This article belongs to the lore of Anteria.

President of the Government Council (Freice): Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Head of government of Freice}}
{{short description|Head of government of Freice}}
{{Infobox official post
{{Infobox official post
  |post            = Chief Executive of the Constituent Island Meeting Government
  |post            = President of the Island Meeting
  |body            = the Country of Freice
  |body            = the Country of Freice
  |native_name    = {{nobold|''Biāqa Radx́iā ē'gx́i ḡurā Kūmidx́ēnā ē'gx́i ḡurā Nā’iuēja Anqīajāa ē'gx́i Tx́oqāqo ē'gx́i ḡurā P'ūnqyā ē'gx́i Frīs''</small>}}
  |native_name    = {{nobold|''Tēdreqē ē'gx́i ḡurā Nā’iuēja ē'gx́i ḡurā Tx́oqāqo ē'gx́i ḡurā P'ūnqyā ē'gx́i Frīs''</small>}}
  |flag            = File:Flag of Freice.png{{!}}border
  |flag            = File:Flag of Freice.png{{!}}border
  |flagsize        = 100
  |flagsize        = 100
Line 16: Line 16:
  |incumbent      = [[Ańiāra Neḡdx́a]]
  |incumbent      = [[Ańiāra Neḡdx́a]]
  |incumbentsince  = 20 January 2022
  |incumbentsince  = 20 January 2022
  |type            =  
  |type            =
  |status          = Head of government
  |status          = {{hlist|Head of government|Presiding officer}}
  |department      = Constituent Island Meeting Government
  |department      = Island Meeting of Freice
  |style          = {{plainlist|
  |style          = {{plainlist|
* Madam Chief Executive <small>(address, informal)</small>
* Madam President <small>(address, domestic)</small>
* The Honourable <small>(formal, domestic)</small>
* The Honourable <small>(formal, domestic)</small>
* Her Excellency <small>(formal; diplomatic)</small>}}
* Her Excellency <small>(formal; diplomatic)</small>}}
  |member_of      = {{hlist|Constituent Island Meeting|Cabinet|Federal Intergovernmental Conference}}
  |member_of      = {{hlist|Island Meeting|Policy Committee}}
  |reports_to      = Constituent Island Meeting
  |reports_to      = Constituent Island Meeting
  |residence      = Sāqe Nāru, [[Frɨs ưɟte̩qąl]]
  |residence      = Sāqe Nāru, [[Frɨs ưɟte̩qąl]]
  |seat            = Office of the Chief Executive and Government building
  |seat            = Sūrjā ē'gx́i ḡurā Iētx́āl, [[Qx́ēkūeqe]]
  |nominator      = Constituent Island Meeting
  |nominator      = Members of the Island Meeting
  |appointer      = President of the Island Meeting
  |appointer      = Island Meeting
  |termlength      = Three years<ref group=Note name=Note/>
  |termlength      = Three years<ref group=Note name=Note/>
  |inaugural      = Ańiāra Neḡdx́a
  |inaugural      = Ańiāra Neḡdx́a
Line 35: Line 35:
  |abolished      =
  |abolished      =
  |succession      =
  |succession      =
  |abbreviation    = BRF
  |abbreviation    = TNP
  | deputy        = [[President of the Constituent Island Meeting (Freice)|President of the Constituent Island Meeting]]<ref group=Note name=Note01/>
  | deputy        = Assistant President<ref group=Note name=Note01/>
  |salary          = Ƕ19,750 per annum
  |salary          = Ƕ19,750 per annum
  |website        = [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ kum.fr]
  |website        = [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ naiueja.fr]
}}
}}
{{Template:Politics of Freice}}
{{Template:Politics of Freice}}
The '''Chief Executive of Freice''' (Freician: Biāqa Radx́iā ē'gx́i Frīs), officially the '''Chief Executive of the Constituent Island Meeting Government of the Country of Freice''' (Freician: Biāqa Radx́iā ē'gx́i ḡurā Kūmidx́ēnā ē'gx́i ḡurā Nā’iuēja Anqīajāa ē'gx́i Tx́oqāqo ē'gx́i ḡurā P'ūnqyā ē'gx́i Frīs) is the head of the Freician government and keeper of the Public Seal of [[Freice]]. The Chief Executive chairs the Island Council and is responsible for the direction of government business and the formulation and presentation of government policy.<ref name=": Role">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "About the Freician Government > Members > Chief Executive".]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref> The office was established in its current form in 2022, following the election of the Constituent Island Meeting, replacing the office of Leader of the Senior Council.<ref name=": swa">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Freice assembly convenes]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 21 January 2022.</ref>
The '''President of the Island Meeting of the Country of Freice''' (Freician: Tēdreqē ē'gx́i ḡurā Nā’iuēja ḡurā Pāruqe'ē ē'gx́i ḡurā P'ūnqyā ē'gx́i Frīs), alternatively and commonly referred to as the ''President of Freice'' (Tēdreqē ē'gx́i Frīs) is the presiding officer of Freice's legislative, the Island Meeting, and also the political leader of Freice. Unique amongst democracies, the office combines the roles of legislative speaker and head of government, elected by and from amongst the legislature to oversee and direct proceedings.<ref name=": ElectionoftheHead">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "About the Freician Government > Election".]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 18 April 2022.</ref>


