Ülemkoda

Ülemkoda is an Estonian term that translates to "upper house" in English, referring to the upper chamber of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu). The concept of an upper house was briefly considered during the drafting of Estonia’s post-independence constitution in the early 1990s, but it was ultimately not adopted as part of the country’s parliamentary system.

The idea of an Ülemkoda was explored as a potential mechanism to balance legislative power, introduce regional representation, or ensure continuity in governance. Some proposals suggested it could consist of members appointed by local governments, experts, or elected representatives from specific sectors. However, the Estonian Constitution, adopted in 1992, established a unicameral system with a single chamber—the Riigikogu—comprising 101 directly elected members. This structure was chosen to streamline decision-making and reflect a more direct democratic approach.

While the Ülemkoda was not implemented, discussions about its potential benefits occasionally resurface in political debates, particularly when considering reforms to improve legislative efficiency or regional representation. Some argue that an upper house could provide a check on hasty decisions or incorporate diverse perspectives, though others emphasize the advantages of a simpler, more responsive unicameral system. As of now, Estonia remains one of the few European countries without an upper house in its parliamentary structure.