koabitace

Koabitace is a term used in political science to describe a situation where the executive branch of government is divided between politicians from different political parties. This typically occurs in a parliamentary system where the head of government, such as a prime minister, is from one party, and the head of state, such as a president, is from another. The term originates from the French word "cohabitation," which means living together.

The primary characteristic of koabitace is the necessity for cooperation and compromise between the executive leaders. The president, often elected separately, may have significant powers, such as appointing the prime minister and dissolving parliament. However, if the parliamentary majority is held by a party opposed to the president's, the president must appoint a prime minister who can command the confidence of that majority. This leads to a situation where the prime minister and their government are responsible for day-to-day governance and policy implementation, while the president may retain a role in foreign affairs, defense, or constitutional matters, or act as a political counterweight.

Koabitace can lead to political instability and gridlock if the two branches are unable to work together effectively. It can also, however, foster periods of consensus-building and stability by forcing opposing parties to find common ground. The specific powers and dynamics of koabitace vary greatly depending on the country's constitution and political culture. France is a notable example where koabitace has occurred several times since the establishment of the Fifth Republic.