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Politics of Estonia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Estonia is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Estonia, officially the Republic of Estonia ( Eesti or Eesti Vabariik) is a Country in Northern Europe in the Baltic region The Constitution of Estonia was adopted on 28 June 1992. Composition Preamble The Preamble to the Constitution of Estonia reads The President of the Republic (Eesti Vabariigi President is the Head of state of the Republic of Estonia. Toomas Hendrik Ilves (ˈtoːmɑs ˈhendrik ˈilves born 26 December 1953) is the current President of Estonia. The Prime Minister of Estonia ( Estonian: Eesti Vabariigi Peaminister) is the Head of government of the Republic of Estonia. Andrus Ansip (born 1 October 1956) is the current Prime Minister of Estonia, and chairman of the Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond The Government of the Republic of Estonia ( Estonian: Vabariigi Valitsus) exercises executive power pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of the Andrus Ansip is the current Prime Minister of Estonia; his first cabinet took office on April 12, 2005 after being approved by Riigikogu by 53 The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state and kogu, assembly is the Parliament of Estonia. The Supreme Court of Estonia is a court of Cassation, also fulfilling the functions of a Constitutional court. Estonia elects a Legislature on the national level The Riigikogu has 101 members elected for a four year term by Proportional Parliamentary elections took place in Estonia on Sunday March 4 2007 to elect members of the Riigikogu. Estonian parliamentary election of 2003 was held on 2nd March, 2003. Political parties in Estonia lists political parties in Estonia. A County (maakond is an administrative subdivision of Estonia. A Municipality (omavalitsus is the smallest administrative subdivision of Estonia. The European Union is a unique entity possessing elements of Intergovernmentalism, Supranationalism and a Multi-party Parliamentary democracy Following restoration of independence from the Soviet Union, Russia was one the first nations to recognize Estonia 's independence (the first country to do so was Information on politics by country is available for every Country, including both De jure and De facto independent A parliamentary system, also known as parliamentarianism (and parliamentarism in American English) is a System of government in which Representative democracy is a form of government founded on the principles of the people's representatives A republic is a State or Country that is not led by a hereditary Monarch, but in which the people (or at least a part of its people have impact on its The Prime Minister of Estonia ( Estonian: Eesti Vabariigi Peaminister) is the Head of government of the Republic of Estonia. This article focuses on the cases where the Head of Government is a separate office from the Head of State A multi-party system is a system in which three or more political parties have the capacity to gain control of government separately or in coalition Legislative power is vested in the and parliament. A legislature is a type of representative Deliberative assembly with the power to create amend and change Laws The law created by a legislature is called Legislation Executive power is exercised by the Government which is led by the Prime Minister. In Political science and Constitutional law, the executive is the branch of government responsible for the day-to-day management of the State. The Government of the Republic of Estonia ( Estonian: Vabariigi Valitsus) exercises executive power pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of the The Prime Minister of Estonia ( Estonian: Eesti Vabariigi Peaminister) is the Head of government of the Republic of Estonia. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. In Law, the judiciary or judicial system is the system of Courts which administer Justice in the name of the sovereign or State
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History
The Estonian Declaration of Independence was issued in 1918. The Estonian Declaration of Independence, also known as the Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia (Manifest Eestimaa rahwastele is the founding act of the Republic of Estonia Year 1918 ( MCMXVIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common A parliamentary republic was formed by the Estonian Constituent Assembly and the first Constitution of Estonia was adopted on June 15 1920. The Estonian Constituent Assembly (Asutav kogu was elected on 5-7 April 1919 called by the Estonian Provisional Government during the Estonian War of Independence The parliament Riigikogu (State Assembly) elected a Riigivanem who acted both as Head of Government and Head of State. The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state and kogu, assembly is the Parliament of Estonia. The Head of State of Estonia (Riigivanem (a literal translation Elder of State was the official title of the Estonian Head of State from 1921 to 1937 This article focuses on the cases where the Head