Semi-Presidential Systems and Cohabitation

A semi-presidential system combines a directly elected president with a prime minister and cabinet who depend on the legislature's confidence. The French political scientist Maurice Duverger popularized the term, using France's Fifth Republic as the central case. The balance of power varies: in France the president dominates when their supporters control the National Assembly, but when an opposing majority wins, the president must appoint a prime minister from that majority, a situation called cohabitation.

France experienced cohabitation in 1986–88, 1993–95 and 1997–2002. Other semi-presidential systems include Portugal, Poland and Finland, as well as several post-Soviet states. Supporters argue the model combines a strong national leader with parliamentary accountability. Critics warn that conflict between president and prime minister can create confusion, and that in fragile democracies a powerful president can dominate the system.