Premier

A premier is an executive official of government.

In many nations the term "premier" is used interchangeably with the title of "prime minister." For example, the "Italian Premier" or the "Japanese Premier." In the People's Republic of China it is used somewhat more commonly but still interchangably with Prime Minister (See also: Premier of the People's Republic of China).

In certain British overseas territories, such as Bermuda, the elected head of government is called the "premier". In others he or she is called the chief minister.

It is also the name of the heads of government in the provinces and territories of Canada, provinces of South Africa, the states of Australia, and the (self-governing) New Zealand territory of Niue (in some of these cases the formal title remains "Prime Minister" but "Premier" is used to avoid confusion with the national prime minister).

A second in command to the Premier is designated as a Vice-Premier or Deputy Premier.

In the Soviet Union the title of Premier was applied to the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars or, after 1946, to the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR.

See also: Premier (Canada), Premier (Australia), Premier of the Soviet Union