of Government is a separate office from the Head of State Head of state is the generic term for the individual or collective office that serves as the chief public representative of a Monarchic or Republican Nation-state During the Era of Silence political parties were banned and the parliament was not in session between 1934 and 1938 as the country was ruled by decree by Konstantin Päts, who was elected as the first President of Estonia in 1938. "Era of Silence" (vaikiv ajastu is a term used to describe the years 1934-1938 or 1940 Year 1934 ( MCMXXXIV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full 1934 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1938 ( MCMXXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. A decree is an order made by a Head of state or government and having the force of Law. Konstantin Päts VR I/1 and III/1 ( February 23 1874 &ndash January 18 1956) was a Politician and the first President The President of the Republic (Eesti Vabariigi President is the Head of state of the Republic of Estonia. Year 1938 ( MCMXXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. In 1938 a new constitution was passed and Riigikogu was convened once again, this time bicamerally, consisting of Riigivolikogu (upper house) and Riiginõukogu (lower house), both meaning State Council in direct translation. Year 1938 ( MCMXXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state and kogu, assembly is the Parliament of Estonia. In Government, bicameralism (bi + Latin la ''camera'' chamber is the practice of having two legislative or Parliamentary chambers Thus a bicameral An upper house is one of two chambers of a Bicameral Legislature, the other chamber being the Lower house. A lower house is one of two chambers of a Bicameral Legislature, the other chamber being the Upper house. In 1940 Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR was a constitutionally Socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991 A year later, the Soviet occupation was taken over by a Nazi German one. A soviet (сове́т, "council" originally was a workers' local council in late Imperial Russia. Nazi Germany and the Third Reich are the common English names for Germany under the regime of Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers During the course of the two occupations legal institutions, elected according to the constitution approved by the people, were removed from power. In September 1944, after German forces left, legal power was briefly restored as Otto Tief formed a new government in accordance with the 1938 constitution. Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Otto Tief ( August 14, 1889, Rapla – March 5, 1976, Ahja) was a lawyer an Estonian military commander The Tief government, though, lasted for only 5 days, as Estonia was again occupied by the Soviet Union. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR was a constitutionally Socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991 In 1991 the Republic of Estonia was restored on the basis of continuity with the constitution prior to 1938, with the public approving a new constitution in 1992. Year 1991 ( MCMXCI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar. Year 1938 ( MCMXXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar)
The contemporary Estonian government follows the principles of separation of power and its people elect a 101-member Riigikogu every four years. The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state and kogu, assembly is the Parliament of Estonia. Only Estonian citizens may participate in parliamentary elections. Estonia uses a voting system based on proportional representation. Proportional representation (sometimes referred to as full representation or PR is a category of electoral formula aiming at a close match between the percentage of votes A party must exceed a national threshold of 5% of all votes to gain entry to the parliament. The Parliament elects a president, who can be in office for a five year period for a maximum of two terms in succession. As a rule, the president asks the party leader who has collected the most votes to form the new government, who then must gain the approval of Riigikogu. The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state and kogu, assembly is the Parliament of Estonia. The parliament also appoints the president of the Estonian National Bank, the Chief of the Headquarters of the Estonian Defense, the Comptroller General of Estonia, the Chancellor of Justice of Estonia and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Estonia, all on the proposal of the President of Estonia. The President of the Republic (Eesti Vabariigi President is the Head of state of the Republic of Estonia.
In the years shortly following the restoration of independence, there were dozens of parties to represent a population of only 1. 3 million; at present 6 main parties are in the parliament. The local authorities have developed in much the same direction. All permanent residents of voting age (18) may participate in local elections. Estonia does not have a state church, religious freedom is guaranteed by the constitution.
