Grand Vizier

From Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki.

Grand Vizier was the office in the Galactic Empire responsible for maintaining the day-to-day operations of the Empire and the bureaucracy. It was the highest rank besides Galactic Emperor and Military Executor. He oversaw the myriad departments, bureaus, and offices and acted as personal assistant to the Emperor. Essentially, the Grand Vizier performed almost all the day-to-day duties which the Emperor couldn't perform due to the hunt for the remaining Jedi and the Rebellion. He acted as an intermediary for the Emperor; few spoke to His Majesty without first going through the vizier. He also acted as President and Chair of the Imperial Senate and as one of the members of the Imperial Ruling Council. He also handled the Imperial Seal. One of his more loathsome functions was to act as official food taster for the Emperor. It is unclear as to why the Emperor would give such a dangerous position to his third-in-command.

The position of Grand Vizier was formed after the establishment of the Empire, and may have been a replacement for two pre-existing offices, those of Vice Chair and Staff Aide. The only individual to serve in the office was Sate Pestage.

This article is a stub about the Galactic Empire. You can help Wookieepedia by expanding it.

[edit] Behind the scenes

In a cut scene from Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Sate Pestage was intended to have an appearance. He was referred to as the "Grand Vizier."

The title most likely originated from the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire who was the leader of the bureaucracy and second only to the Sultan.