed who wanted to bring the monarchy to the attention of the voting population as a positive institution and a link with the past. But, that is, I strongly suspect, a pipe dream. I dare say that Otto and Karl are not too interested in a restoration either.

[Norbert]

For that matter, most of the entire world civilazation had monarchies of one sort or another. There is no goundswell of popular opinion anywhere to restore such a political system. The example of Malaysia is a poor one. That was the result of a compromise of post-colonial power-brokers.  And, not all agreed to be part of it. Brunei & Singapore opted out and not all of Malaysia is monarchy in form. I m a big fan of the EU concept. And I can see, perhaps, in the future, Head of the European Union, but not in any way dynastic.  The cultural diversity involved just would not support such a creation.  Remember such a project has been tried before, on a much smaller scale than what is now involved, and that did not work- on the principal of monarchy.  I think that only in established long-history monarchies, where the sovereign is pretty much universally admired and respected by the citizens will the institution survive.
 As for the former monarchies [and not a few current ones]- not a chance.

I agree partly, insomuch that the " Pretenders" have lost so many opprtunities in this century which their ancestors would have grasped. So it seems that the British Monarch will become the cultural figurehead of United Europe?

[britt.25]

Even if the functions only rather were only representative, it would be interesting, if there was an official emperor of Austria. It's an interesting thought!

[dmitri]

No British Monarch will ever become the cultural figurehead of Europe. That would be a very insulting proposition for many Europeans. Queen Elizabeth II holds her position in her realms because she has an historical and constitutional position and remains firmly above politics. I dare say that The Queen would not consider any position where she was foisted on other countries. They have different histories and desires. Monarchy remains in countries where there is a link. Where the link has been broken for generations it remains a curious and sometimes detested part of history and nothing more. There is no movement in Austria for any restoration. The Austrians have their Opera Ball and for one night they dream in the decorated State Opera House in Vienna of the past. Sometimes they have a royal guest of honour and sometimes a movie star. Beyond this they have adapted over generations to their current comfortable system of government and lifestyle. The current republic came into being in 1955. That is a very long time ago now. 

[CFH_Mexico]

If there would be a restauration my guess would be in the form of a Kingdom, but family members would probably keep the title of Imperial Highness as a memory of their past...
but of course the chances are the lowest...

I agree with Bernardino and some others writing on this question, there is much speculation. I also agree that today Austria is a stable Republic and should it change to a different type of government a new title would be fixed to the "Governor" of that great nation.

Austria bloomed under the Monarchy; it was the prime time for Central Europe. Since then Austria has shrunk into a comfortable social system, day dreaming of their glorious past, inviting tourists to spend their time and money enjoying the beauty the Habsburgs left behind.

With the republic came a sleepy socialist government model that killed the drive of the Beethoven’s, Freud's and all those scholars that made Austria and the Empire for centuries something like the center of the world.

Will the republic cease to exist? Most certainly one day. Will the Monarchy take over? Who knows?

Historically seen the big changes in governments come with "Revolutions" => Changing of structures.  I think that Austria will continue to have its Republic so long there is not a dramatic change in the Status Quo. Should this come by; then.... What Title? .... That is any body's guess, but probably not President or Prime Minister.

[Felix Culpa]

The prophesies are interesting, and I'm glad you posted them. 

But to take things in another direction-----I've read that it was financially very difficult for Zita and her children because almost everything they owned had been confiscated by the new Austrian government.  Was that the case for the other Habsburgs, i.e. were they all in financial difficulty after the war?  If not, why didn't more of them help Zita out with a bit of cash afterwards?

[Rani]

While I read this topic, I must laugh, because of this picture I saw




Russia has a monarchy. Not in a traditional way!
And the French presidents act like they were kings. See Sarkozy.