The leader or chairman of a parliamentary group holds an influential political post in a parliamentary system with strong party discipline. When a party is in opposition, or the minor or junior partner in a governing coalition, they are often the political leader of the party and the primary spokesperson for the party, although this is also true of the governing party in some cases. When a parliamentary group gains the confidence of the legislature (that is, secures the most seats in the legislature), the leader of that group often becomes the Prime Minister or Premier.
Famous quotes containing the words group and/or leader:
“The government of the United States at present is a foster-child of the special interests. It is not allowed to have a voice of its own. It is told at every move, “Don’t do that, You will interfere with our prosperity.” And when we ask: “where is our prosperity lodged?” a certain group of gentlemen say, “With us.””
—Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924)
“The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on.... The genius of a good leader is to leave behind him a situation which common sense, without the grace of genius, can deal with successfully.”
—Walter Lippmann (1889–1974)