Deputy Prime Minister

The Deputy Prime Minister of Valoria (French: vice-premier ministre de la valorie), often shortened to simply Deputy, is a Valorian public official most important for being the prime minister's designated succesor.

As the office itself has very few active responsibilities, it is often held in conjunction with a ministership.

Since 2024, the office has been held by Kate Oliver.

Role and Duties

Prime Ministerial Succession

The deputy is the prime minster's designated successor in the case of one's death, incapacitation, impeachment, or resignation. In such a scenario, the deputy succeeds the prime minister to the office immediately, becoming prime minister in their own right, and serving out the rest of the term.

Acting Prime Minister

The deputy can serve as acting prime minister in temporary situations where the prime minister is "unable to fulfill their role," such as when undergoing anesthesia for surgical procedures or a period of unconsciousness. The role can also be invoked by the prime minister ahead of time, in case they know it will be necessary for a short period of time (such as before undergoing surgery). When the role is invoked, the deputy does not become prime minister in their own right, and the powers of the office are restored to the sitting prime minister when they are able to fulfill their role once more.

The vague language of this power leaves room for interpretation for each prime minister and their deputy, however generally this power is rarely exercised, with the deputy instead acting "in lieu" for the prime minster if the latter is unable to fulfill their role for a short period of time.

Ceremonial Duties

The deputy can stand in for the prime minister in ceremonial duties, and serves as their main representative in public affairs. Although the deputy is unable to undertake most ceremonial functions in their own right, such as conducting or hosting state visits, or sending or receiving state gifts, in practice, they are granted permission from the prime minister to conduct such business in lieu.