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 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).

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.

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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 constiution and he was elected President.

Related Topics:
1920 - Presidential system - State Elder of Estonia - 1933 - 1934 - Parliamentary system - Konstantin Päts - State Protector - 1938

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