Caretaker cabinets pose challenge in Eastern Europe

Significance Caretaker administrations are a consequence of political fragmentation. Some allow existing cabinets to remain with limited powers; others are technocratic in nature, governing until fresh elections. They provide stability but in some cases can be misused by presidents, especially where checks and balances do not function properly. Impacts President-appointed or influenced caretaker administrations pose the risk of executive power grab. Populists will attack caretaker administrations, questioning their legitimacy. The perceived lack of democratic legitimacy of such administrations can erode public support for the political system. In the Western Balkans, technical governments will continue to rely on Western support.