The CIA World Factbook Every edition, 1992 to 2025 Europe
Executive branch Estonia, in 33 editions.
The entry for Estonia published Executive branch in 33 editions of 34, from 1992 to 2025. The text changed in 26 editions. Each is shown as published. Executive branch in every entry.
- editions changed the text
- 26
- the first edition with it
- 1992
- the latest edition with it
- 2025
Published as “Executive branch” (1992 to 2025), “Leaders” (1992 to 1993) and “Elections” (1992 to 1993).
field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe edition shownChoose an edition on the strip beside the text, or step through them with the arrows. Mark changes compares it with the edition before: the marks are ours, words added and words removed.
2025 edition
Changed since 2024Published as “Executive branch”
prime minister
Published as “Leaders”
- Chief of State:
- Chairman, Supreme Council Arnold R'UTEL (since April 1983)
- Head of Government:
- Prime Minister Tiit VAHI (since January 1992)
Published as “Elections”
- Congress of Estonia:
- last held March 1990 (next to be held NA);
- note - Congress of Estonia is a quasi-governmental structure;
- results - percent of vote by party NA;
- seats - (495 total) number of seats by party NA
- President:
- last held NA 1990;
- (next to be held NA);
- results - NA
- Supreme Council:
- last held 18 March 1990;
- (next to be held NA);
- results - percent of vote by party NA;
- seats - (105 total) number of seats by party NA
prime minister
Chief of State:
Chairman, Supreme Council Arnold R'UTEL (since April 1983)
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Tiit VAHI (since January 1992)
Congress of Estonia:
last held March 1990 (next to be held NA); note - Congress of Estonia is a
quasi-governmental structure; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -
(495 total) number of seats by party NA
President:
last held NA 1990; (next to be held NA); results - NA
Supreme Council:
last held 18 March 1990; (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by
party NA; seats - (105 total) number of seats by party NA
Published as “Elections”
- President:
- last held 20 September 1992;
- (next to be held NA);
- results - no candidate received majority;
- newly elected Parliament elected Lennart MERI (NA October 1992)
- Parliament:
- last held 20 September 1992;
- (next to be held NA);
- results - Fatherland 21%, Safe Home 14%, Popular Front 13%, Moderates 10%, Estonian National Independence Party 8%, Royalists 7%, Estonian Citizen 7%, Estonian Entrepreneurs 2%, other 18%;
- seats - (101 total) Fatherland 29, Safe Home 18, Popular Front 15, Moderates 12, ENIP 10, Royalists 8, Estonian Citizen 8, Estonian Entrepreneurs 1
- Congress of Estonia:
- last held March 1990 (next to be held NA);
- note - Congress of Estonia was a quasi-governmental structure which disbanded itself October 1992 after the new Parliament and government were installed
Published as “Executive branch”
- president,
- prime minister,
- cabinet
Published as “Leaders”
- Chief of State:
- President Lennart MERI (since NA October 1992)
- Head of Government:
- Prime Minister Mart LAAR (since NA October 1992)
Rewritten: too little of the 1992 text remains to mark the changes.
President:
last held 20 September 1992; (next to be held NA); results - no candidate
received majority; newly elected Parliament elected Lennart MERI (NA October
1992)
Parliament:
last held 20 September 1992; (next to be held NA); results - Fatherland 21%,
Safe Home 14%, Popular Front 13%, Moderates 10%, Estonian National
Independence Party 8%, Royalists 7%, Estonian Citizen 7%, Estonian
Entrepreneurs 2%, other 18%; seats - (101 total) Fatherland 29, Safe Home
18, Popular Front 15, Moderates 12, ENIP 10, Royalists 8, Estonian Citizen
8, Estonian Entrepreneurs 1
Congress of Estonia:
last held March 1990 (next to be held NA); note - Congress of Estonia was a
quasi-governmental structure which disbanded itself October 1992 after the
new Parliament and government were installed
president, prime minister, cabinet
Chief of State:
President Lennart MERI (since NA October 1992)
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Mart LAAR (since NA October 1992)
The entry for Estonia did not include Executive branch.
