The Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus is the executive authority and highest state office of Cyprus, with the President serving concurrently as head of state and head of government. The President exercises executive power alongside the Council of Ministers, directing domestic policy, defense, and foreign affairs. Established in 1960 upon the nation's independence from the United Kingdom, the office was originally designed to share power with a Turkish Cypriot Vice-President. Following intercommunal breakdown in 1963–1964, the presidency has operated under the legal doctrine of necessity to ensure continuous constitutional governance.