Council of Ministers (Arab Union)

The Council of Ministers (Arabic: مجلس الوزراء majlis al-wuzrā’) is the chief executive body of the Republic of Palestine. According to the 1979 constitution, the Council of Ministers is appointed by the President of Palestine and responsible to the Palestine Arab Congress. It functions as the cabinet of the Prime Minister, who nominates individuals to chair particular ministries or state committees who are confirmed by the President.

Duties and responsibilities
The President of Palestine appoints an individual to serve as chair of the Council of Ministers, who is subsequently declared Prime Minister of Palestine. The Prime Minister may then recommend members to the Council of Ministers, who are appointed by the President and thenceforth responsible for overseeing administration of their particular ministry or executive state committee. The Council of Ministers consists of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, ministers who chair the ministries responsible for executive administration in a particular domain, and the chairpersons of state committees attached to the Council of Ministers.

In addition to its executive powers, the Council of Ministers has a central role in policymaking, especially in the Palestine Arab Congress, to which it may propose legislation. Nevertheless, Congress retains the power to dissolve the Council of Ministers and force the resignation of the Prime Minister by a vote of no confidence. The President may also dissolve the Council of Ministers and remove the Prime Minister via executive order.