Andorra

:For the 1961 play by Max Frisch, see Andorra_(play).

Politics

Main articles: Politics of Andorra; Constitution of Andorra.

Related Topics:
Politics of Andorra - Constitution of Andorra

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Until very recently, Andorra's political system had no clear division of powers into executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Ratified and approved in 1993, the constitution establishes Andorra as a sovereign parliamentary democracy that retains the co-princes as heads of state, but the head of government retains executive power. The two co-princes serve coequally with limited powers that do not include veto over government acts. They are represented in Andorra by a delegate.

Related Topics:
Executive - Legislative - Judicial - 1993 - Constitution - Heads of state - Head of government

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The way in which the two princes are chosen makes Andorra one of the most politically distinct nations on earth. One co-Prince is the man or woman who is currently serving as President of France, currently Jacques Chirac (it has historically been any Head of State of France, including Kings and Emperors of France). The other is the current Catholic bishop of the Spanish city of La Seu d'Urgell, currently Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia. As neither prince lives in Andorra their role is almost entirely ceremonial.

Related Topics:
Prince - President of France - Jacques Chirac - Catholic - Bishop - Spanish - La Seu d'Urgell - Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia

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Andorra's main legislative body is the unicameral General Council of the Valleys (Consell General de les Valls), a parliament of 28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote, 14 from a single national constituency and 14 to represent each of the 7 parishes, with members serving four-year terms. The Andorran government is formed by the General Council electing the Head of Government (Cap de Govern), who then appoints ministers to the cabinet, the Executive Council (Govern). Currently, government is held by the Liberal Party of Andorra, with Albert Pintat as Prime Minister. The Social Democratic Party (Andorra) is in opposition.

Related Topics:
Unicameral - General Council of the Valleys - Parliament - Head of Government - Cabinet - Liberal Party of Andorra - Albert Pintat - Prime Minister - Social Democratic Party (Andorra)

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Defence of the country is the responsibility of France and Spain.

Related Topics:
France - Spain

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See List of Co-Princes of Andorra

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