Author: Muharem Rusiti
Photo: James Lee
A government of national unity is a coalition that is based on the support of all (or nearly all) political forces elected in parliament. Generally, it arises in situations of serious emergency for a country, such as an international dispute or a financial or economic crisis. This makes it necessary for all political representatives to assume responsibility for the greater good of a nation and unite forces in order to overcome those unpleasant occurrences. It is similar in concept to the ‘rally-round-the-flag’ phenomenon that often occurs in the American public when greater national unity emerges often results following a crisis. Typically, it is a short-lived effect with the public as the driving force.
Governments of national unity are frequently confused with grand or broad coalition executives. Unlike the latter, which are typically formed when there is a deadlock that makes it impossible to form a parliamentary majority after the elections, governments of national unity are only in place for a limited time. Such governments are justified solely by provisional situations which need all political parties to join their power, in order to overcome a disagreeable situation or address a specific challenge for a state.
Whilst grand coalition governments are normally intended to be stable and long-lasting, they are usually formed by concurring political parties. A national unity government is based on a diversified executive that includes representatives of opposing and rival parliamentary factions. It is typically intended to last only long enough to overcome a specific crisis, and is immediately followed by a general election. These power-sharing arrangements assume a great sense of responsibility from all political actors, resulting in opponents setting aside their contentions, partisan interests, or electoral calculations – conducive to finding common ground with their governing partners in order to reach agreements for the greater good of a nation and its citizens.
One of the main benefits of a national unity government is perhaps that it gives birth to a stronger executive. This is especially true when playing in the international arena and confronting external entities. Due to its inclusive nature, it also precludes the often-occurring government vs opposition blame-game. It extends everyone the possibility to be an active part in the policymaking and governing processes, thus preventing anyone from escaping the needed responsibility and accountability when it comes to taking important decisions for a country’s future.
With all the main political groups working together in the executive branch, majoritarianism also gives way to a more consensus form of democracy and confers the legitimacy needed to carry out typically difficult and pricey choices when confronting a crisis. Furthermore, due to its cross-partisan structure, national unity governments have also the advantage of potentially resorting to a greater pool of candidates and a broader range of experts and experienced politicians. Consequently, it makes it easier to build an executive whose members would be better prepared and prompted to confront a difficult situation.
In such cases where there is cohesion, executives supported by all major political parties from across the ideological spectrum have had a strong track record of dealing with serious issues at pivotal moments throughout history. This creates a more capable government, helping to transition countries out of difficult situations and crises.
It is essential that in these difficult times when nations are confronted with uncertain situations, such as COVID-19, regional conflicts, rising inflation rates, potential recession, global economic and financial crisis on the horizon, for political leaders to consider the opportunity of forming national unity governments in order to better confront these challenges and transition their respective nations out of these crises.
As former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt said at the outset of WWII: “At this time let me make the simple plea that partisanship and selfishness be adjourned; and that national unity be the thought that underlies all others. These perilous days demand cooperation between us without a trace of partisanship.”
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