“The modern ‘presidency’ is in fact a kind of disingenuous autocracy, in some cases (as in ours) episodically elected.
Whoever holds the office wields the power of a premier or general secretary. He – or she – issues ‘executive orders,’ another form of linguistic legerdemain meant to flim-flam the minds of the not-very-thoughtful by giving decrees the imprimatur of “democratic” legitimacy.
The general secretary/premier-president makes vast pronouncements about the ‘leadership’ he will provide; about the ‘policies’ he will pursue. Makes promises – and issues threats – like a Third World el presidente. All that’s missing are the sashes, medals and epaulettes.” – Eric Peters