Estonia

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The Prime Minister of Estonia (Estonian: Eesti Vabariigi Peaminister) is the head of government of the Republic of Estonia. The prime minister is nominated by the President after appropriate consultations with the parliamentary factions and conferred by Parliament. This is usually the leader of the largest party or coalition in the Parliament. The current Prime Minister is Andrus Ansip.

The activity of the government is directed by the Prime Minister, who is the actual political head of state. He does not head any specific ministry, but is, in accordance with the constitution, the supervisor of the work of the government. The Prime Minister’s significance and role in the government and his relations with other ministries often depend on the position of the party led by the prime minister in vis-à-vis the coalition partners, and on how much influence the prime minister possesses within his own party. If the prime minister has a strong position within his party, and the government is made up solely of representatives of that party, he can enjoy considerable authority. In all crucial national questions, however, the final word rests with Riigikogu as the legislative power.

[edit] History

Estonia was governed by a Prime Minister during the first two years (1918-1920) of its independence after the collapse of the Russian Empire.

Under Estonia's 1920 constitution, a Presidential system was adopted with the State Elder of Estonia holding executive powers. This system was, in practice, a radically parliamentary system because the State Elder could be dismissed by the Parliament with a simple majority. Moreover, the State Elder was not the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, nor could he ratify laws or dissolve Parliament. The dissolution of Parliament was only possible through a referendum (see, for example, Seppo Zetterberg, "A History of Estonia" / Viron historia. 3rd edition. Helsinki: The Finnish Literary Society / Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seura, 2007, pages 524-525). Under a new constitution passed by plebiscite in 1933, the position of Prime Minister was recreated as head of government in 1934 in a more parliamentary system. Again, for the sake of clarity, it must be emphasized that the new constitution was, in practice, strongly presidential: the President appointed and dismissed the Prime Minister and Cabinet. In addition, the President could veto laws, give decrees (statutes) and dissolve Parliament (see Zetterberg 2007, pages 558-559). The sitting State Elder, Konstantin Päts, appointed himself to the position of Prime Minister and in this position was then able to suspend elections for Elder of State and for the Estonian Parliament. He remained Prime Minister, declaring himself "President-Regent", until 1938, when elections were held under a new constitution and he was elected President.

[edit] Prime Ministers

[edit] 1918 to 1920

The first two governments were Country Councils (Maapäeva or Maanõukogu valitsused); the next five were appointed by the directly-elected Constituent Assembly (Asutav Kogu).

[edit] 1920 to 1934

The head of government was called the "State Elder" (Riigivanem). He was the head of the cabinet and was elected by parliament as well as depending on it. Thus he was closer to a PM, although he had some responsibilities of a president as well. A specific president did not exist; presidential functions were shared between the State Elder and the speaker of the parliament. A government could be, as in 1919-1920, and sometimes was, put into office by a simple majority vote with even less than an absolute majority, and could be removed in the same way.

[edit] Legend

PK - Farmers Unions (Põllumeeste Kogud)
TE - Estonian Labor Party (Eesti Tööerakond)
RE - Estonian Peoples Party (Eesti Rahvaerakond)
ESDTP - Estonian Social Democratic Workers Party /Eesti Sotsiaaldemokraatiline Partei; since 1925 ESTP - Estonian Socialist Workers Party (eesti Sotsialistlik Tööliste Partei
AS - Settlers party (Asunikud ...)
KRE Christian Peoples Party (Kristlik Rahvaerakond)
RVP - National Liberal Party (Rahvuslik Vabameelne Partei)
MAJA - Union of the Real Estate Owners Societies (Üleriiklik Majaomanike Seltside Liit)
ÜPE - United Peasants Party (Ühinenud Põllumeeste erakond), former and later PK+AS
RKE - National Centre Party (Rahvuslik Keskerakond), former RE+TE+KRE+MAJA

Governments of:
1-2 - I Riigikogu
3-6 - II Riigikogu
7-10 - III Riigikogu
11-13 - IV Riigikogu
14-17 - V Riigikogu

[edit] 1934 to 1937

[edit] 1938 to 1944

[edit] 1991 to present

[edit] Footnotes

• Note 1: Päts was imprisoned until 20 November 1918. From the time he was appointed to the post of Prime Minister until he was released, Jaan Poska assumed the duties of Prime Minister of his behalf.
• Note 2: Though appointed, Birk never assumed office.
• Note 3: Was acting Prime Minister from 29 July to 30 July 1920.
• Note 4: State Elder since December.
• Note 5: Was acting Prime Minister from 21 April 1938 to 9 May 1938.
• Note 6: Appointment declared illegal by the Estonian Electoral College convened on 20 April 1944.

[edit] External links

• Website of the Prime Minister of Estonia

v • d • e Heads of Government of Estonia Chairman of the Council of Ministers Päts (Poska) Prime Ministers Päts (Poska) · Strandman · Tõnisson · Birk · Tõnisson · Piip State Elders Piip · Päts · Kukk · Päts · Akel · Jaakson · Teemant · Tõnisson · Rei · Strandman · Päts · Teemant · Einbund · Päts · Tõnisson · Päts Prime Minister in Duties of the State Elder Päts · Päts President-Regent Päts Prime Ministers Eenpalu · Uluots · Vares1 · vacant · Tief 2 Prime Ministers in Exile Sikkar · Kint · Warma · Kint · Mark · Penno Prime Ministers Savisaar · Vähi · Laar · Tarand · Vähi · Siimann · Laar · Kallas · Parts · Ansip Acting Heads of Government  · 1-Illegally installed by Soviet occupation authorities  · 2-Soviet prisoner