First among equals

The Latin phrase primus inter pares (female prime) literally means 'the first among equals'. It is, in principle, in the field of politics, referring originally to the figure of the emperor in the early phases of the Roman Empire, seeking to placate those who would have wanted a return of the Roman Republic.

In Spain, in the past, referred to the status of a caudillo or king in relation to a lower stratum of vassals, usually noble, who maintained strong quotas of power, especially military. This status or form of government used to occur when the king, for whatever reason, was not able to impose an absolute power.

We found instances of government of Primus inter pares in Ancient Greece or in the Germanic Tribes, which would leave their imprint on the later formation of feudalism during the European Middle Ages, specifically during the Visigothic monarchy in the Iberian peninsula. Subsequently, the term would begin to be used to indicate that a person is the greater or more important within a group of people who share the same level or responsibility. The concept is often also used in its original Latin: "Primus inter pares". When it is not used in to a specific title, it may indicate that the person thus described is technically equal, but regarded as an authority or of special importance by his peers. In some cases it may also be used to indicate that while the described person appears as an equal, he is actually the unofficial or secretive leader of a group. As examples of "first among their peers" can be mentioned: The Prime Minister of many nations with Parliamentary political regime in the Commonwealth of Nations, the President of the European Commission, the Chief Justice of the United States of America, and some figures such as the Dean of the College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church, the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, or the Archbishop of Canterbury, spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion. The term was also used by the Roman Emperors (see Princeps) as a way of disguising the aspect of dictatorship of his government (this was particularly important during the early period of the Empire, to calm those who wanted the return of the old Roman Republic ).

Currently in Switzerland (Helvetic Confederation) one of the seven ministers presides as primus inter pares. The charge is rotated every year.

This expression is also used when, for example, a list is made: there must always be a first person, not necessarily the most important or of the highest status.

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