President of Ethiopia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids President of Ethiopia |
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Flag of Ethiopia
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| Style | Honourable President (Within Ethiopia) Mr. President (Informal) His Excellency (Diplomatic) |
| Residence | National Palace, Addis Ababa |
| Appointer | Federal Parliamentary Assembly |
| Term length | Six years |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Ethiopia (1995) |
| Precursor | The Emperor of Ethiopia |
| Formation | 15 September 1974 (de facto) 10 September 1987 (de jure) |
| First holder | Negasso Gidada (FDRE) Mengistu Haile Mariam (PDRE) Aman Andom (PMGSE) |
| Deputy | Abolished, Vice President of Ethiopia |
| Salary | 45,270 USD annually |
The president of Ethiopia is the head of state for the country of Ethiopia. This means they are the official representative of the country. However, their role is mostly ceremonial. The main power to run the government belongs to the Council of Ministers. This group is led by the prime minister.
The current president is Taye Atske Selassie. He started his job on 7 October 2024. Presidents in Ethiopia are chosen by the Federal Parliamentary Assembly. They serve for six years.
Contents
History of Ethiopia's Leaders
The role of Ethiopia's head of state has changed a lot over time. This happened as Ethiopia's government transformed. Before 1974, the emperor of Ethiopia was the head of state.
Military Government (1974–1987)
In 1974, there was a military takeover. The emperor's rule ended. After this, the leader of the Provisional Military Government of Socialist Ethiopia became the head of state. This person was like the president, but not officially called one. The first leader of this military government was Aman Andom. He was also the head of the Ethiopian Armed Forces.
People's Democratic Republic (1987–1991)
The official title of "president" was created in 1987. This happened with the 1987 Constitution. It set up the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The president was chosen for a five-year term. There was no limit on how many terms they could serve.
The president was the main leader of Ethiopia. They also led the Council of State. This council acted like a law-making body when the main legislature was not meeting. The president could make rules if needed. They were also the top commander of the Ethiopian Armed Forces. Mengistu Haile-Mariam was the only president under this constitution. He served from 1987 to 1991. After he left the country, Tesfaye Gebre Kidan was acting president for a short time.
Transitional Government (1991–1995)
The Ethiopian Civil War ended on 28 May 1991. This led to the end of the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. A new temporary constitution was made. The Transitional Government of Ethiopia was then formed. In this government, the president was the head of state. The prime minister was the head of the government.
During this time, the president had important powers. These included choosing and removing the prime minister. They also chose the commander of the Ethiopian Armed Forces. Meles Zenawi was the only president during this period.
Federal Democratic Republic (1995–present)
A new constitution was created in 1995. This was the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. This constitution changed Ethiopia into a parliamentary republic. This meant the president's role became mostly ceremonial. They became a non-political head of state.
The 1995 Constitution clearly states that the Council of Ministers holds the main power. The prime minister is the chief executive. They are also the official commander of the Ethiopian Armed Forces. However, the president still acts as a ceremonial commander-in-chief.
Negasso Gidada was the first president under this new system. He served from 1995 to 2001. Sahle-Work Zewde was the first female president. She served from 2018 to 2024. The current president is Taye Atske Selassie. He took office on 7 October 2024.
How the President is Chosen
The Federal Parliamentary Assembly suggests candidates for president. The president's term does not depend on the Assembly's term. This helps keep the government stable. It also ensures the president's office is not tied to one political party.
The president serves for six years. As of 2021, there are no limits on how many terms a president can serve. When elected, the president makes a promise. They promise to be loyal to the Constitution and the people of Ethiopia.
What the President Does
The 1995 Ethiopian Constitution lists the president's duties and powers. These include:
- The president opens the yearly meetings of the Federal Parliamentary Assembly.
- The president announces new laws and international agreements. These are approved by the House of Peoples' Representatives.
- The president appoints ambassadors to represent Ethiopia in other countries. This is done based on the prime minister's suggestion.
- The president welcomes ambassadors from other countries.
- The president gives out medals, awards, and gifts. This follows specific rules.
- The president grants high military titles and awards. This is based on the prime minister's suggestion.
- The president can grant pardons. This also follows specific rules.
The president's powers do not need the prime minister's approval to be valid. All these roles are the president's own powers. The president also represents Ethiopia at various international meetings.
What Happens if a President Can't Serve
If the president cannot do their job, an acting president is chosen. This can happen due to illness, death, resignation, or other reasons. The two parts of the Federal Parliamentary Assembly quickly choose an acting president. Within a week, the Assembly meets to elect a new president.
President's Security
The president of Ethiopia is protected by the Republican Guard. This is a special military unit of the Ethiopian National Defense Force. A part of the Republican Guard protects the presidential palace. This palace is also known as Jubilee Palace. The guards use strong weapons and armored vehicles. They also use helicopters for security.
Latest Election
See also
- Emperor of Ethiopia
- List of emperors of Ethiopia
- List of presidents of Ethiopia
- List of heads of government of Ethiopia
- Rulers of Ethiopia
- Vice President of Ethiopia
References
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