The Chief Executive (and the Island Council) is directly elected by members of the Island Meeting. According to Freice's constitution, the Chief Executive must always be a member of the Island Meeting.<ref name=": Constitution">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Constitution of the Country of Freice".]. ''Island Meeting of Freice''. Retrieved 2 February 2022.</ref> Unlike most parliamentary heads of government, who are appointed on the basis of their leadership of a majority bloc in the legislature, the Chief Executive is elected, along with the Cabinet, by the members of the Island Meeting. As all members are officially independent, any delegate may be a candidate providing they have the support of at least two other delegates.<ref name=": ElectionoftheHead">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "About the Freician Government > Election".]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 18 April 2022.</ref>
The office was established in 2021 following the passage of the Government (Transitional Measures) Act. Its origins lie in the office of President of the Assembly of Delegates, which served as both speaker and political leader from 1972 until 2021. In its current iteration, the president directs the general policy of the Island Meeting (which acts as both parliament and government) and leads the executive branch.<ref name=": Constitution">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Constitution of the Country of Freice".]. ''Island Meeting of Freice''. Retrieved 2 February 2022.</ref> The president concurrently serves as chair of the Policy Council, the de facto cabinet which exists as a committee of the legislature rather than a separate body.<ref name=": Role">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "About the Meeting > Members > President".]. ''Island Meeting''. Retrieved 29 April 2022.</ref> Because of the nature of the office, the executive branch is both fused to and subordinate to the legislative branch.


The Chief Executive is the most senior member of the Freician government. As per the interim constitution, they serve as both de jure and de facto chief executive. The Sovereign of Freice (the monarch of Riamo) is chief executive only in areas not devolved to Freice, having no formal role in the politics of the island.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Report on the Freician Constitution"]. ''Government of the Riamese Federation''. Retrieved 19 January 2022.</ref> The Chief Executive is, however, required to meet with the Minister Plenipotentiary (the representative of the Riamese government) from time to time, although the Minister Plenipotentiary has no political power beyond that provided to them by the [[External Association (Freice) Act|External Association Act]] and which the Sovereign of Freice and the Riamese government possess.
Ańiāra Neḡdx́a, former president of the Assembly of Delegates and leader of Freice at the time of the 2021 coup d'état, assumed the position of president of the Island Meeting on 19 April 2022 after being unanimously nominated by its members.<ref name=": Electedness">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Neḡdx́a takes top job - again"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 18 April 2022.</ref> Her election followed an agreement that would saw charges against sitting members involved in the 2021 coup dropped and offers of an active role in government in return for her election.<ref name=": Electedness">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Neḡdx́a takes top job - again"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 18 April 2022.</ref>
 
