Prime Minister of Ethiopia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of Ethiopia |
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| Style | Honourable Prime Minister (Within Ethiopia) Prime Minister (Informal) His Excellency (Diplomatic) |
| Abbreviation | PM |
| Member of | Federal Parliamentary Assembly |
| Reports to | House of Peoples' Representatives |
| Residence | Menelik Palace |
| Appointer | House of Peoples' Representatives |
| Term length | 5 years term unless Federal Parliamentary Assembly dissolved sooner No term limits specified |
| Precursor | Chief Minister of Ethiopia |
| Inaugural holder | Habte Giyorgis Dinagde (Chief Minister) Makonnen Endelkachew (Prime Minister) |
| Formation | 1909 (Chief Minister) 1943 (Prime Minister) |
| Deputy | Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia |
| Salary | 3,939,808 Ethiopian birr/73,600 USD annually |
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The prime minister of Ethiopia is the main leader of the government in Ethiopia. They are like the chief manager of the country. Ethiopia is a parliamentary republic. This means the prime minister leads the government. They are also the head of the Ethiopian Armed Forces. This makes the prime minister the most powerful political person in Ethiopia.
The prime minister lives in the Menelik Palace in Addis Ababa. They are chosen from the members of the House of Peoples' Representatives. This group is like Ethiopia's parliament. The prime minister must get a special vote from this House. This vote allows them to lead the government. Abiy Ahmed is the current prime minister. He has been serving since April 2018.
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History of the Prime Minister Role
The job of prime minister has been important in Ethiopia for a long time. In the past, Ethiopia was ruled by a king. This king had all the power. Later, the role of a government leader began to appear. This happened in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Emperor Menelik II helped create a modern government.
At first, the leader was called the chief minister (from 1909 to 1943). Then, the title changed to prime minister (from 1943 until now). The 1995 Constitution made Ethiopia a republic. This constitution made the prime minister the main leader of the government.
Early Leaders: Chief Ministers
The first government leader was Habte Giyorgis Dinagde. He was the chief minister under Emperor Menelik II. The chief minister led the group of government officials. They also led the Ministry of Defense. They served the king, who had total power.
Later chief ministers included Tafari Makonnen and Betwoded Wolde Tzaddick.
The 1931 Constitution
The job of prime minister became official with the 1931 Constitution of Ethiopia. This was Ethiopia's first modern constitution. It aimed to create a new government system. The 1931 constitution said the emperor of Ethiopia was the absolute ruler. The prime minister led the group of ministers. They managed daily government tasks with the king's approval.
The first prime minister under this constitution was Makonnen Endelkachew.
The 1955 Constitution
A new constitution was made in 1955. It came into effect in 1961. This 1955 revised Constitution tried to move Ethiopia towards a constitutional monarchy. This means the king would share power. Under this constitution, the prime minister and the Chamber of Deputies got more power.
Even so, the emperor of Ethiopia still had a lot of control. But over time, the prime minister truly became the head of the government. The first prime minister under this constitution was Aklilu Habte-Wold. The last was Mikael Imru. He was removed during the 1974 revolution. This revolution led to a military government.
Military Rule (1974–1987)
In September 1974, the last emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, was removed by the military. The military government ended the monarchy. They created the Provisional Military Government of Socialist Ethiopia. During this time, the prime minister's job was not used. The chairman of the military government was the leader.
People's Democratic Republic (1987–1991)
The prime minister's job returned in 1987. This was when the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (PDRE) was formed. The 1987 Constitution of Ethiopia said the prime minister was the head of government. They also advised the president. The prime minister was chosen by the president. This choice was then approved by the National Shengo, which was like their parliament.
The first prime minister of the PDRE was Fikre Selassie Wogderess.
Transitional Government (1991–1995)
The Ethiopian Civil War ended in May 1991. A new temporary government was formed. This was called the Transitional Government of Ethiopia. In this government, the president was the head of state. The prime minister was the head of government. The president chose the prime minister. The prime minister led meetings with other ministers.
Tamrat Layne was the only prime minister during this time.
Federal Democratic Republic (1995–Present)
A new constitution was made in 1995. This created the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. This constitution made Ethiopia a parliamentary republic. The president of Ethiopia became the head of state. The prime minister became the head of government.
The prime minister leads the Council of Ministers. They are the main leader and the head of the Ethiopian Armed Forces. The prime minister is chosen from the members of the House of Peoples' Representatives. They need a two-thirds vote to be approved. Usually, the prime minister is the leader of the party that wins the most seats in the House.
The first prime minister of the FDRE was Meles Zenawi. He served from 1995 to 2012. The current prime minister is Abiy Ahmed.
How the Prime Minister is Chosen
After a national election, the National Election Board of Ethiopia shares the results. The president of Ethiopia then suggests a person for prime minister. This person is usually the leader of the party that won the most votes in the House of Peoples' Representatives. They are called the Prime Minister Designate.
This person must be a member of the House of Peoples' Representatives. If no party wins a clear majority, the president asks the leader of the biggest party to form a government with other parties. This is called a coalition government.
The chosen prime minister must get a two-thirds vote from the House of Peoples' Representatives. After they are approved, they promise to be loyal to Ethiopia's Constitution and its people.
Prime Minister's Security
The prime minister of Ethiopia is the most protected government official. A special military group protects them. This group is called the Republican Guard. It is part of the Ethiopian National Defense Force.
A special unit of the Republican Guard protects the prime minister's home. This home is the Menelik Palace, also known as 4 Killo National Palace. This unit has strong weapons. They use special rifles, snipers, helicopters, and armored vehicles.
Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia
| Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia | |
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 Temesgen Tiruneh since 8 February 2024 |
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| Member of | Federal Parliamentary Assembly |
| Appointer | Prime Minister |
| Term length | 5 years |
| Formation | 1995 |
| First holder | Tamrat Layne |
The Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia helps the Prime Minister. They are part of the Council of Ministers. The Deputy Prime Minister does tasks given to them by the Prime Minister. They also act as the Prime Minister when the Prime Minister is not there.
See also
In Spanish: Primer ministro de Etiopía para niños
- Council of Ministers (Ethiopia)
- Emperor of Ethiopia
- List of emperors of Ethiopia
- President of Ethiopia
