riigikantsleri

Riigikantsler, or State Chancellor, is the head of Riigikantselei (the Government Office) of Estonia. The Riigikantselei is the central administrative authority that supports the Government and the Prime Minister in policy development, coordination and implementation.

The riigikantsler is the Government's top civil servant and functions as the secretary of the Government. Core duties include organizing government sittings, coordinating policy planning and strategic programs, overseeing legal drafting and the preparation and follow-up of government decisions, and ensuring coherence and compliance with law across ministries. The office also handles coordination of international and EU affairs, monitors the execution of Government decisions, and maintains liaison with parliament, national agencies, and international partners.

Appointment and tenure: The riigikantsler is appointed by the Government and serves as a non-political civil servant who remains in office across changes of government. The position is comparable to a cabinet secretary in other parliamentary systems.

History and context: The title has roots in earlier state administration, but the modern role of Riigikantsler and the Riigikantselei was re-established after Estonia regained independence to provide a coordinated, professional support structure for the Government.