Overview
- On a proposal from Economics Minister Katherina Reiche, the cabinet agreed on March 4 to recommend Felbermayr's appointment to the federal president.
- Felbermayr would succeed Ulrike Malmendier after her mandate ended in February without renewal, a decision the council noted with "surprise" and "deep regret."
- The government indicated an intended term running through 28 February 2031.
- Currently director of Austria's Wifo and formerly head of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Felbermayr is cited for expertise in trade policy, geoeconomics and European integration.
- The non-renewal drew criticism from the SPD-led finance ministry, while council member Veronika Grimm distanced herself from the council's statement on Malmendier's departure.