Political developments since regaining independence
On June 28, 1992, Estonian voters approved the constitutional assembly's draft constitution and implementation act, which established a parliamentary government with a president as chief of state and with a government headed by a prime minister. Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) Estonia, officially the Republic of Estonia ( Eesti or Eesti Vabariik) is a Country in Northern Europe in the Baltic region
The Riigikogu, a unicameral legislative body, is the highest organ of state authority. The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state and kogu, assembly is the Parliament of Estonia. It initiates and approves legislation sponsored by the prime minister. The prime minister has full responsibility and control over his cabinet. Parliamentary and presidential elections were held on September 20, 1992. Events 451 - The Battle of Chalons takes place in North Eastern France. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) Approximately 68% of the country's 637,000 registered voters cast ballots. Lennart Meri, an outstanding writer and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, won this election and became president. Lennart Georg Meri (ˈlennɑr̺t ˈg̥eorg̥ ˈmer̺i ( March 29, 1929 – March 14, 2006) was a Writer, Film director The Minister of Foreign Affairs (välisminister is the senior minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Eesti Vabariigi Välisministeerium in the Estonian Government The President of the Republic (Eesti Vabariigi President is the Head of state of the Republic of Estonia. He chose 32-year-old historian and Christian Democratic Party founder Mart Laar as prime minister. Mart Laar (born April 22 1960 in Viljandi) is an Estonian statesman historian and a founding
In February 1992, and with amendments in January 1995, the Riigikogu renewed Estonia's 1938 citizenship law, which also provides equal civil protection to resident aliens. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state and kogu, assembly is the Parliament of Estonia. Year 1938 ( MCMXXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
In 1996, Estonia ratified a border agreement with Latvia and completed work with Russia on a technical border agreement. Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) Latvia ( Latvija officially the Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republika is a Country in Northern Europe in the Baltic region. Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending President Meri was re-elected in free and fair indirect elections in August and September in 1996. Lennart Georg Meri (ˈlennɑr̺t ˈg̥eorg̥ ˈmer̺i ( March 29, 1929 – March 14, 2006) was a Writer, Film director Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) During parliamentary elections in 1999, the seats in Riigikogu were divided as follows: the Centre Party received 28, the Pro Patria Union 18, the Reform Party 18, the People's Party Moderates (election cartel between Moderates and People's Party) 17, Coalition Party 7, Country People's Party (now People's Union) 7, United People's Party's electoral cartel 6 seats. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state and kogu, assembly is the Parliament of Estonia. The Centre Party of Estonia ( Eesti Keskerakond) is a Centrist, Social liberal party in Estonia. The Pro Patria Union ( Estonian: Isamaaliit, meaning literally "Fatherland Union" was a conservative Political party in Estonia The Estonian Reform Party (Eesti Reformierakond is a Free market liberal party in Estonia. The People's Union of Estonia (Eestimaa Rahvaliit is a political party in Estonia, led by Jaanus Marrandi. Pro Patria Union, the Reform Party, and the Moderates formed a government with Mart Laar as prime minister whereas the Centre Party with the Coalition Party, People's Union, United People's Party, and Members of Parliament who were not members of factions formed the opposition in the Riigikogu. Mart Laar (born April 22 1960 in Viljandi) is an Estonian statesman historian and a founding The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state and kogu, assembly is the Parliament of Estonia.
The Moderates joined with the People's Party on 27 November 1999, forming the People's Party Moderates. Events 1095 - Pope Urban II declares the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar)
In fall 2001 Arnold Rüütel became the President of the Republic of Estonia. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Arnold Rüütel (ˈɑr̺nold̥ ˈr̺yːtɛl UPA: rüütel'' (born May 10, 1928) was the President of the Republic of Estonia from In January 2002 Prime Minister Laar stepped down and President Rüütel appointed Siim Kallas the new prime minister. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Mart Laar (born April 22 1960 in Viljandi) is an Estonian statesman historian and a founding Arnold Rüütel (ˈɑr̺nold̥ ˈr̺yːtɛl UPA: rüütel'' (born May 10, 1928) was the President of the Republic of Estonia from Siim Kallas (born 2 October 1948 in Tallinn) is an Estonian politician currently serving as European Commissioner for Administrative On January 28, 2002 the new government was formed from a coalition with The Reform Party and the Centre Party. Events 1077 - Walk to Canossa: The Excommunication of Henry IV Holy Roman Emperor is lifted See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. The Centre Party of Estonia ( Eesti Keskerakond) is a Centrist, Social liberal party in Estonia.