- chief of state:
- President Lennart MERI (since 21 October 1992);
- election last held 20 September 1992;
- (next to be held fall 1996);
- results - no candidate received majority;
- newly elected Parliament elected Lennart MERI (21 October 1992)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Andres TARAND (since NA October 1994)
- cabinet:
- Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime minister, authorized by the legislature
Rewritten: too little of the 1993 text remains to mark the changes.
chief of state: President Lennart MERI (since 21 October 1992);
election last held 20 September 1992; (next to be held fall 1996);
results - no candidate received majority; newly elected Parliament
elected Lennart MERI (21 October 1992)
head of government: Prime Minister Andres TARAND (since NA October
1994)
cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime minister,
authorized by the legislature
- chief of state:
- President Lennart MERI (since 21 October 1992) was elected for a five-year term by Parliament;
- election last held 20 September 1992 (next to be held fall 1996);
- results - no candidate received majority;
- Parliament elected Lennart MERI
- head of government:
- Acting Prime Minister Tiit VAHI (since NA March 1995); the president nominated and Parliament authorized the candidate for prime minister
- cabinet:
- Council of Ministers was appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
chief of state: President Lennart MERI (since 21 October 1992); 1992) was
elected for a five-year term by Parliament; election last held 20
September 1992; 1992 (next to be held fall 1996);
received majority; newly elected Parliament(21 October 1992)
head of government: Acting Prime Minister Andres TARAND Tiit VAHI (since NA October March1994) 1995); the president nominated and Parliament authorized the
candidate for prime minister
cabinet: Council of Ministers; Ministers was appointed by the prime minister,authorized approved by the legislature Parliament
- chief of state:
- President Lennart MERI (since 21 October 1992)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Tiit VAHI (acting since NA March 1995; confirmed 17 April 1995)
- cabinet:
- Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;
- if he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 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;
- election last held August-September 1996 (next to be held fall 2001);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Lennart MERI elected president by an electoral assembly after Parliament was unable to break a deadlock between MERI and RUUTEL;
- percent of electoral assembly vote - Lennert MERI 61%, Arnold RUUTEL 39%
Rewritten: too little of the 1996 text remains to mark the changes.
chief of state: President Lennart MERI (since 21 October 1992)
head of government: Prime Minister Tiit VAHI (acting since NA March
1995; confirmed 17 April 1995)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,
approved by Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if he
or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 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; election last
held August-September 1996 (next to be held fall 2001); prime minister
nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Lennart MERI elected president by an electoral
assembly after Parliament was unable to break a deadlock between MERI
and RUUTEL; percent of electoral assembly vote - Lennert MERI 61%,
Arnold RUUTEL 39%
- chief of state:
- President Lennart MERI (since 5 October 1992)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Mart SIIMANN (since 12 March 1997)
- cabinet:
- Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;
- if he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 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;
- election last held August-September 1996 (next to be held fall 2001);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Lennart MERI elected president by an electoral assembly after Parliament was unable to break a deadlock between MERI and RUUTEL;
- percent of electoral assembly vote-Lennert MERI 61%, Arnold RUUTEL 39%
chief of state: President Lennart MERI (since 21 5 October 1992)
head of government: Prime Minister Tiit VAHI (acting since NA Mart SIIMANN (since 12 March
1995; confirmed 17 April 1995)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,
approved by Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if he
or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 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; election last
held August-September 1996 (next to be held fall 2001); prime minister
nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Lennart MERI elected president by an electoral
assembly after Parliament was unable to break a deadlock between MERI
and RUUTEL; percent of electoral assembly vote - Lennert vote-Lennert MERI 61%,
Arnold RUUTEL 39%
- chief of state:
- President Lennart MERI (since 5 October 1992)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Mart SIIMANN (since 12 March 1997)
- cabinet:
- Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament 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;
- election last held August-September 1996 (next to be held fall 2001);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Lennart MERI elected president by an electoral assembly after Parliament was unable to break a deadlock between MERI and RUUTEL;
- percent of electoral assembly vote--Lennart MERI 61%, Arnold RUUTEL 39%
chief of state: President Lennart MERI (since 5 October 1992)
head of government: Prime Minister Mart SIIMANN (since 12 March 1997)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,
approved by Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if he
he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 three rounds of
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; election last
last held August-September 1996 (next to be held fall 2001); prime minister
minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Lennart MERI elected president by an electoral
assembly after Parliament was unable to break a deadlock between MERI
MERI and RUUTEL; percent of electoral assembly vote-Lennert vote--Lennart MERI 61%,
61%, Arnold RUUTEL 39%
- chief of state:
- President Lennart MERI (since 5 October 1992)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Mart LAAR (since 29 March 1999)
- cabinet:
- Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament 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;
