ministres

Ministres is the plural of minister in French and refers to senior government officials who head ministries or departments and are responsible for the administration and policy of their designated area. In many political systems, ministers form part of the executive branch and, together with the head of government or head of state, constitute the cabinet that sets government priorities.

Role and duties commonly include proposing legislation and budgets for their portfolio, implementing government policy, supervising the civil service within their ministry, representing the government in domestic and international affairs related to their area, and answering to the legislature. Ministers are typically appointed by the head of state on the advice of the prime minister or equivalent figure, and in some countries they must be members of parliament or can come from outside the legislature.

Types and structure vary by country. Most systems include ministers with a portfolio (for example, Minister of Education) who run a specific department. Some jurisdictions also appoint ministers without portfolio, or ministers of state, who may oversee cross-cutting initiatives or assist senior ministers. In certain cases there are deputy ministers or secretaries of state who manage the non-political administrative side of a ministry.

Accountability and tenure are central features. Ministers usually serve at the pleasure of the government and can be dismissed or reshuffled, often following changes in administration or political controversy. They are expected to be accountable to the legislature, which may call for debates or votes of censure.

Origins of the ministerial system trace to early modern Europe, evolving into modern cabinets. The term reflects service and administration, and today it remains a standard part of government in many French-speaking countries and beyond, with local constitutional variations.