Following parliamentary elections in 2003, the seats were allocated as follows: Centre 28, Res Publica 28, the Reform Party 19, the People's Union 13, the Pro Patria Union 7 and the Moderates 6 seats. Estonian parliamentary election of 2003 was held on 2nd March, 2003. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Res Publica Party (Erakond Res Publica was a Political party in Estonia that self-identified as conservative and therefore member of IDU, but The United People's Party failed to meet the 5% threshold. Res Publica, the Reform Party and the Peoples Union formed the government. From this coalition President Rüütel chose the leader of the Res Publica party, Juhan Parts, to form a government. Juhan Parts (born 27 August 1966 in Tallinn) is a former Prime Minister of Estonia, and former chairman of the Res Publica Party
On 14 September 2003, following negotiations that began in 1998, the citizens of Estonia were asked in a referendum whether or not they wished to join the European Union. Events 81 - Domitian becomes Emperor of the Roman Empire upon the death of his brother Titus. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in With 64% of the electorate turning out the referendum passed with a 66. 83% margin in favor, 33. 17% against. Accession to the EU took place on 1 May of the following year. Events 305 - Diocletian and Maximian retire from the office of Roman Emperor.
In February 2004 the People's Party Moderates renamed themselves as Social Democratic Party of Estonia. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The Social Democratic Party ( Estonian: Sotsiaaldemokraatlik Erakond or SDE) is a Social democratic party in Estonia, led
On the 8th May, 2004, a defection of several Centre Party members to form a new party, the Social Liberal Party, over a row concerning the Centrists' "no" stance to joining the European Union changed the allocation of the seats in Riigikogu. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Social-liberals had 8 seats, but a hope to form a new party disappeared by the 10th May 2005, because most members in the social-liberal group joined other parties. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
On 24 March Prime Minister Juhan Parts announced his resignation following a vote of no confidence in the Riigikogu against Minister of Justice Ken-Marti Vaher, which was held on the 21 March. Events 1401 - Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1603 - James VI of Scotland Juhan Parts (born 27 August 1966 in Tallinn) is a former Prime Minister of Estonia, and former chairman of the Res Publica Party A motion of no confidence (also vote of no confidence, censure motion, no-confidence motion, or confidence motion) is a Parliamentary motion The Minister of Justice (justiitsminister is the senior minister at the Ministry of Justice (Eesti Vabariigi Justiitsministeerium in the Estonian Government Ken-Marti Vaher ( 5 September 1974) is a leading member of the Estonian Res Publica Party, and the former Estonian Minister of Justice Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem. Result: 54 pro (Social Democrats, Social Liberals, People's Union, Pro Patria Union and Reform Party) without no against or neutral MPs. 32 MPs (Res Publica and Centre Party) did not take part.
On 4 April 2005, President Rüütel nominated Reform party leader Andrus Ansip as Prime Minister designate by and asked him to form a new government, the 8th in 12 years. Events 1581 - Francis Drake completes a circumnavigation of the world and is knighted by Elizabeth I. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Andrus Ansip (born 1 October 1956) is the current Prime Minister of Estonia, and chairman of the Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond Ansip formed a government out of a coalition of his Reform Party with the People’s Union and the Centre Party. Approval by the Riigikogu, which by law must decide within 14 days of his nomination, came on 12 April 2005. Events 467 - Anthemius is elevated to Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Ansip was backed by 53 out of 101 members of the Estonian parliament. Forty deputies voted against his candidature.
The general consensus in the Estonian media seems to be that the new cabinet, on the level of competence, is not necessarily an improvement over the old one. The new government is colloquially called the "Garlic Coalition", because the agreement between the party leaders was reached at the Tallinn restaurant "Balthasar", which specialises in garlic dishes. Andrus Ansip is the current Prime Minister of Estonia; his first cabinet took office on April 12, 2005 after being approved by Riigikogu by 53
On 18 May 2005, Estonia signed a border treaty with the Russian Federation in Moscow. Events 1152 - Henry II of England marries Eleanor of Aquitaine. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The treaty was ratified by the Riigikogu on 20 June 2005. Events 451 - Battle of Chalons: Flavius Aetius ' defeats Attila the Hun. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. However, in the end of June the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that it did not intend to become a party to the border treaty and did not consider itself bound by the circumstances concerning the object and the purposes of the treaty due to the fact that Riigikogu had attached a preambula to the ratification act that referenced earlier documents that mentioned the Soviet occupation and the uninterrupted legal continuity of the Republic of Estonia during the Soviet period. The issue remains unsolved and is in focus of European level discussions.