==Name==
The office, in Freician, is officially called "Biāqa Radx́iā", which literally translates as "Senior Leader". In Freician, the word "senior" (''radx́iā'') is used in much the same way that the word "prime" is used in Common, alongside its other uses. Because of this, the official name in Common is "Chief Executive".<ref name=": Role">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "About the Freician Government > Members > Chief Executive".]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
Line 55: Line 52:
After several attempts to separate the assembly's speaker from the head of government, the 2021 Freician coup d'état abolished both the presidency of the Assembly of Delegates and the legislative body itself.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Freice president ousted]. ''People's Review''. Retrieved 19 July 2021.</ref> The Schedules of Government - the constitution that was hastily enacted to replace the since suspended 1972 constitution - replaced the position with that of ''Leader of the Senior Council'', separating the head of government from the legislature's presiding officer. The new office was, in theory, largely ceremonial, with the Senior Council officially the collective head of government. In practice, however, the council's leader held significant authority over its members and was largely the sole head of government.
After several attempts to separate the assembly's speaker from the head of government, the 2021 Freician coup d'état abolished both the presidency of the Assembly of Delegates and the legislative body itself.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Freice president ousted]. ''People's Review''. Retrieved 19 July 2021.</ref> The Schedules of Government - the constitution that was hastily enacted to replace the since suspended 1972 constitution - replaced the position with that of ''Leader of the Senior Council'', separating the head of government from the legislature's presiding officer. The new office was, in theory, largely ceremonial, with the Senior Council officially the collective head of government. In practice, however, the council's leader held significant authority over its members and was largely the sole head of government.


In 2022, following controversial constitutional amendments that saw the Common Wealth Party split and lose its two-thirds majority, a new constitution was written that included provisions for a clear separation of the three branches of government and the establishment of a parliamentary system of government.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Constitutional Amendments: Fourth Delegate Breaks Ranks]. ''Tāma Āduńe ē’gx́i Frīs''. Retrieved 24 November 2021</ref><ref name=": News1">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Constitution takes effect]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 12 April 2022.</ref> The new office of ''Chief Executive'' was established to lead the executive branch. Ańiāra Neḡdx́a was elected as the first officeholder on 20th January 2022.
In 2022, following controversial constitutional amendments that saw the Common Wealth Party split and lose its two-thirds majority, a new constitution was written that re-established the previous fused system with some amendments.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Constitutional Amendments: Fourth Delegate Breaks Ranks]. ''Taɱą ǡduƞe̩ frɨs''. Retrieved 24 November 2021</ref><ref name=": News1">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Constitution takes effect]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 12 April 2022.</ref> The new office of ''President of the Island Meeting'' was established to lead the legislature and the government. Ańiāra Neḡdx́a was elected on X to become the first president.


==Powers, duties, and responsibilities==
==Powers, duties, and responsibilities==
According to the Constitution of Freice, the Chief Executive:<ref name=": Role">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "About the Freician Government > Members > Chief Executive".]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022.</ref>
According to the Constitution of Freice, the Prime Minister:<ref name=": Role">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "About the Meeting > Members > President".]. ''Island Meeting''. Retrieved 29 April 2022.</ref>


*Exercises "supreme executive authority."
*Exercises "supreme executive authority" in the name of and on behalf of the Island Meeting.
*Presents bills to the Island Meeting on behalf of the Island Council.
*Formally presents bills to the Island Meeting on behalf of the Policy Committee.
*Appoints members of the Island Council with the approval of the Island Meeting.
*Formally presents reports on domestic and foreign relations to the Island Meeting.
*Serves as the commander-in-chief of the Freice Public Service Force.
*Appoints judges with the approval of the Island Meeting.
*Reports on domestic and foreign relations to the Island Meeting.
*Declares a state of emergency and oversees relief in the event of a disaster.
*Declares a state of emergency and oversees relief in the event of a disaster.
**Declares public schools and government offices closed during civil or weather emergencies.
**Declares public schools and government offices closed during civil or weather emergencies.
*Oversees all government offices.
*Oversees all government offices.


Although the Chief Executive exercises these powers independently of any other individual, they are nonetheless obliged to consult with the Island Meeting in the execution of these powers. For instance, any state of emergency exceeding 90 days must be approved by the Island Meeting, whilst the appointment of members of the Island Council requires the Island Meeting's confidence in the appointees.<ref name=": Constitution">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Constitution of the Country of Freice".]. ''Island Meeting of Freice''. Retrieved 2 February 2022.</ref> As such, the Chief Executive is constricted in their ability to execute their powers and duties by the support they have.
Executive authority remains vested in the Island Meeting, with the president exercising these powers on its behalf rather than independent of it.<ref name=": Constitution">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Constitution of the Country of Freice".]. ''Island Meeting of Freice''. Retrieved 2 February 2022.</ref> The president's authority remains responsible to the Meeting and acts only with its permission.


