[OlleTO]

>who appoints the prime minister?

Parliament votes on whoever the speaker nominates. If that person is tolerated (<50% of parliament votes against the nominee) they become prime minister.

If the vote fails the speaker gets to nominate someone else. After 4 failed such votes, an extra election is called.

[squiggleblaz]

Thanks for the clear answer. I think I like that system. Sometimes minority governments make more sense that slightly larger but more fractious coalitions. If I was trying to design a republican constitution for my own country I think I would include a similar provision.