The political framework of Estonia

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021)
Prime Minister: Kristen MICHAL (since 23 July 2024)

Next Election Dates

Presidential: 2026
Parliament: March 2027

Main Political Parties

Estonia has a multi-party system. Political parties often work together to form coalition governments. The major political forces in the country are:

- Reform Party: centre-right, conservative liberalism, largest represented political faction
- Estonia 200 (E200): liberal, supports the government coalition
- Social Democratic Party (SDE): centre-left, promotes social democracy
- Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE): national conservatism, Estonian nationalism. It is part of the ruling coalition
- Isamaa (I): national conservatism, Christian democracy. It is part of the ruling coalition
- Estonian Centre Party (K): centre-left, populist, has always secured parliamentary representation following independence
- Estonian Nationalists and Conservatives (ERK): right-wing, nationalist and conservative, founded in 2024.

Executive Power

The President is the head of state and is elected by Parliament for a five-year term (renewable once). If Parliament fails to elect a President, an electoral college composed of MPs and local government representatives takes over the process. The President is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He/she nominates the Prime Minister after approval by Parliament (generally the leader of the majority party or coalition). The Prime Minister is the head of government and holds executive powers, including the implementation of laws and the day-to-day administration of the country. The Council of Ministers is appointed by the President on the proposal of the Prime Minister and must be approved by Parliament.

Legislative Power

The legislature in Estonia is unicameral. The Parliament, called the Riigikogu, has 101 seats, with its members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms. The Riigikogu initiates and approves legislation, which may be proposed by MPs, parliamentary committees, the government, or, in certain cases, the President. The government is directly or indirectly dependent on the support of Parliament, often expressed through a vote of confidence. The government cannot dissolve Parliament, but in cases such as the rejection of the national budget or a failed vote of confidence, the President may call for early elections.

The citizens of Estonia enjoy considerable political rights. Estonia is among the world's leaders in e-governance, with a highly transparent system in which government decisions are almost instantly made available online.

The judiciary is independent in Estonia and generally free from government influence. The main source of law is the Constitution of June 1992. The legal system follows the civil law tradition, and judicial review of legislative acts is carried out by the Supreme Court (Riigikohus). Estonia is a member of the European Union, meaning national law must comply with EU legislation and the rulings of the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Estonia accepts compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) but with reservations.

Indicator of Freedom of the Press

World Rank:

15/180

Indicator of Political Freedom

Ranking:

Free

Political Freedom:

1/7

Political freedom in the world (interactive map)
Source: Freedom in the World Report, Freedom House