Hálfforsetaræðis

Hálfforsetaræðis, meaning semi-presidentialism, is a form of government that blends elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems. In this system, a directly elected president serves as head of state and shares executive power with a prime minister, who is typically the head of government. The president often holds significant powers related to foreign policy, defense, and appointing the prime minister, while the prime minister and their cabinet are usually responsible for the day-to-day administration of the government and are accountable to the legislature.

The specific division of powers between the president and the prime minister can vary considerably depending on the country's constitution. In some cases, the president may be the dominant figure, while in others, the prime minister might wield more influence. This can lead to periods of cooperation and periods of conflict or gridlock if the president and the parliamentary majority belong to different political factions.

Countries that have adopted semi-presidential systems include France, Portugal, and Russia. The goal of such a system is often to combine the stability and legitimacy of a directly elected president with the responsiveness of a parliamentary government. However, the effectiveness of hálfforsetaræðis can depend heavily on the political culture and the specific constitutional framework in place, as well as the willingness of the political actors to cooperate. Its success hinges on finding a stable equilibrium between the two executive branches.