- election last held August-September 1996 (next to be held fall 2001);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Lennart MERI reelected president by an electoral assembly after Parliament was unable to break a deadlock between MERI and RUUTEL;
- percent of electoral assembly vote - Lennart MERI 61%, Arnold RUUTEL 39%
chief of state: President Lennart MERI (since 5 October 1992)
head of government: Prime Minister Mart SIIMANN LAAR (since 12 29 March 1997) 1999)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if
election results: Lennart MERI elected reelected president by an electoralvote--Lennart vote - Lennart MERI
- chief of state:
- President Lennart MERI (since 5 October 1992) head of government: Prime Minister Mart LAAR (since 29 March 1999) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament elections: president elected by Parliament 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;
- election last held August-September 1996 (next to be held in the fall of 2001);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament election results: Lennart MERI reelected president by an electoral assembly after Parliament was unable to break a deadlock between MERI and RUUTEL;
- percent of electoral assembly vote - Lennart MERI 61%, Arnold RUUTEL 39%
chief of state: President Lennart MERI (since 5 October 1992)
- chief of state:
- President Arnold RUUTEL (since 8 October 2001)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Siim KALLAS (since 28 January 2002)
- cabinet:
- Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Arnold RUUTEL elected president on 21 September 2001 by a 367-member electoral assembly that convened following Parliament's failure in August to elect then-President MERI's successor;
- on the second ballot of voting, RUUTEL received 188 votes to Parliament Speaker Toomas SAVI's 155;
- the remaining 24 ballots were either left blank or invalid
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;
- if he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, 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;
- election last held 21 September 2001 (next to be held in the fall of 2006);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
chief of state: President Lennart MERI Arnold RUUTEL (since 5 8 October 1992) 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Mart LAAR Siim KALLAS (since 29 March 1999) 28 January 2002)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
election results: Arnold RUUTEL elected president on 21 September 2001 by a 367-member electoral assembly that convened following Parliament's failure in August to elect then-President MERI's successor; on the second ballot of voting, RUUTEL received 188 votes to Parliament Speaker Toomas SAVI's 155; the remaining 24 ballots were either left blank or invalid
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting, balloting in the Parliament, 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; election last held August-September 1996 21 September 2001 (next to be held in the fall of 2001); 2006); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament election results: Lennart MERI reelected president by an electoral assembly after Parliament was unable to break a deadlock between MERI and RUUTEL; percent of electoral assembly vote - Lennart MERI 61%, Arnold RUUTEL 39%
- chief of state:
- President Arnold RUUTEL (since 8 October 2001)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Juhan PARTS (since 10 April 2003)
- cabinet:
- Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Arnold RUUTEL elected president on 21 September 2001 by a 367-member electoral assembly that convened following Parliament's failure in August to elect then-President MERI's successor;
- on the second ballot of voting, RUUTEL received 188 votes to Parliament Speaker Toomas SAVI's 155;
- the remaining 24 ballots were either left blank or invalid
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;
- if he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, 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;
- election last held 21 September 2001 (next to be held in the fall of 2006);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
chief of state: President Arnold RUUTEL (since 8 October 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Siim KALLAS Juhan PARTS (since 28 January 2002) 10 April 2003)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
election results: Arnold RUUTEL elected president on 21 September 2001 by a 367-member electoral assembly that convened following Parliament's failure in August to elect then-President MERI's successor; on the second ballot of voting, RUUTEL received 188 votes to Parliament Speaker Toomas SAVI's 155; the remaining 24 ballots were either left blank or invalid
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, 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; election last held 21 September 2001 (next to be held in the fall of 2006); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- chief of state:
- President Arnold RUUTEL (since 8 October 2001)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Juhan PARTS (since 10 April 2003)
- cabinet:
- Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;
- if he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, 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;
- election last held 21 September 2001 (next to be held in the fall of 2006);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Arnold RUUTEL elected president on 21 September 2001 by a 367-member electoral assembly that convened following Parliament's failure in August to elect then-President MERI's successor;
- on the second ballot of voting, RUUTEL received 186 votes to Parliament Speaker Toomas SAVI's 155;
- the remaining 26 ballots were either left blank or invalid
chief of state: President Arnold RUUTEL (since 8 October 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Juhan PARTS (since 10 April 2003)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliamentelection results: Arnold RUUTEL elected president on 21 September 2001 by a 367-member electoral assembly that convened following Parliament's failure in August to elect then-President MERI's successor; on the second ballot of voting, RUUTEL received 188 votes to Parliament Speaker Toomas SAVI's 155; the remaining 24 ballots were either left blank or invalidelections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, 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; election last held 21 September 2001 (next to be held in the fall of 2006); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Arnold RUUTEL elected president on 21 September 2001 by a 367-member electoral assembly that convened following Parliament's failure in August to elect then-President MERI's successor; on the second ballot of voting, RUUTEL received 186 votes to Parliament Speaker Toomas SAVI's 155; the remaining 26 ballots were either left blank or invalid
