section_path: Role and responsibilities
section_name: Role and responsibilities
paragraph_text: Role and responsibilities
  
  Lebanon being a parliamentary republic, the President is essentially the repository of reserve powers and the office is largely symbolic. Nevertheless, he is an important member of the executive who shares many powers with the Council of Ministers.
  
  As per the constitution, the President
  
  The President's powers have been reduced in 1990 under Ta'if, while the powers of the Council of Ministers were increased. Previously, the President only needed the "favourable advice" of his ministers.
  
  The Presidential Residence was first located in Beirut and then moved to Sin el-Fil and Jounieh. In 1960s the residence was moved to the Baabda Palace after its construction, located southeast of Beirut, where Charles Helou was the first to serve in. In 1943 the Beittedinne Palace was declared as the official summer residence of the president.