Monaco has been governed under a constitutional monarchy since 1911, with the Sovereign Prince of Monaco as head of state.[44] The executive branch consists of a Minister of State as the head of government, who presides over a five-member Council of Government.[45] Until 2002, the Minister of State was a French citizen appointed by the prince from among candidates proposed by the French government; since a constitutional amendment in 2002, the Minister of State can be French or Monegasque.[17] However, Prince Albert II appointed, on 3 March 2010, the Frenchman Michel Roger as Minister of State.[46]
Under the 1962 constitution, the prince shares his veto power with the unicameral National Council.[47] The 24 members of the National Council are elected for five-year terms; 16 are chosen through a majority electoral system and 8 by proportional representation.[48] All legislation requires the approval of the National Council, which is currently dominated by the central-right Union of Monaco (UPM), who hold twenty-one seats.[48] The only other party represented in the National Council is the right-wing Rally and Issues for Monaco (REM), which holds just three seats.[48] The principality's city affairs are directed by the Communal Council,[49] which consists of fourteen elected members and is presided over by a mayor.[50] Unlike the National Council, councillors are elected for four-year terms,[51] and are strictly non-partisan, however, oppositions inside the council frequently form.