Riigikogu

Riigikogu. The Riigikogu is the unicameral parliament of the Republic of Estonia, embodying the supreme legislative power of the state. It convenes in the historic Toompea Castle in the capital, Tallinn, and is composed of 101 members elected by proportional representation. The institution is central to the nation's democratic governance, exercising key functions including enacting legislation, approving the state budget, and overseeing the executive branch led by the Prime Minister of Estonia.

History

The first convened on 23 April 1919, following the Estonian War of Independence and the establishment of the republic. Its early sessions were held in the building of the Knighthood House on Toompea hill. The institution's activities were suspended after the Soviet occupation in 1940, during which Estonia was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union. Throughout the Cold War, the body existed only in exile, maintained by the Estonian government-in-exile. It was restored on 29 September 1992, following the Singing Revolution and the re-establishment of independence, with its first post-Soviet elections held under the new Constitution of Estonia.

Composition and elections

Members are elected for a four-year term through a nationwide vote based on proportional representation, with a 5% electoral threshold for political parties. The country is divided into twelve electoral districts, such as Harju and Rapla, which correspond to the counties of Estonia. Notable elections that have shaped its composition include the 2007 election, which saw the Estonian Reform Party gain prominence, and the 2019 election where the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE) entered the chamber. The most recent election was the 2023 Estonian parliamentary election, resulting in a coalition government led by Kaja Kallas.

Powers and functions

Its constitutional powers are extensive, primarily focused on the passage of laws, which require a majority vote and the signature of the President of Estonia. It ratifies significant international treaties, such as Estonia's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union. The body holds the exclusive right to approve the state budget and authorize the government to borrow money. Furthermore, it appoints high-level officials including the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Auditor General, and the Chancellor of Justice, and can initiate changes to the Constitution of Estonia.

Structure and operation

The work is organized under the leadership of the President of the Riigikogu, a position held by figures such as Ene Ergma and Lauri Hussar. The legislative process is managed through eleven permanent committees, including the Finance Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee. Sessions are governed by the Rules of Procedure and a quorum requires at least half of the members. The institution's administrative and research support is provided by the Chancellery of the Riigikogu, located within the complex of Toompea Castle.

Relationship with other institutions

It forms the core of Estonia's political system, with the government, led by the Prime Minister of Estonia, requiring its confidence to remain in power, as seen during the tenure of Jüri Ratas. The President of the Republic, such as Alar Karis, promulgates laws passed by the parliament and represents the state in foreign affairs. The judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court of Estonia, exercises judicial review over the constitutionality of its acts. On the international stage, members participate in assemblies of the Council of Europe and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

Category:National legislatures Category:Government of Estonia Category:Unicameral legislatures