Countries With the Largest Cabinets in the World
The size and structure of government cabinets vary dramatically across the globe, influenced by a combination of legal frameworks, political traditions, and the specific preferences of the ruling leader. While some nations opt for leaner cabinets, others boast impressive numbers of ministers.
Curious about which countries house the most expansive cabinets? Here’s a look at four nations known for their large ministerial teams:
1. Sri Lanka: A Record-Breaking Cabinet
Sri Lanka etched its name in history in 2010 when President Mahinda Rajapaksa formed the world’s largest cabinet. This gigantic cabinet boasted a staggering 107 ministers, including 67 cabinet ministers and 40 state ministers or ministers without portfolios.
Despite their title, ministers without portfolios enjoyed the same perks and privileges as their cabinet counterparts. Rajapaksa maintained this “jumbo” cabinet until 2015, a move that raised eyebrows regarding its cost to taxpayers.
2. Pakistan: A Coalition of Many
Pakistan’s current government, a coalition led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif comprising 13 political parties, has established a cabinet of 76 members. This impressive number includes state ministers, advisors, and special assistants.
One of the government’s initial actions was introducing over 100 amendments to laws, seemingly aimed at hindering legal proceedings against the ruling family and their allies. Despite a history of large cabinets, this cabinet stands as Pakistan’s largest to date.
3. South Africa: Growing Cabinet Numbers
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa initially aimed to reduce the size of his cabinet. However, pre-election it stood at 30 ministerial positions, which expanded to 32 after the elections. The introduction of two deputy ministers for some positions further increased the total to 43.
Currently, the president and vice president preside over a cabinet that includes both ministers and deputy ministers, totaling a significant 77 members.
4. India: A Balancing Act
“Minimum government, maximum governance” has long been a cornerstone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political philosophy. However, during his third term, coalition pressures and a desire to strengthen representation from the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) core states led to a larger-than-expected cabinet.
Modi recently swore in a cabinet of 71 ministers, including 30 cabinet ministers, 5 state ministers (independent charge), and 36 deputy ministers. Despite this size, only three of the 30 cabinet ministers hail from South India.
LANKAE NEWS | NEW INDIAN EXPRESS | ARAB NEWS | DW
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