Maavalitsus

Maavalitsus is the county administration of Estonia, the executive arm of a county (maakond). It operated at the county level to implement state administration tasks, coordinate between national authorities and local governments, and support regional development. The maavalitsus was led by a maavanem (county governor), appointed by the government, and included deputy maavanem(s) and several departments.

Its responsibilities included education and culture, social welfare, health, environment and planning, transport and infrastructure, and civil protection. It also handled state registrations, permits, and ensured compliance with national policies at the regional level. The maavalitsus worked with municipal governments (vallad and linnad) to deliver services and implement development programs.

Organization and leadership: The maavalitsus was organized into functional departments and advisory bodies, reporting to the maavanem, and collaborated with both national and local authorities to coordinate policy execution.

History and current status: The maavalitsus has historical roots in Estonia's post-independence administration. In the late 2010s, Estonia reformed regional governance, revising the county-level administration; as a result, the structure and role of the maavalitsus changed, with some tasks redistributed to state agencies or municipalities. In contemporary usage, the term is mainly found in historical contexts and legal texts referring to the former county administration.