Understanding Semi-Presidentialism in political science: A review of the latest debate

Abstract

In the article, a critical review of the most recent debate on semi-presidentialism in political science is presented. The author focuses on five controversial problems: the interpretation of semi-presidentialism as a unique system that differs from presidentialism and parliamentarism; the new view of semi-presidentialism as a form of government with constitutional characteristics and informal political practices; the idea that president-parliamentarism is a risk to the survival of democracy; the firm conviction regarding the negative implications of cohabitation under semi-presidentialism; and the discussion surrounding the role of a strong presidency in a situation of divided minority government and young semi-presidentialism. © IDOSI Publications, 2014.