Prime Minister of Estonia
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 confirmed by the Parliament. In case of disagreement, the Parliament can reject the President's nomination and choose their own candidate. The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the largest party in the ruling coalition. The current Prime Minister is Andrus Ansip, leader of the Reform Party.
In his role as appointed by the President and laid forth in the Consitution, the Prime Minister serves as the head of government. 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, the head of government was called the State Elder (riigivanem), who was also head of state. This system was 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 presidential system. Under this constitution, the President could appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 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.
Prime ministers
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).
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.
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
1934 to 1937
# |
Name |
Took Office |
Left Office |
Party |
(1) |
Konstantin Päts (2nd Time) |
24 January 1934 |
3 September 1937 |
Non-party |
1938 to 1944
1991 to present
# |
Name |
Took Office |
Left Office |
Party |
Coalition |
|
Edgar Savisaar (acting) |
20 August 1991 |
29 January 1992 |
Popular Front of Estonia |
|
|
Tiit Vähi (acting) |
29 January 1992 |
21 October 1992 |
(none) |
|
9 |
Mart Laar |
21 October 1992 |
8 November 1994 |
Pro Patria Union |
Pro Patria, ERSP, Moderates |
10 |
Andres Tarand |
8 November 1994 |
17 April 1995 |
(none) |
Pro Patria, ERSP, Moderates |
11 |
Tiit Vähi (2nd time) |
17 April 1995 |
6 November 1995 |
Estonian Coalition Party |
Coalition Party & Country People's Party, Centre |
(11) |
Tiit Vähi (3rd time) |
6 November 1995 |
17 March 1997 |
Estonian Coalition Party |
Coalition Party & Country People's Party, Reform (left coalition in November 1996) |
12 |
Mart Siimann |
17 March 1997 |
25 March 1999 |
Estonian Coalition Party |
Coalition Party & Country People's Party |
(9) |
Mart Laar (2nd time) |
25 March 1999 |
28 January 2002 |
Pro Patria Union |
Pro Patria, Reform, Moderates |
13 |
Siim Kallas |
28 January 2002 |
10 April 2003 |
Estonian Reform Party |
Reform, Centre |
14 |
Juhan Parts |
10 April 2003 |
12 April 2005 |
Res Publica |
Res Publica, Reform, People's Union |
15 |
Andrus Ansip |
12 April 2005 |
5 April 2007 |
Estonian Reform Party |
Reform, Centre, People's Union |
(15) |
Andrus Ansip (2nd time) |
5 April 2007 |
4 April 2011 |
Estonian Reform Party |
Reform, IRL, SDE (left coalition 21 May 2009) |
(15) |
Andrus Ansip (3rd time) |
6 April 2011 |
Incumbent |
Estonian Reform Party |
Reform, IRL |
- ^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.
- ^2 Though appointed, Birk never assumed office.
- ^3 Was acting Prime Minister from 29 July to 30 July 1920.
- ^4 State Elder since December.
- ^5 Was acting Prime Minister from 21 April 1938 to 9 May 1938.
- ^6 Appointment declared illegal by the Estonian Electoral College convened on 20 April 1944.
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1 Partially or entirely in Asia, depending on the definition of the border between Europe and Asia.
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