Õiguskantsleri

Õiguskantsler, or Chancellor of Justice, is an independent constitutional institution in Estonia that acts as the guardian of the constitution and fundamental rights. The office also serves as an ombudsman for citizens in their dealings with public authorities, including national and local government bodies.

The Chancellor’s primary duties include supervising the legality of public authorities’ actions and ensuring compliance with the Constitution and human rights standards. The office handles complaints from individuals about public administration, conducts inquiries, and provides legal opinions on issues affecting rights and the rule of law. In addition, the Chancellor prepares and presents opinions on draft legislation and other government or parliamentary initiatives, aiming to improve legality and protect rights.

The Chancellor operates with institutional independence and professional integrity. The office is established to act in the public interest, offering guidance to authorities to prevent rights violations and to remedy unlawful acts. While the opinions and recommendations issued by the Chancellor are not binding in the same way as court decisions, they carry significant influence and are designed to promote lawful and rights-respecting administration.

Appointments and accountability: the Chancellor is appointed by the Riigikogu (the Parliament) for a fixed term and operates independently of the government. The office reports to the Parliament and maintains ongoing contact with courts, authorities, and civil society to monitor and promote the rule of law in Estonia.