The position was first created in 1960, upon the country's independence from France, but was soon abolished by a new constitution adopted on 21 February 1961. It was, however, restored by constitutional amendments enacted on 16 April 1975 and was also retained in the subsequent constitution adopted in 1991. The prime minister has been the head of government of Gabon from 1960 until 1961 (under a parliamentary system) and since 1981 (under a strong semi-presidential system). The President of Gabon was the country's head of government from 1961 until 1981 (until 1975 under a presidential system without a prime minister and then under a presidential system with a prime minister).
