Article 72-77 Ethiopian Constitution 1994

Article 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77 of the Constitution of Ethiopia 1994 are under Chapter Eight of the Act. Chapter Eight is titled The Executive.

Article 72 Ethiopian Constitution 1994

The Powers of the Executive

1. The highest executive powers of the Federal Government are vested in the Prime Minister and in the Council of Ministers.

2. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are responsible to the House of Peoples’ Representatives. In the exercice of State functions, members the Council of Ministers are collectively responsible for all decisions they make as a body.

3. Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution the term of office of the Prime Minister is for the duration of the mandate of the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

Article 73 Ethiopian Constitution 1994

Appointment of the Prime Minister

1. The Prime Minister shall selected from among members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

2. Power of Government shall be assumed by the political party or a coalition of political parties that constitutes a majority in the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

Article 74 Ethiopian Constitution 1994

Powers and Functions of the Prime Minister

1. The Prime Minister is the Chief Executive, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, and the Commander-in-Chief of the national armed forces.

2. The Prime Minister shall submit for approval to the House of Peoples’ Representatives nominees for ministerial posts from among members of the two Houses or from among persons who are not members of either House and possess the required qualifications.

3. He shall follow up and ensure the implementation of laws, policies, directives and other decisions adopted by the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

4. He leads the Council of Ministers, coordinates its activities and acts as its representative.

5. He exercices overall supervision over the implementation of policies, regulations, directives and decisions adopted by the Council of Ministers.

6. He exercises overall supervision over the implementation of the country’s foreign policy.

7. He selects and submits for approval to the House of Peoples’ Representatives nominations for posts of Commissioners, the President and Vice-President of the Federal Supreme Court and the Auditor General.

8. He supervises the conduct and efficiency of the Federal administration and takes such corrective measures as are necessary.

9. He appoints high civilian officials of the Federal Government other than those referred to in sub-Articles 2 and 3 of this Article.

10. In accordance with law enacted or decision adopted by the House of Peoples’ Representatives, he recommends to the President nominees for the award of medals, prizes and gifts.

11. He shall submit to the House of Peoples’ Representatives periodic reports on work accomplished by the Executive as well as on its plans and proposals.

12. He shall discharge all responsibilities entrusted to him by this Constitution and other laws.

13. He shall obey and enforce the Constitution.

Article 75 Ethiopian Constitution 1994

Deputy Prime Minister

1. The Deputy Prime Minister shall:
(a) Carry out responsibilities which shall be specifically entrusted to him by the Prime Minister;
(b) Act on behalf of the Prime Minister in his absence.

2. The Deputy Prime Minister shall be responsible to the Prime Minister.

Article 76 Ethiopian Constitution 1994

The Council of Ministers

1. The Council of Ministers comprises the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers and other members as may be determined by law.

2. The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Prime Minister.

3. In all its decisions, the Council of Ministers is responsible to the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

Article 77 Ethiopian Constitution 1994

Powers and Functions of the Council of Ministers

1. The Council of Ministers ensures the implementation of laws and decisions adopted by the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

2. It shall decide on the organizational structure of ministries and other organs of government responsible to it; it shall coordinate their activities and provide leadership.

3. It shall draw up the annual Federal budget and, when approved by the House of Peoples’ Representatives, it shall implement it.

4. It shall ensure the proper execution of financial and monetary policies of the country; it shall administer the National Bank, decide on the printing of money and minting of coins, borrow money from domestic and external sources, and regulate foreign exchange matters.

5. It shall protect patents and copyrights.

6. It shall formulate and implement economic, social and development policies and strategies.

7. It shall provide uniform standards of measurement and calendar.

8. It shall formulate the country’s foreign policy and exercice overall supervision over its implementation.

9. It shall ensure the observance of law and order.

10. It has the power to declare a state of emergency; in doing so, it shall, within the time limit prescribed by the Constitution, submit the proclamation declaring a state of emergency for approval by the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

11. It shall submit draft laws to the House of Peoples’ Representatives on any matter falling within its competence, including draft laws on a declaration of war.

12. It shall carry out other responsibilities that may be entrusted to it by the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the Prime Minister.

13. It shall enact regulations pursuant to powers vested in it by the House of People’s, Representatives.

See also: Article 69-71 Ethiopian Constitution 1994 [Chapter 7 – The President of the Republic]