Abstract
In 1992, Lithuania, similar to many European post-communist countries, and differently from its Baltic neighbours, Estonia and Latvia, chose a typical semi-presidential system of government. A logical question arises, why did Lithuania take a different path in relation to Latvia and Estonia? In other words, it is necessary to investigate the causes of this decision of the Lithuanian constitution-maker, which can help us to realize why and when such solutions are being pursued. Secondly, when that path was already chosen, almost thirty years ago, it is scientifically justified to investigate how this system of government works in practice. The answer to these questions shows us the origin of this choice, and the degree of its justification, as well as the elements on which its positive and negative sides depend.
Highlights
The Notion of a Semi-Presidential System ‒ Arguments pro et contraRobert Elgie (2007b, p. 2) points out that the meaning of semi-presidentialism is highly contested among scholars
In 1992, Lithuania, similar to many European post-communist countries, and differently from its Baltic neighbours, Estonia and Latvia, chose a typical semi-presidential system of government
The democratic reputation of Lithuania helped them in drafting constitutions that were relatively free from international influence and to concentrate on institutional design because of the lack of regional conflicts and serious ethno-identical cleavages in society
Summary
Robert Elgie (2007b, p. 2) points out that the meaning of semi-presidentialism is highly contested among scholars. The president is elected by universal suffrage The president is elected by popular vote for a fixed term of office. The head of state shares the executive power with a government. The main argument in favour of semi-presidentialism is that the dual executive can allow for a degree of power-sharing between competing forces, while the second is that the direct election of a fixed-term president can provide the system with political stability and legitimacy, even if we have highly fractionalized parliament and unstable governments 320) claims that popular presidential elections significantly affect the formation of a cabinet, always with the possibility of cohabitation There are two main arguments against semi-presidentialism Lithuania is one of those countries and bearing this in mind, it is interesting after almost thirty years to examine the Lithuanian case, both in the paper and in the practice, as well as the social circumstances that led to such solutions
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