- chief of state:
- President Arnold RUUTEL (since 8 October 2001)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
- cabinet:
- Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;
- if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, 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;
- election last held 21 September 2001 (next to be held in the fall of 2006);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Arnold RUUTEL elected president on 21 September 2001 by a 367-member electoral assembly that convened following Parliament's failure in August to elect then-President MERI's successor;
- on the second ballot of voting, RUUTEL received 186 votes to Parliament Speaker Toomas SAVI's 155;
- the remaining 26 ballots were either left blank or invalid
chief of state: President Arnold RUUTEL (since 8 October 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Juhan PARTS Andrus ANSIP (since 10 12 April 2003) 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if he or she a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, 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; election last held 21 September 2001 (next to be held in the fall of 2006); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Arnold RUUTEL elected president on 21 September 2001 by a 367-member electoral assembly that convened following Parliament's failure in August to elect then-President MERI's successor; on the second ballot of voting, RUUTEL received 186 votes to Parliament Speaker Toomas SAVI's 155; the remaining 26 ballots were either left blank or invalid
- chief of state:
- President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
- cabinet:
- Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, 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;
- election last held 23 September 2006 (next to be held fall of 2011);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23 September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly;
- ILVES received 174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162;
- remaining 9 ballots left blank or invalid
chief of state: President Arnold RUUTEL Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 8 9 October 2001) 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, 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; election last held 21 23 September 2001 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2006); 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Arnold RUUTEL Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 21 23 September 2001 2006 by a 367-member 345-member electoral assembly that convened following Parliament's failure in August to elect then-President MERI's successor; on the second ballot of voting, RUUTEL assembly; ILVES received 186 174 votes to Parliament Speaker Toomas SAVI's 155; the incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 26 9 ballots were either left blank or invalid
The same text in 2007 and 2008.
- chief of state:
- President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
- cabinet:
- Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, 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;
- election last held 23 September 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2011);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23 September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly;
- ILVES received 174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162;
- remaining 9 ballots left blank or invalid
chief of state: President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, 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; election last held 23 September 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23 September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly; ILVES received 174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 9 ballots left blank or invalid
- chief of state:
- President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
- cabinet:
- Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest number of votes;
- election last held 23 September 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2011);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23 September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly;
- ILVES received 174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162;
- remaining 9 ballots left blank or invalid
chief of state:
President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)
head of government:
Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
cabinet: Council of
Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
elections:
president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local governments) councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest percentage number of votes; election last held 23 September 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results:
Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23 September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly; ILVES received 174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 9 ballots left blank or invalid
- chief of state:
- President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
- cabinet:
Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest number of votes;
- election last held on 23 September 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2011);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23 September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly;
- ILVES received 174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162;
- remaining 9 ballots left blank or invalid
chief of state:
President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)
head of government:
Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
cabinet:
Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
elections:
president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest number of votes; election last held on 23 September 2006 (next to be held in the fall of 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results:
Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23 September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly; ILVES received 174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 9 ballots left blank or invalid
The same text in 3 editions, 2011 to 2013.
