Riigikogus

Riigikogus, the Estonian Parliament, is the highest representative and legislative body of the Republic of Estonia. It is a unicameral parliament, meaning it consists of a single chamber. The Riigikogus is responsible for making laws, overseeing the government, and approving the national budget. It is also the body that elects the President of Estonia. The Riigikogus is located in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, and its current building was completed in 1938. The building is a notable example of functionalist architecture and is a protected cultural monument.

The Riigikogus is composed of 101 members, known as deputies, who are elected by the Estonian public through proportional representation. The term of office for a deputy is four years. The Riigikogus is divided into political factions, each representing a political party. The largest faction in the current Riigikogus is the Reform Party, which has 28 deputies. The second largest faction is the Center Party, with 22 deputies. The remaining seats are distributed among other political parties.

The Riigikogus meets in regular sessions, typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and in extraordinary sessions when necessary. The Riigikogus is chaired by the Speaker, who is elected by the deputies. The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order in the Riigikogus and ensuring that the proceedings are conducted in accordance with the rules of procedure. The Speaker also represents the Riigikogus in its external relations.

The Riigikogus plays a crucial role in the Estonian political system. It is the body that holds the government accountable and ensures that the government's actions are in line with the interests of the Estonian people. The Riigikogus also has the power to initiate constitutional amendments and to approve international treaties. In summary, the Riigikogus is a vital institution in the Republic of Estonia, responsible for making laws, overseeing the government, and representing the interests of the Estonian people.