In a parliamentary republic such as Israel, Ireland, Germany, Austria or Italy, the President serves a similar role to that of a constitutional monarch, normally representing the whole country abroad and awarding medals, while the Prime Minister is head of government and leads all political decisions. In a semi-presidential republic such as France, Russia or Iraq, the President normally has wide strategic policy powers while the Prime Minister represents (defends) the government in parliament and leads the civil service in implementing the Presidents policies.