Prime Minister Of Estonia Article Index for
Prime Minister
Website Links For
Prime Minister
 

Information About

Prime Minister Of Estonia




The Prime Minister of Estonia ('' of the Republic Of Estonia . The prime minister is chosen by the President 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 , who took office on 12 April 2005 , representing the coalition of Estonian Reform Party (''Eesti Reformierakond''), the Estonian Centre Party (''Eesti Keskerakond''), and the People's Union Of Estonia (''Eestimaa Rahvaliit'').

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.


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. 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 . 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 " State Protector ", until 1938 , when elections were held under a new constitution and he was elected President.


PRIME MINISTERS


1918 to 1920



1934 to 1937



1938 to 1940



1991 to present



Footnotes

  • Päts was imprisoned until 20 November 1918 , from the time he was appointed to the post of Prime Minister till the time he was released, Jaan Poska assumed the duties of Prime Minister of his behalf.

  • Though appointed, Birk never assumed the office.

  • Was acting Prime Minister from July 29 to July 30 1920 .

  • Was acting Prime Minister from time of appointment till 9 May 1938 .



EXTERNAL LINK