President of Estonia

The President of Estonia, is the head of state for the Republic of Estonia.

Related Topics:
President of Estonia - Head of state - Republic of Estonia

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As the head of state the following duties are attributed to the President:

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• Represents Estonia in international relations.
• Confers diplomatic ranks, appoints and recalls diplomatic representatives of the Republic of Estonia, accepts letters of credence from foreign diplomatic representatives accredited to Estonia, signs instruments of ratification, etc.
• Promulgates laws or returns them to the parliament for a new debate.
• Has the right to initiate amendment of the Constitution.
• Is the Supreme Commander of Estonia's national defence, convenes and presides over the National Defence Council, confers military ranks.

The President 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 Prime Minister is nominated by the president, who then must seek approved from the Parliament.

Related Topics:
Parliament - Prime Minister

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The current President is Arnold Rüütel, who was elected to the post by an electoral college on 21 September 2001.

Related Topics:
Arnold Rüütel - 21 September - 2001

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President of Estonia: Presidents of Estonia ►