Steering powers of the Prime Minister and loyal cooperation. What perspectives for the internal and external relations of the monocratic top executive?

Abstract

The Prime Minister directive on Oct. 23, 2023, streamlined the cabinet’s activity aimed at examining regional legislations to avoid State constitutional challenges through negotiations with the Regions for amending their (apparently) unconstitutional regulations. With the directive, the Prime Minister has exercised the power of maintaining the unity of political and administrative direction of the cabinet through the promotion and coordination of ministers’ activities. The article analyzes the impact of the directive on the internal functioning of cabinet, particularly on the relationship between the monocratic, collegial, and individual principles, as well as on intergovernmental relations between State and Regions. Finally, we analyze the hypothetical outcomes on the set-up of intergovernmental relations and the constitutional figure of the Prime Minister of the implementation of Article 116, paragraph 3 of the Constitution and the reform of the «elective premiership»