Article 87

The President of the Republic is the Head of the State and represents national unity. The President may send messages to the Houses. The President shall call the elections of the new Houses and set the date of their first meeting. The President shall authorise the introduction of government bills in the Houses. The President shall promulgate laws and issue decrees having the force of law as well as regulations. The President shall call a popular referendum in the cases provided for by the Constitution. The President shall appoint State officials in the cases provided for by law. The President shall accredit and receive diplomatic representatives, and ratify international treaties, following authorisation by the Houses when required. The President shall command the armed forces, preside over the Supreme Council of Defence established pursuant to the law, and declare a state of war decided by the Houses. The President shall preside over the High Council of the Judiciary. The President may grant pardons and commute punishments. The President shall confer the honorary distinctions of the Republic.