- chief of state:
- President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
- cabinet:
Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest number of votes;
- election last held on 29 August 2011 (next to be held in the fall of 2016);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Toomas Hendrik ILVES reelected president; parliamentary vote - Toomas Hendrik ILVES 73, Indrek TARAND 25
chief of state:
President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)
head of government:
Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
cabinet:
Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
elections:
president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest number of votes; election last held on 23 September 2006 29 August 2011 (next to be held in the fall of 2011); 2016); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results:
Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23 September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly; reelected president; parliamentary vote - Toomas Hendrik ILVES received 174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 9 ballots left blank or invalid 73, Indrek TARAND 25
- chief of state:
- President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)
- head of government:
- Taavi ROIVAS (since 26 March 2014)
- cabinet:
Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
- elections:
- president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the highest number of votes;
- election last held on 29 August 2011 (next to be held in the fall of 2016);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Toomas Hendrik ILVES reelected president; parliamentary vote - Toomas Hendrik ILVES 73, Indrek TARAND 25
chief of state:
President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)
head of government:Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP Taavi ROIVAS (since 12 April 2005) 26 March 2014)
cabinet:
Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
elections:
president elected by Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local councils) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest highest number of votes; election last held on 29 August 2011 (next to be held in the fall of 2016); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results:
Toomas Hendrik ILVES reelected president; parliamentary vote - Toomas Hendrik ILVES 73, Indrek TARAND 25
- chief of state:
- President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9 October 2006)
- head of government:
- Taavi ROIVAS (since 26 March 2014)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections/appointments:
- president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting, then an electoral assembly of Parliament and local council members elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the highest number of votes;
- election last held on 29 August 2011 (next to be held in the fall of 2016);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Toomas Hendrik ILVES reelected president; Parliament vote - Toomas Hendrik ILVES (independent) 73, Indrek TARAND (independent) 25
chief of state:
head of government:
cabinet:
Ministers(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a
elections:five-year 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the Parliament, balloting, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of and local councils) council members elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the highest number of votes; election last held on 29 August 2011 (next to be held in the fall of 2016); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results:parliamentary Parliament vote - Toomas Hendrik ILVES (independent) 73, Indrek TARAND (independent) 25
- chief of state:
- President Kersti KALJULAID (since 10 October 2016)
- head of government:
- Taavi ROIVAS (since 26 March 2014)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections/appointments:
- president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes;
- election last held on 29-30 August 2016 but three rounds were inconclusive;
- two electoral college votes on 24 September 2016 were also indecisive, so the election passed back to Parliament;
- on 3 October the Parliament elected Kersti KALJULAID as president;
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Kersti KALJULAID elected president;
- Parliament vote - Kersti KALJULAID (independent) 81 of 98 votes;
- note - KALJULAID is Estonia's first female president
chief of state: President Toomas Hendrik ILVES Kersti KALJULAID (since 9 10 October 2006) 2016)
head of government: Taavi ROIVAS (since 26 March 2014)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral assembly college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the two 2 candidates with the highest number of votes; election last held on 29 29-30 August 2011 (next 2016 but three rounds were inconclusive; two electoral college votes on 24 September 2016 were also indecisive, so the election passed back to be held in Parliament; on 3 October the fall of 2016); Parliament elected Kersti KALJULAID as president; prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Toomas Hendrik ILVES reelected Kersti KALJULAID elected president; Parliament vote - Toomas Hendrik ILVES (independent) 73, Indrek TARAND Kersti KALJULAID (independent) 25 81 of 98 votes; note - KALJULAID is Estonia's first female president
The same text in 4 editions, 2017 to 2020.
