Concluding Remarks: A Comparative Approach to the Study of Western European Cabinets

Abstract

This volume tried to accomplish the necessary first step towards a general understanding of cabinet systems in contemporary Western Europe. The country chapters have given a detailed picture of the way these operate and are affected by such characteristics as the constitutional framework, coalition arrangements or the leadership style of the Prime Minister. This survey did show that our knowledge of cabinet systems across Western Europe is substantial. Although more research has been conducted on cabinets in the Northern area than on the Mediterranean countries, important developments have taken place everywhere.