Linnavolikogu

Linnavolikogu is the city council, the legislative body of an Estonian city municipality. It is elected for four years in local elections and is responsible for deciding on issues within the city's competence, including the budget, urban development and land-use plans, local regulations, and the management of municipal property and services (such as education, culture, social welfare, housing, and transport). The exact powers are defined by the Municipalities Act and other laws and may vary with the size and needs of the city.

Composition and leadership: The council's size depends on the city; its members are elected from political parties or independent groups. The council elects the mayor (linnapea) and forms the city government (linnavalitsus), which handles daily administration and implements the council's decisions.

Elections: Local elections occur every four years using proportional representation. Voters choose party lists or candidates; seats are allocated according to votes.

Procedures and transparency: Linnavolikogu holds regular meetings, which are usually open to the public, and publishes minutes and records. It approves budgets, development plans, and major local regulations, and may establish standing committees for finance, urban planning, education, and social affairs to prepare proposals.

Relationship to national law: Estonia's local self-government is based on local autonomy within the framework of national law; Linnavolikogu operates under state supervision of local government finances and administration when required.