==Acting Chief Executive and succession==
==Acting Prime Minister and succession==
The Minister of Finance and Development is responsible for executing most of the duties of the Chief Executive if they are unable to execute their responsibilities for a short period of time (e.g. being outside of the country).<ref name=": Role2">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "About the Freician Government > Members > Minister of Finance and Development".]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 1 February 2022.</ref> In the event that the Chief Executive is unable to execute the powers of the office on a permanent basis, the President of the Constituent Island Meeting becomes ''acting'' Chief Executive until a new Chief Executive is elected.<ref name=": Constitution">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Constitution of the Country of Freice".]. ''Island Meeting of Freice''. Retrieved 2 February 2022.</ref>
In the event that the president is unable to perform their duties, their powers are transferred to a presidential deputy elected by the Island Meeting following the president's election. If the president is absent only temporarily, the deputy is officially referred to as ''Assistant to the President with Administrative Functions''; the permanent absence of the president results in their interim successor being titled ''Assistant to the President with Interim Authority''.<ref name=": Role">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "About the Meeting > Members > President".]. ''Island Meeting''. Retrieved 29 April 2022.</ref> The title of "assistant president" is not a true vice presidential position, but is designated to the individual selected to deputise and comes into use only in the president's absence. The office is in abeyance until invoked by the Meeting.<ref name=": Constitution">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Constitution of the Country of Freice".]. ''Island Meeting of Freice''. Retrieved 2 February 2022.</ref>
 
As the Chief Executive is not elected on the basis of their leadership of a formal parliamentary bloc, an acting Chief Executive does not automatically succeed to the office upon their predecessor's resignation. If a Chief Executive resigns or otherwise leaves office before the end of their term, a new election is held to elect their successor; an acting Chief Executive may stand for election, but has no greater right to the office than any other candidate.<ref name=": Elect">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Procedure for the election of the Chief Executive".]. ''Island Meeting of Freice''. Retrieved 20 April 2022.</ref>


== Oath of office ==
== Oath of office ==
The Chief Executive is sworn in by the President of the Island Meeting, in the presence of delegates to the Meeting and the Chief Justice of Freice. In order to assume the office, the Chief Executive-elect must recite the following affirmation:
The president is sworn in by the Chief Justice of Freice in the presence of the Meeting. In order to assume the office, the president-elect must recite the following affirmation:


{{quote|I _____________________ do affirm and declare my allegiance to the Constitution and to the people of the Country of Freice, to the laws and customs of the Freician nation, and to the free, democratic order; that I recognise the sovereignty of the Freician people, encompassing their fundamental political, social, economic, and cultural rights, as supreme; and that I dedicate myself to the service and well-being of the Freician people without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.<ref name=": Constitution">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Constitution of the Country of Freice".]. ''Island Meeting of Freice''. Retrieved 2 February 2022.</ref>}}
{{quote|I, A B, do solemnly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Constitution and to the people of the Country of Freice, to the laws and customs of the Freician nation, and to the free, democratic order; that I will preserve inviolably the sovereignty of the Freician people, their civil liberties, and their democratic rights to self-government through their elected delegates in the Island Meeting; and that I will faithfully and truly declare my mind and opinion on all matters that come before me without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.<ref name=": Constitution">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Constitution of the Country of Freice".]. ''Island Meeting of Freice''. Retrieved 2 February 2022.</ref>}}


== Precedence and privileges ==
== Precedence and privileges ==
The Chief Executive is third in the Freician order of precedence, behind the Sovereign of Freice and the Chancellor of Riamo.<ref name=": Order">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Order of Precedence".]. ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 29 April 2022.</ref> Because both the Sovereign and the Chancellor are not resident in Freice, the Chief Executive is the de facto most senior individual within the order of precedence. By virtue of this position, they are entitled to attend public ceremonies and receive certain distinctions (such as commemorative medals).
The President is first in the Freician order of precedence.<ref name=": Order">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Order of Precedence".]. ''Island Meeting''. Retrieved 29 April 2022.</ref> By virtue of this position, they are entitled to attend public ceremonies and receive certain distinctions (such as commemorative medals).