Internet voting has already been used in local elections in Estonia, and the lawmakers in Estonia have authorized internet voting for parliamentary elections as well. Electronic voting (also known as e-voting) is a term encompassing several different types of Voting, embracing both electronic means of casting a vote and electronic (see COM).
On 4 April 2006, Fatherland Union and Res Publica decided to form a united right-conservative party. Events 1581 - Francis Drake completes a circumnavigation of the world and is knighted by Elizabeth I. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The two parties joining was approved on 4 June by both parties in Pärnu. Events 781 BC - The first historic Solar eclipse is recorded in China. The joined party name is Isamaa ja Res Publica Liit (Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica). Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica (in Estonian Isamaa ja Res Publica Liit) is an Estonian political party
| Party | orientation (ideology) | Centre Party | Reform Party | Res Publica | Pro Patria Union | People's Union | Social Democratic Party | Coalition Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centre Party | centre-left ('social liberal') | * | 2002-2003; 2005- | - | - | 2005- | - | 1995 | |
| Reform Party[1] | centre-right (classical liberal) | 2002-2003; 2005- | * | 2003-2005 | 1992-95; 1999-2002 | 2003- | 1999-2002 | 1995-1997 | |
| Res Publica | centre-right (conservative) | - | 2003-2005 | * | - | 2003-2005 | - | - | |
| Pro Patria Union | centre-right (national conservative) | - | 1992-1995, 1999-2002 | - | * | - | 1992-1995, 1999-2002 | - | |
| People's Union | centre-left (agrarian) | 1995, 2005- | 1995-1997, 2005- | - | - | * | - | 1995-1999 | |
| Social Democratic Party[2] | centre-left ('social democratic') | - | 1992-1994, 1999-2002 | - | 1992-1994, 1999-2002 | - | * | - | |
| Coalition Party | centre (centrist) | 1995 | 1995-1997 | - | - | 1995-1999 | - | * | |
Executive branch
| Office | Name | Party | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| President | Toomas Hendrik Ilves | SDP | October 9, 2006 |
| Prime Minister | Andrus Ansip | Ref | April 5, 2007 |
| Coalition partners | IRL, SDP |
The President of Estonia is elected by Parliament (Riigikogu) for a five-year term; if he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local governments) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest percentage of votes. The Centre Party of Estonia ( Eesti Keskerakond) is a Centrist, Social liberal party in Estonia. The Estonian Reform Party (Eesti Reformierakond is a Free market liberal party in Estonia. Res Publica Party (Erakond Res Publica was a Political party in Estonia that self-identified as conservative and therefore member of IDU, but The Pro Patria Union ( Estonian: Isamaaliit, meaning literally "Fatherland Union" was a conservative Political party in Estonia The People's Union of Estonia (Eestimaa Rahvaliit is a political party in Estonia, led by Jaanus Marrandi. The Social Democratic Party ( Estonian: Sotsiaaldemokraatlik Erakond or SDE) is a Social democratic party in Estonia, led Estonian Coalition Party ( Eesti Koonderakond) was an Estonian Centre-left social-liberal party The Centre Party of Estonia ( Eesti Keskerakond) is a Centrist, Social liberal party in Estonia. The Estonian Reform Party (Eesti Reformierakond is a Free market liberal party in Estonia. Res Publica Party (Erakond Res Publica was a Political party in Estonia that self-identified as conservative and therefore member of IDU, but The Pro Patria Union ( Estonian: Isamaaliit, meaning literally "Fatherland Union" was a conservative Political party in Estonia The People's Union of Estonia (Eestimaa Rahvaliit is a political party in Estonia, led by Jaanus Marrandi. The Social Democratic Party ( Estonian: Sotsiaaldemokraatlik Erakond or SDE) is a Social democratic party in Estonia, led Estonian Coalition Party ( Eesti Koonderakond) was an Estonian Centre-left social-liberal party The President of the Republic (Eesti Vabariigi President is the Head of state of the Republic of Estonia. Toomas Hendrik Ilves (ˈtoːmɑs ˈhendrik ˈilves born 26 December 1953) is the current President of Estonia. The Social Democratic Party ( Estonian: Sotsiaaldemokraatlik Erakond or SDE) is a Social democratic party in Estonia, led Events 768 - Carloman I and Charlemagne are crowned Kings of The Franks. