chancellors

Chancellor is a title used for various political and institutional offices in several countries. In modern German-speaking states the term generally denotes the head of government, while in universities and other organizations it may denote a ceremonial or administrative leader. The word derives from Latin cancellarius, originally a scribe in a royal chancery.

In Germany and Austria today, the federal chancellor is the chief executive and head of government. The chancellor directs government policy, chairs the cabinet, and is typically elected by the parliament and formally appointed by the head of state, requiring parliamentary confidence. Notable holders include Angela Merkel (Germany, 2005–2021) and Olaf Scholz (since 2021); in Austria, the chancellor plays a similar role.

In a university or ceremonial setting, a chancellor may be the figurehead rather than the chief administrator; the daily management is usually carried out by a vice-chancellor, president, or equivalent. In the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, chancellor is often a ceremonial position at a university, while the chief executive is the vice-chancellor or principal. Historically, the archchancellor of the Holy Roman Empire was a senior chancery official, reflecting the office's early origin.

Outside government, the title also appears in other roles, such as the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the United Kingdom, a senior minister of finance rather than a head of state. The exact authority and duties of a chancellor vary by country and institution.