- chief of state:
- President Kersti KALJULAID (since 10 October 2016)
- head of government:
- Juri RATAS (since 23 November 2016)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections/appointments:
- president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes;
- election last held on 29-30 August 2016, but three rounds were inconclusive;
- two electoral college votes on 24 September 2016 were also indecisive, so the election passed back to Parliament;
- on 3 October the Parliament elected Kersti KALJULAID as president;
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Kersti KALJULAID elected president;
- Parliament vote - Kersti KALJULAID (independent) 81 of 98 votes;
- note - KALJULAID is Estonia's first female president
chief of state: President Kersti KALJULAID (since 10 October 2016)
head of government: Taavi ROIVAS Juri RATAS (since 26 March 2014) 23 November 2016)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes; election last held on 29-30 August 2016 2016, but three rounds were inconclusive; two electoral college votes on 24 September 2016 were also indecisive, so the election passed back to Parliament; on 3 October the Parliament elected Kersti KALJULAID as president; prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Kersti KALJULAID elected president; Parliament vote - Kersti KALJULAID (independent) 81 of 98 votes; note - KALJULAID is Estonia's first female president
- chief of state:
- President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS (since 26 January 2021)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections/appointments:
- president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes;
- election last held on 30-31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026);
- in a first round of voting on 30 August, parliament failed to elect a president;
- in a second round on 31 August, the sole candidate, Alar KARIS, received 72 votes of 101 votes (there were 8 blank votes and 21 electors not present);
- KARIS was inaugurated on 11 October 2021;
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- Alar KARIS elected president on 31 August 2021;
- parliament vote-Alar KARIS (independent) 72 of 101 votes;
- note – KARIS follows Kersti KALJULAID, who was Estonia's first female president;
- KALLAS is Estonia's first female prime minister
chief of state: President Kersti KALJULAID Alar KARIS (since 10 11 October 2016) 2021)
head of government: Juri RATAS Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS (since 23 November 2016) 26 January 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes; election last held on 29-30 30-31 August 2016, but three rounds were inconclusive; two electoral college votes 2021 (next to be held in 2026); in a first round of voting on 24 September 2016 were also indecisive, so the election passed back 30 August, parliament failed to Parliament; elect a president; in a second round on 3 October 31 August, the Parliament elected Kersti KALJULAID as president; sole candidate, Alar KARIS, received 72 votes of 101 votes (there were 8 blank votes and 21 electors not present); KARIS was inaugurated on 11 October 2021; prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Kersti KALJULAID Alar KARIS elected president; Parliament vote - Kersti KALJULAID president on 31 August 2021; parliament vote-Alar KARIS (independent) 81 72 of 98 101 votes; note - KALJULAID – KARIS follows Kersti KALJULAID, who was Estonia's first female president; KALLAS is Estonia's first female president prime minister
- chief of state:
- President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS (since 26 January 2021)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections/appointments:
- president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes;
- election last held on 30-31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026);
- in a first round of voting on 30 August, parliament failed to elect a president;
- in a second round on 31 August, the sole candidate, Alar KARIS, received 72 votes of 101 votes (there were 8 blank votes and 21 electors not present);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
- 2021 : Alar KARIS elected president;
- parliamentary vote Alar KARIS (independent) 72 of 101 votes;
- KALLAS is Estonia's first female prime minister
2016 : Kersti KALJULAID is indirectly elected president with 81 of 98 votes in parliament (17 ballots blank). She is sworn in on October 10 as the first female head of state of Estonia.
chief of state: President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS (since 26 January 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds two thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes; election last held on 30-31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026); in a first round of voting on 30 August, parliament failed to elect a president; in a second round on 31 August, the sole candidate, Alar KARIS, received 72 votes of 101 votes (there were 8 blank votes and 21 electors not present); KARIS was inaugurated on 11 October 2021; prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: 2021 : Alar KARIS elected president on 31 August 2021; parliament vote-Alar president; parliamentary vote Alar KARIS (independent) 72 of 101 votes; note – KARIS follows Kersti KALJULAID, who was Estonia's first female president; KALLAS is Estonia's first female prime minister
2016 : Kersti KALJULAID is indirectly elected president with 81 of 98 votes in parliament (17 ballots blank). She is sworn in on October 10 as the first female head of state of Estonia.