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Prime Minister of Estonia ( Estonian: Eesti Vabariigi Peaminister) is the Head of government of the Republic of Estonia. Andrus Ansip (born 1 October 1956) is the current Prime Minister of Estonia, and chairman of the Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond The Estonian Reform Party (Eesti Reformierakond is a Free market liberal party in Estonia. Events 456 - St Patrick returns to Ireland as a missionary bishop Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica (in Estonian Isamaa ja Res Publica Liit) is an Estonian political party The Social Democratic Party ( Estonian: Sotsiaaldemokraatlik Erakond or SDE) is a Social democratic party in Estonia, led The President of the Republic (Eesti Vabariigi President is the Head of state of the Republic of Estonia. The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state and kogu, assembly is the Parliament of Estonia. The Prime Minister of Estonia (Estonian: Eesti Vabariigi Peaminister) is the head of government of the Republic of Estonia. The Prime Minister of Estonia ( Estonian: Eesti Vabariigi Peaminister) is the Head of government of the Republic of Estonia. Estonian (; ˈeːsti ˈkeːl is the official language of Estonia, spoken by about 1 This article focuses on the cases where the Head of Government is a separate office from the Head of State Estonia, officially the Republic of Estonia ( Eesti or Eesti Vabariik) is a Country in Northern Europe in the Baltic region The prime minister is chosen by the President and conferred by Parliament. The President of the Republic (Eesti Vabariigi President is the Head of state of the Republic of Estonia. This is usually the leader of the largest party or coalition in the Parliament. The activity of the government is directed by the Prime Minister, who is the de facto 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 Constitution of Estonia was adopted on 28 June 1992. Composition Preamble The Preamble to the Constitution of Estonia reads 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.
Legislative branch
The State Council (Riigikogu) has 101 members, elected for a four year term by proportional representation. The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state and kogu, assembly is the Parliament of Estonia. Proportional representation (sometimes referred to as full representation or PR is a category of electoral formula aiming at a close match between the percentage of votes
Political parties and elections
| Party | Ideology | Votes | % | Change | Seats | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estonian Reform Party (Eesti Reformierakond) | Classical liberalism | 153,044 | 27. Parliamentary elections took place in Estonia on Sunday March 4 2007 to elect members of the Riigikogu. Events 51 - Nero, later to become Roman Emperor, is given the title Princeps iuventutis (head of the youth Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state and kogu, assembly is the Parliament of Estonia. Parliamentary elections took place in Estonia on Sunday March 4 2007 to elect members of the Riigikogu. The Estonian Reform Party (Eesti Reformierakond is a Free market liberal party in Estonia. Classical liberalism (also known as traditional liberalism, Laissez-faire liberalism, Market liberalism or in much of the world 8% | +10. 1% | 31 | +12 | |
| Estonian Centre Party (Eesti Keskerakond) | Social liberalism | 143,518 | 26. The Centre Party of Estonia ( Eesti Keskerakond) is a Centrist, Social liberal party in Estonia. Social liberalism, also called new liberalism (as it was originally termed high liberalism radical liberalism, modern liberalism, or 1% | +0. 7% | 29 | +1 | |
| Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica (Isamaa ja Res Publica Liit)1 | Conservatism | 98,347 | 17. Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica (in Estonian Isamaa ja Res Publica Liit) is an Estonian political party Conservatism is a term used to describe political philosophies that favour Tradition, where tradition refers to various religious cultural or nationally defined 9% | –14. 0% | 19 | –16 | |