The Chief Executive is entitled to draw a total salary of Ƕ19,750 per annum, composed of their salary as a Delegate to the Island Meeting (Ƕ14,500) and an additional salary (Ƕ5,250) as Chief Executive.<ref name=": Pay">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Public Pay Rates".]. ''Island Meeting of Freice''. Retrieved 21 April 2022.</ref> This makes the Chief Executive the highest paid official within the Freician state service. The Chief Executive may also draw on expenses to cover costs associated with their duties as chief executive.
The President is entitled to draw a total salary of Ƕ19,750 per annum, composed of their salary as a Delegate to the Island Meeting (Ƕ14,500) and an additional salary (Ƕ5,250) as President.<ref name=": Pay">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Public Pay Rates".]. ''Island Meeting''. Retrieved 21 April 2022.</ref> This makes the President the highest paid official within the Freician state service. The President may also draw on expenses to cover costs associated with their duties as chief executive.


For the duration of their time in office, the Chief Executive resides at Sȧqe nǡrư in [[Frɨs ưɟte̩qąl]], which also serves as their official office. As chief executive, Sȧqe nǡrư is an important location for significant events: it is where press conferences are held and where official receptions for visiting dignitaries are hosted. Furthermore, the Chief Executive is entitled to the use of the style 'Honourable', which they use for life.
For the duration of their time in office, the Prime Minister resides at Sāqe Nāru in [[Qx́ēkūeqe]], with their office at the Sūrjā ē'gx́i ḡurā Iētx́āl. As chief executive, Sāqe Nāru is an important location for significant events: it is where press conferences are held and where official receptions for visiting dignitaries are hosted. Furthermore, the President is entitled to the use of the style 'Honourable', which they use for life.


==Elections==
==Elections==


{| class="wikitable" border="1"
{{Election results
! Year !! Candidates and votes!! Elected
|firstround=Island Meeting]]
|-
|cand1=Ańiāra Neḡdx́a|votes1=10|color1=#dddddd
!2022<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Election of the Chief Executive, 2022"] (PDF). ''Island Meeting of Freice''. 15 April, 2022. Retrieved 15 April, 2022.</ref>
|invalid=0
|
|electorate=11
* Ańiāra Neḡdx́a – 6
|source=<ref name=": Electedness">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Neḡdx́a takes top job - again"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 18 April 2022.</ref>
* Siēgi Poḡikńa  - 5
}}
|
Ańiāra Neḡdx́a
|- valign="top"
|}


== List of Chief Executives ==
== List of presidents ==
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
|-
Line 116: Line 106:
| 20th January <br>2022
| 20th January <br>2022
| ''present''
| ''present''
| First Island Meeting
| First Meeting
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 122: Line 112:
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Politics of Freice]]
* [[Politics of Freice]]
* [[Constituent Island Meeting (Freice)]]
* [[Island Meeting (Freice)]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{reflist|group=Note|refs=
{{reflist|group=Note|refs=
<ref name=Note>The Chief Executive is elected from amongst the membership of the Island Meeting. Their term is therefore the same term of the Meeting, which may be less than three years in the event of an early election, or over three years in extraordinary circumstances.</ref>
<ref name=Note>The President is elected from amongst the membership of the Island Meeting. Their term is therefore the same term of the Meeting, which may be less than three years in the event of an early election, or over three years in extraordinary circumstances.</ref>
<ref name=Note01>The President of the Constituent Island Meeting serves as acting Chief Executive when the incumbent Chief Executive is permanently absent. When the Chief Executive is only temporarily absent, the Minister of Finance and Development temporarily takes over their duties.</ref>
<ref name=Note01>The Assistant President is an individual elected by the Island Meeting to exercise the president's duties in their absence. The assistant president has no additional responsibilities and is held in abeyance when the president is able to exercise their duties.</ref>
}}
}}
== Footnotes ==
== Footnotes ==