- chief of state:
- President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS (since 26 January 2021)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections/appointments:
- president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes;
- if a president is still not elected, the process begins again;
- election last held on 30-31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
2021 : Alar KARIS (independent) elected president; second round of voting in parliament with 72 of 101 votes
- 2016 : Kersti KALJULAID elected president with 81 of 98 votes in parliament (17 ballots blank) in the sixth round of voting;
- KALJULAID sworn in on 10 October - first female head of state of Estonia
chief of state: President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS (since 26 January 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes; if a president is still not elected, the process begins again; election last held on 30-31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026); in a first round of voting on 30 August, parliament failed to elect a president; in a second round on 31 August, the sole candidate, Alar KARIS, received 72 votes of 101 votes (there were 8 blank votes and 21 electors not present); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results:
2021 : Alar KARIS (independent) elected president; parliamentary vote Alar KARIS (independent) second round of voting in parliament with 72 of 101 votes; KALLAS is Estonia's first female prime minister votes
2016 : Kersti KALJULAID is indirectly elected president with 81 of 98 votes in parliament (17 ballots blank). She is blank) in the sixth round of voting; KALJULAID sworn in on October 10 as the October - first female head of state of Estonia. Estonia
- chief of state:
- President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS (since 26 January 2021)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- elections/appointments:
- president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes;
- if a president is still not elected, the process begins again;
- election last held on 30 to 31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026);
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- election results:
2021: Alar KARIS (independent) elected president; won second round of voting in parliament with 72 of 101 votes
- 2016: Kersti KALJULAID elected president;
- won sixth round of voting in parliament with 81 of 98 votes (17 ballots blank);
- KALJULAID sworn in on 10 October 2016 - first female head of state of Estonia
note - Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS resigned on 15 July 2024 but will continue as acting prime minister until the new government is sworn in
chief of state: President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS (since 26 January 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes; if a president is still not elected, the process begins again; election last held on 30-31 30 to 31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results:2021 : 2021: Alar KARIS (independent) elected president; won second round of voting in parliament with 72 of 101 votes2016 : 2016: Kersti KALJULAID elected president president; won sixth round of voting in parliament with 81 of 98 votes in parliament (17 ballots blank) in the sixth round of voting; blank); KALJULAID sworn in on 10 October 2016 - first female head of state of Estonia
note - Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS resigned on 15 July 2024 but will continue as acting prime minister until the new government is sworn in
- chief of state:
- President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Kristen MICHAL (since 23 July 2024)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament
- election/appointment process:
- president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term);
- if a candidate does not secure two thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the most votes;
- if a president is still not elected, the process begins again;
- prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
- most recent election date:
- 30-31 August 2021
- election results:
2021: Alar KARIS (independent) elected president; won second round of voting in parliament with 72 of 101 votes
- 2016: Kersti KALJULAID elected president;
- won sixth round of voting in parliament with 81 of 98 votes (17 ballots blank);
- KALJULAID sworn in on 10 October 2016 - first female head of state of Estonia
- expected date of next election:
- 2026
chief of state: President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS Kristen MICHAL (since 26 January 2021) 23 July 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliamentelections/appointments: election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of most votes; if a president is still not elected, the process begins again; election last held on 30 to 31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
most recent election date: 30-31 August 2021
election results:
2021: Alar KARIS (independent) elected president; won second round of voting in parliament with 72 of 101 votes
2016: Kersti KALJULAID elected president; won sixth round of voting in parliament with 81 of 98 votes (17 ballots blank); KALJULAID sworn in on 10 October 2016 - first female head of state of Estonianote - Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS resigned on 15 July 2024 but will continue as acting prime minister until the new government is sworn in expected date of next election: 2026
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Cite this page
Central Intelligence Agency. “Estonia: Executive branch.” The World Factbook, 1992–2025 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/estonia/executive-branch.