Oberjarl of Tevitheim

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Oberjarl of the United Jarldoms
Oberjarls Forente Jarldømer
Tevitheimer Oberjarl Coat of Arms.svg
Oberjarl Coat of Arms
Tevitheim Oberjarl Flag.svg
Standard of the Oberjarl
Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Brazil.jpg
Incumbent
Roald Vead
since 19 July 2015
StyleHerr Oberjarl (male)
Fru Oberjarl (female)
TypeHead of State
AppointerJarls of Tevitheim
Term length9 years, renewable
Constituting instrumentConstitution of Los Angeles
Formation11 July 1959; 65 years ago (1959-07-11)
First holderPaal Sellens
SuccessionPresident of the Jarlaråd
Salaryᵹ2,500,000

The Oberjarl of Tevitheim, officially titled the Oberjarl of the United Jarldoms (Tronder: Oberjarls Forente Jarldømer) is the head of state of Tevitheim.

While officially the chief executive of Tevitheim, political convention and social tradition have resulted in a de facto parliamentary system in which the hilfmann (similar to a prime minister in other parliamentary systems) is the head of government. The oberjarl thus has a ceremonial role as a figurehead, but also has some reserved political powers. They can use their unofficial influence and right-of-address in both houses of the Nasjonalforsamling to influence and direct political debate. They may also grant pardons on behalf of the federal government, represent Tevitheim in matters of international law, conclude treaties with foreign states on its behalf, accredit diplomats, and dissolve the Nasjonalforsamling and force new elections. Furthermore, all federal laws must be signed by the oberjarl before they can come into effect; oberjarls may veto a law if they believe it to violate the constitution.

In the role of head of state, the oberjarl's actions and public appearances represent the state itself, its existence, legitimacy, and unity. The oberjarl enjoys a higher ranking at official functions than the hilfmann. The oberjarl's role is integrative and includes the control function of upholding the law and the constitution. It is a matter of political tradition – not legal restrictions – that the oberjarl generally does not comment routinely on issues in the news, particularly when there is some controversy among the political parties. This distance from day-to-day politics and daily governmental issues allows the oberjarl to be a source of clarification, to influence public debate, voice criticism, offer suggestions, and make proposals. In order to exercise this power, they traditionally act above party politics.

The current officeholder is Roald Vead, former jarl of New Hammerfest, who was elected on 19 July 2015. He is currently serving his first nine-year-term, which will expire after the next election on 21 July 2024.