A Minority Government? A Prime Minister from a Small or Medium-Sized Party? Youâd Be Surprised⦠Flash 90 "Prime ministers in parliamentary democracies most often come from large parties, but the possibility of a government headed by someone from a small party certainly exists. In Belgium and Latvia prime ministers representing smaller parties now serve in office. Such a situation usually occur in circumstances where the political system is at a dead-end and a compromise candidate is appointed. While this is not an ideal situation, it may be preferable to the reality of prolonged political deadlock." Prof. Ofer Kenig For the fourth time in less than two years, Israelâs political system finds itself facing the complex task of attempting to form a government. And as on previous occasions, success in this undertaking seems unlikely, and the nightmare of holding fifth elections is far from science fiction. One of the solutions recently put forward as a possible way out of this political deadlock, has been the formation of a minority government, perhaps even one headed by a prime minister from a small or medium-sized party. How unusual would such a scenario be? And how far would it stray from the principles of parliamentary democracy?