semipresidenttijärjestelmä

Semipresidenttijärjestelmä, also known as a dual executive system, is a form of government where executive power is divided between a president and a prime minister. This system combines elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems. The president is typically directly elected by the people and serves as the head of state. The prime minister, on the other hand, is usually appointed by the president but must retain the confidence of the legislature, serving as the head of government.

In a semipresidential system, the division of powers between the president and the prime minister can vary significantly. Often, the president is responsible for foreign policy and defense, while the prime minister and their cabinet manage day-to-day domestic affairs. The legislature plays a crucial role in holding the prime minister accountable through votes of confidence or no confidence. This can lead to periods of cohabitation, where the president and the parliamentary majority are from different political parties, requiring negotiation and compromise.

Key features include a directly elected president with significant executive powers and a prime minister responsible for the government. The system aims to provide a balance between popular legitimacy through direct presidential election and democratic accountability through parliamentary oversight of the prime minister. Examples of countries with semipresidential systems include France, Russia, and Portugal. The effectiveness of the system often depends on the specific constitutional framework and the political culture of the nation.