semipräsidentielle

Semipräsidentielle, or semi-presidential, is a form of government in which a president exists alongside a prime minister and a cabinet, with the government typically dependent on the legislature for its survival. The president is usually elected directly by the people and exercises substantial executive powers, particularly in foreign affairs and national defense, while the prime minister acts as head of government and manages domestic policy and day-to-day administration. The cabinet implements policy and is responsible to the legislature.

Constitutional arrangements determine how powers are divided. In some models the president and prime minister share executive authority, with the president appointing the prime minister who must retain the legislative majority. In others the president has the prerogative to dissolve parliament or dismiss the prime minister in certain circumstances. The system can produce cohabitation, in which the president and the parliamentary majority come from opposing parties, leading to power-sharing and potential gridlock.

Historically, the term and concept were developed in the late 20th century by Maurice Duverger, and the model is associated with several European states, most notably France. Other countries, such as Portugal, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Moldova, have semi-presidential arrangements to varying degrees.

Scholars distinguish between strong and weak or premier-presidential forms, depending on whether the president or the prime minister wields greater influence over policy and whether the president can appoint or dismiss a government without parliamentary support. There is no single template; outcomes depend on constitutional design, party dynamics, and electoral rules.