Revision as of 00:08, 17 January 2022

President of the Island Meeting of the Country of Freice
Tēdreqē ē'gx́i ḡurā Nā’iuēja ē'gx́i ḡurā Tx́oqāqo ē'gx́i ḡurā P'ūnqyā ē'gx́i Frīs
Emblem of Freice.png
Emblem of Freice
Flag of Freice.png
Flag of Freice
Island Meeting of Freice
Style
  • Madam President (address, domestic)
  • The Honourable (formal, domestic)
  • Her Excellency (formal; diplomatic)
Status
  • Head of government
  • Presiding officer
AbbreviationTNP
Member of
  • Island Meeting
  • Policy Committee
Reports toConstituent Island Meeting
ResidenceSāqe Nāru, Frɨs ưɟte̩qąl
SeatSūrjā ē'gx́i ḡurā Iētx́āl, Qx́ēkūeqe
NominatorMembers of the Island Meeting
AppointerIsland Meeting
Term lengthThree years[Note 1]
Inaugural holderAńiāra Neḡdx́a
Formation20 January 2022; 2 years ago (2022-01-20)
DeputyAssistant President[Note 2]
SalaryǶ19,750 per annum
Websitenaiueja.fr
Freice
Coat of arms of Freice.png
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
Freice

The President of the Island Meeting of the Country of Freice (Freician: Tēdreqē ē'gx́i ḡurā Nā’iuēja ḡurā Pāruqe'ē ē'gx́i ḡurā P'ūnqyā ē'gx́i Frīs), alternatively and commonly referred to as the President of Freice (Tēdreqē ē'gx́i Frīs) is the presiding officer of Freice's legislative, the Island Meeting, and also the political leader of Freice. Unique amongst democracies, the office combines the roles of legislative speaker and head of government, elected by and from amongst the legislature to oversee and direct proceedings.[1]

The office was established in 2021 following the passage of the Government (Transitional Measures) Act. Its origins lie in the office of President of the Assembly of Delegates, which served as both speaker and political leader from 1972 until 2021. In its current iteration, the president directs the general policy of the Island Meeting (which acts as both parliament and government) and leads the executive branch.[2] The president concurrently serves as chair of the Policy Council, the de facto cabinet which exists as a committee of the legislature rather than a separate body.[3] Because of the nature of the office, the executive branch is both fused to and subordinate to the legislative branch.

Ańiāra Neḡdx́a, former president of the Assembly of Delegates and leader of Freice at the time of the 2021 coup d'état, assumed the position of president of the Island Meeting on 19 April 2022 after being unanimously nominated by its members.[4] Her election followed an agreement that would saw charges against sitting members involved in the 2021 coup dropped and offers of an active role in government in return for her election.[4]

History

Prior to the establishment of self-government in 1969, the head of the island's executive branch was the colonial governor, who was appointed by the Riamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The creation of a devolved Freician government saw the governor's position abolished and replaced with that of President of the Assembly of Delegates.[5] The Freician constitution of 1972 vested the President of the Assembly of Delegates with the responsibility of chairing and leading the Senior Council (the cabinet) along with presiding over the legislature.[6]

After several attempts to separate the assembly's speaker from the head of government, the 2021 Freician coup d'état abolished both the presidency of the Assembly of Delegates and the legislative body itself.[7] The Schedules of Government - the constitution that was hastily enacted to replace the since suspended 1972 constitution - replaced the position with that of Leader of the Senior Council, separating the head of government from the legislature's presiding officer. The new office was, in theory, largely ceremonial, with the Senior Council officially the collective head of government. In practice, however, the council's leader held significant authority over its members and was largely the sole head of government.

In 2022, following controversial constitutional amendments that saw the Common Wealth Party split and lose its two-thirds majority, a new constitution was written that re-established the previous fused system with some amendments.[8][9] The new office of President of the Island Meeting was established to lead the legislature and the government. Ańiāra Neḡdx́a was elected on X to become the first president.

Powers, duties, and responsibilities

According to the Constitution of Freice, the Prime Minister:[3]

  • Exercises "supreme executive authority" in the name of and on behalf of the Island Meeting.
  • Formally presents bills to the Island Meeting on behalf of the Policy Committee.
  • Formally presents reports on domestic and foreign relations to the Island Meeting.
  • Appoints judges with the approval of the Island Meeting.
  • Declares a state of emergency and oversees relief in the event of a disaster.
    • Declares public schools and government offices closed during civil or weather emergencies.
  • Oversees all government offices.

