President of Frondesia
| President of the Frondesian Federation | |
|---|---|
| Presidential Administration | |
| Style | Mr President (informal) His Excellency (formal) |
| Type | Head of State |
| Member of | Security Council |
| Residence | Presidential Palace |
| Seat | Kersia |
| Appointer | Direct Election |
| Term length | Six Years |
| Inaugural holder | Oswald Hastings |
| Formation | 25 August 2023 |
| Deputy | Prime Minister |
The President of the Frondesian Federation, commonly the President of Frondesia, is the executive head of state of the Frondesian Federation. The president leads the executive branch of the central government of Frondesia and is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. It is the highest office in Frondesia.
The constitution establishes Frondesia as a semi-presidential system which separates the president of Frondesia from the Government of Frondesia which also exercises executive power.
In all cases where the president of the Frondesian Federation is unable to fulfill their duties, the president's duties are temporarily delegated to the prime minister of Frondesia, who becomes acting president.
The powers of the presidency include: execution of federal law, appointing federal ministers, and members of the judiciary, and negotiating treaties with foreign powers. The president also has the power to grant federal pardons and reprieves, and to convene and adjourn parliament under extraordinary circumstances. The president also appoints the prime minister who directs domestic policy of the Frondesian Federation alongside the president.
The president is elected directly through a popular vote to a renewable six-year term.
The incumbent president is Oswald Hastings, who took office on 25 August 2023 after he ratified the constitution.
History
The presidency is the oldest office in Frondesia. It was founded on 25 August 2023 by the constitution.
Selection Process
Eligibility
According to the constitution, to be eligible to run for president candidates need to be at least 18 years old and a citizen of Frondesia for at least one year.
Election
Presidential elections are only really commented on by a small portion of the constitution. Typically it's parliament who calls presidential elections, or the electoral commission. Candidates are usually nominated by their party, or themselves if they're an independent candidate.
The president is elected by direct popular election to six year terms which are renewable.
Inauguration
The inauguration of the president of Russia is conducted six years after the previous inauguration.
Before executing the powers of the office, a president is constitutionally required to take the presidential oath:
“I swear in exercising the powers of the office of the President of the Frondesian Federation to respect and safeguard the rights of the Frondesian people, to observe and protect the Constitution of the Frondesian Federation, to protect national sovereignty and independence, security and integrity of the state and to faithfully serve the Frondesian people. So help me God.”
Should the president-elect wish, they may omit the final sentence.
Vacancy or Disability
In the event of the incumbent president becomes incapacitated, dies, resigns or gets impeached the prime minister temporarily is given the powers of the president and becomes acting president until which time that a new president is elected.
Powers and Duties
Guarantor of the Constitution
As the guarantor of the Constitution and the entire system of constitutional law, the president ensures that the constitutions, laws and regulations of the constituent territories of the Frondesian Federation be in full compliance with the country's Constitution and federal laws.
Appointments and Nominations
The president is granted lots of powers to nominate or appoint directly several high ranking officials. The president appoints the prime minister with parliamentary confirmation, as well as all other federal ministers on the prime minister's nomination. The president appoints Supreme Court and Constitutional Court justices with senate confirmation, as well as a prosecutor general.
The president also appoints the chairman of the central bank and military senior staff.
Legislation
Under the procedure stipulated by the Constitution, the president exercises their right to submit draft legislation, as well as the right to sign bills into law or to veto them. The constitution also makes a presidential veto absolute and it is convention that if a bill is vetoed, then it shall not be proposed again for the remainder of the legislative session.
The president has the right to suspend laws and regulations issued by executive bodies of Frondesia's constituent territories if such laws and regulations contravene the Constitution, federal laws or international obligations of the Frondesian Federation, or violate human and civil rights, pending the resolution of the issue in an appropriate court.
The president may also issue by-laws in the form of decrees, provided they are not in contradiction with pre-existing federal and local laws or the constitution.
The president has the power to grant pardons and reprieves. The president can also convene or adjourn either or both houses of parliament under certain extraordinary circumstances.
The president can also call referendums and legislative elections.
Domestic Policy
Under the Constitution, the president is not empowered to determine the full range of short-, middle-, and long-term objectives and targets of domestic policy directly, but only its basic guidelines. In practice, they determine it with the prime minister and the government of the federation. They are to be implemented both by the president themself and by the Government of Frondesia within the bounds of their authority. The president's fundamental positions on domestic policy issues are expressed in their written decisions regarding draft federal constitutional laws and draft federal laws, as well as their letters explaining the reasons for rejecting draft federal laws.
Within the bounds of the authority granted to the head of state by the Constitution and other laws, the president also shapes the basic domestic policy guidelines by issuing legal regulations and through organizational and regulatory activity, such as issuing decrees and executive orders. Each year the president is required to make an Address to Parliament regarding the situation in the country and the internal and foreign policy of the state.
The president's veto power and powers of decree are the officeholder's best tools if they want to shape domestic policy.
Foreign Policy
The president is invested with extensive rights to implement the state's foreign policy. The president determines Frondesia's position in international affairs, along with the prime minister and the government of the federation, and represents the state in international relations, conducts negotiations and signs ratification documents. The president appoints and recalls diplomatic representatives of Frondesia to foreign states and international organizations. These appointments are preceded by consultations with the respective committees or commissions of the two houses of parliament. The president also signs international treaties.
Commander-in-Chief
The president bears ultimate authority over the Frondesian Armed Forces. The constitution vests them with the title and responsibilities of "Supreme Commander-in-Chief". In this capacity, the president issues military directives, makes defence policy and appoints the high command of the Armed Forces.
A mix of conventions and the constitution enable the president to order full or partial mobilisation of the armed forces, announce and enact martial law, oversea war industry and make regulations.
The president also serves as a member of and ex officio chairman of the security council.
Ceremonial Duties
An important ceremonial role of the president is awarding state awards. State awards of the Frondesian Federation are the highest form of official recognition given to individuals for service to the nation in the fields of defence, state-building, economics, science, culture, art, education, health care, public safety, rights advocacy and charity. New state honors and awards can be established by the president, who also presents these honours to the recipients in an official ceremony.
Political Affiliation
Currently all presidents have been affiliated with a political party, however it is not a requirement of becoming president. The president acts as a unifying figure of the state, so there is a basis for presidents to be independent, but Frondesia has not yet seen an independent president.
List of Presidents
| Officeholder | Term | Length of Term | Party | Prime Minister(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oswald Hastings | 25 August 2023 - Present | 254 days | United Frondesia | Vacant |