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 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.

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

1938 to 1944

1991 to present

Footnotes

*fnb|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.
*fnb|2 Though appointed, Birk never assumed office.
*fnb|3 Was acting Prime Minister from July 29 to July 30 1920.
*fnb|4 State Elder since December.
*fnb|5 Was acting Prime Minister from 21 April 1938 to 9 May 1938.
*fnb|6 Appointment declared illegal by the Estonian Electoral College convened on 20 April 1944.

External links

* [http://www.peaminister.ee/?lang=en Website of the Prime Minister of Estonia]