Executive authority remains vested in the Island Meeting, with the president exercising these powers on its behalf rather than independent of it.[2] The president's authority remains responsible to the Meeting and acts only with its permission.

Acting Prime Minister and succession

In the event that the president is unable to perform their duties, their powers are transferred to a presidential deputy elected by the Island Meeting following the president's election. If the president is absent only temporarily, the deputy is officially referred to as Assistant to the President with Administrative Functions; the permanent absence of the president results in their interim successor being titled Assistant to the President with Interim Authority.[3] The title of "assistant president" is not a true vice presidential position, but is designated to the individual selected to deputise and comes into use only in the president's absence. The office is in abeyance until invoked by the Meeting.[2]

Oath of office

The president is sworn in by the Chief Justice of Freice in the presence of the Meeting. In order to assume the office, the president-elect must recite the following affirmation:

I, A B, do solemnly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Constitution and to the people of the Country of Freice, to the laws and customs of the Freician nation, and to the free, democratic order; that I will preserve inviolably the sovereignty of the Freician people, their civil liberties, and their democratic rights to self-government through their elected delegates in the Island Meeting; and that I will faithfully and truly declare my mind and opinion on all matters that come before me without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.[2]

Precedence and privileges

The President is first in the Freician order of precedence.[10] By virtue of this position, they are entitled to attend public ceremonies and receive certain distinctions (such as commemorative medals).

The President is entitled to draw a total salary of Ƕ19,750 per annum, composed of their salary as a Delegate to the Island Meeting (Ƕ14,500) and an additional salary (Ƕ5,250) as President.[11] This makes the President the highest paid official within the Freician state service. The President may also draw on expenses to cover costs associated with their duties as chief executive.

For the duration of their time in office, the Prime Minister resides at Sāqe Nāru in Qx́ēkūeqe, with their office at the Sūrjā ē'gx́i ḡurā Iētx́āl. As chief executive, Sāqe Nāru is an important location for significant events: it is where press conferences are held and where official receptions for visiting dignitaries are hosted. Furthermore, the President is entitled to the use of the style 'Honourable', which they use for life.

Elections

CandidateVotes%
Ańiāra Neḡdx́a10100.00
Total10100.00
Valid votes10100.00
Invalid/blank votes00.00
Total votes10100.00
Registered voters/turnout1190.91
Source: [4]

List of presidents

No. Portrait Name Term of office Legislature
1 File:Official Portrait of Aŋịarǡ Ne̩ḡą.png Ańiāra Neḡdx́a 20th January
2022 		present First Meeting

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ The President is elected from amongst the membership of the Island Meeting. Their term is therefore the same term of the Meeting, which may be less than three years in the event of an early election, or over three years in extraordinary circumstances.
  2. ↑ The Assistant President is an individual elected by the Island Meeting to exercise the president's duties in their absence. The assistant president has no additional responsibilities and is held in abeyance when the president is able to exercise their duties.

Footnotes

  1. ↑ "About the Freician Government > Election".. Island Government of Freice. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Constitution of the Country of Freice".. Island Meeting of Freice. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "About the Meeting > Members > President".. Island Meeting. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Neḡdx́a takes top job - again". Radio and Television Freice. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  5. ↑ "Arrangements for the structuring of government". Provisional Council of Freice. 1969. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
  6. ↑ Yelle, E.R. Post-colonial Governance in Small States. (Nova Press, 2011), p.120.
  7. ↑ Freice president ousted. People's Review. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  8. ↑ Constitutional Amendments: Fourth Delegate Breaks Ranks. Taɱą ǡduƞe̩ frɨs. Retrieved 24 November 2021
  9. ↑ Constitution takes effect. Radio and Television Freice. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  10. ↑ "Order of Precedence".. Island Meeting. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  11. ↑ "Public Pay Rates".. Island Meeting. Retrieved 21 April 2022.

External links

Retrieved from "https://iiwiki.us/mediawiki/index.php?title=President_of_the_Government_Council_(Freice)&oldid=448528"