| Social Democratic Party (Sotsiaaldemokraatlik Erakond)2 | Social democracy | 58,363 | 10. The Social Democratic Party ( Estonian: Sotsiaaldemokraatlik Erakond or SDE) is a Social democratic party in Estonia, led Social democracy is a Political ideology of the left and centre-left 6% | +3. 6% | 10 | +4 | |
| Estonian Greens (Erakond Eestimaa Rohelised)3 | Green politics | 39,279 | 7. Estonian Greens ( Erakond Eestimaa Rohelised) is an Estonian green Political party. Green politics is a Political ideology which places a high importance on ecological and environmental goals and on achieving these goals through broad-based 1% | +7. 1% | 6 | +6 | |
| People's Union of Estonia (Eestimaa Rahvaliit) | Agrarianism | 39,215 | 7. The People's Union of Estonia (Eestimaa Rahvaliit is a political party in Estonia, led by Jaanus Marrandi. Agrarianism is a social and Political philosophy which stresses the viewpoint that the cultivation of plants or Farming leads to a fuller and happier life 1% | –5. 9% | 6 | –7 | |
| Party of Estonian Christian Democrats (Erakond Eesti Kristlikud Demokraadid)4 | Christian democracy | 9,456 | 1. The Party of Estonian Christian Democrats ( Erakond Eesti Kristlikud Demokraadid) formerly known as the Estonian Christian People's Union ( Eesti Kristlik Christian democracy is a political ideology that seeks to apply Christian (and often specifically Catholic) principles to public policy 7% | +0. 7% | 0 | — | |
| Constitution Party (Konstitutsioonierakond)5 | Russian minority, left-wing | 5,464 | 1. The Constitution Party ( Konstitutsioonierakond) known until 11 February 2006 as the Estonian United People's Party ( Eestimaa Ühendatud 0% | –1. 2% | 0 | — | |
| Estonian Independence Party (Eesti Iseseisvuspartei) | Euroscepticism, Nationalism | 1,273 | 0. The Estonian Independence Party ( Eesti Iseseisvuspartei) is a Political party in Estonia without parliamentary representation Euroscepticism Euro (disambiguation --> has become a general term for opposition to the process The term nationalism can refer to an Ideology, a sentiment, a form of Culture, or a Social movement that focuses on the Nation 2% | –0. 4% | 0 | — | |
| Russian Party in Estonia (Vene Eesti Erakond) | Russian minority | 1,084 | 0. The Russian Party in Estonia (Vene Erakond Eestis VEE is a minor Estonian political party, drawing just 1082 votes in the 2007 elections. 2% | ±0. 0% | 0 | — | |
| Estonian Left Party (Eesti Vasakpartei)6 | Democratic socialism | 607 | 0. Estonian Left Party ( Eesti Vasakpartei - EVP was a left Socialist Political party in Estonia. Democratic socialism is a description used by various socialist movements tendencies and organizations to emphasize the democratic character of their political orientation 1% | –0. 3% | 0 | — | |
| Independents | 563 | 0. In Politics, an independent is a Politician who is not Affiliated with any Political party. 1% | –0. 3% | 0 | — | ||
| Total | 550,213 | 100. 0% | — | 101 | — | ||
Note 1: Compared to the sum of the Res Publica Party and the Pro Patria Union, who merged to form the Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica in 2006. Res Publica Party (Erakond Res Publica was a Political party in Estonia that self-identified as conservative and therefore member of IDU, but The Pro Patria Union ( Estonian: Isamaaliit, meaning literally "Fatherland Union" was a conservative Political party in Estonia | |||||||
Judicial branch
The supreme judiciary court is the National Court or Riigikohus, with 19 justices whose chairman is appointed by the parliament for life on nomination by the president. In Law, the judiciary or judicial system is the system of Courts which administer Justice in the name of the sovereign or State
Administrative divisions
Estonia numbers 15 main administrative subdivisions. A County (maakond is an administrative subdivision of Estonia. Due to the geographical and demographic size of these subdivisions, they are to be considered counties rather than states (Estonian: pl. maakonnad; sg. - maakond).
International organization participation
Estonia is member of the BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, NATO, OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
References and notes
- ^ 1992-1994 its forerunner Liberal Democratic Party
- ^ from 1992 to 1999 Moderates (an election cartel), 1999 to 2004 People's Party Moderates
Source
Estonica : Estonia in brief : Political system:
External links
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