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History and Government
History: The history of Estonia – and indeed of the other Baltic States – has been one of constant struggle to maintain independence and national integrity against the predatory instincts of larger neighbours. The Vikings passed through the territory in the ninth century. Over the next few centuries, both the Danes and Swedes tried and failed to force Christianity upon the Livs tribe, which dominated the region. They eventually succumbed to Bishop Albert of Buxhoevden, at the turn of the 13th century. During the Middle Ages, Danish influence was at a peak in the Baltic region. After the Livonian War of the 1550s (Livonia was the area covering modern Latvia and the southern part of Estonia), a period that involved Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Russia in a disputed succession and rival territorial claims, Estonia was taken by the Swedish King Gustavus. The 16th and 17th centuries marked the high point of Swedish imperial power. The Russians were determined, however, to secure a ‘window onto the Baltic’ for economic as well as strategic reasons. Estonia was duly acquired by the Russians from Sweden, at the Treaty of Nystadt, in 1721.
Russia remained in control of Estonia until shortly after the Bolshevik revolution of 1917. At the treaty of Brest-Litovsk the following year, which brought an end to Russian involvement in World War I, Estonia was ceded. The new Soviet government at first refused to recognise Estonian independence but gave way in February 1920. The new state – along with its Baltic neighbours, Lithuania and Latvia – enjoyed just two decades of independent statehood before the Soviet Union took control under the 1939 Nazi-Soviet Pact. Soviet ownership lasted barely 12 months before Estonia was conquered in the German invasion of the Soviet Union. It was retaken by the Red Army in 1944, after which Estonia was constituted as one of the 15 Soviet Socialist Republics. Four decades passed before the advent of Mikhail Gorbachev who, as Communist Party General Secretary, offered the prospect of change for the Baltic States. A key part of the perestroika (economic reform) programme was the devolution of power to the republics. Estonia led the way among the Baltic States, assisted by the collaboration between nationalist groups and the Communist Party, who joined together in a People’s Front (analogous bodies emerged in Latvia and Lithuania) to orchestrate change.
Having asserted the right to make their own legislation, measures to establish an Estonian currency – preparatory to full economic autonomy – and to restore Estonian as the official language quickly followed. In March 1990, the Estonian Communist Party voted in favour of full independence from the Soviet Union but allowed for a six-month transitional period before making the decision final. President Gorbachev was strongly opposed but ultimately powerless – barring military intervention – to prevent the Estonian drive for independence. Rapid international recognition of Estonia and the other Baltic republics as sovereign states, followed by admission to the United Nations, completed the transition to full nationhood. In June 1992, Estonia scored two more firsts with the introduction of its own currency, the Kroon, and of a new post-Soviet constitution. The constitution was first put to the test in September 1992. The legislative elections produced an inconclusive result. Isamaa (Fatherland Alliance) formed a coalition government with two other parties; party leader Mart Laar became premier. Laar is one of a small group of prominent politicians who have dominated Estonian politics through the series of coalition administrations, which have governed the country since independence. They include Tiit Vahi, leader of the left-leaning Coalition Party, and the centre party pair of Edgar Savisaar and Mart Siimann. Laar is acknowledged as probably the most successful of these, taking much credit for guiding Estonia through major political and economic changes. Estonia is the only former Soviet republic with a distinct prospect of joining the EU. Laar began his second term of office in March 1999, following the most recent election for the Riigikogu (State Council). The collapse of his coalition in March 2002 brought a centrist grouping into office, led by Siim Kallas.
Abroad, successive Estonian governments, irrespective of their make up, have been careful to maintain good relations with Russia; as an immediate neighbour, Estonia always maintains a careful watch on its giant neighbour. In July 1997, Estonia became an associate member of the EU and the lengthy process of negotiation for full membership is now under way. Under the present timetable, accession is probably due around 2004. Estonia is equally keen on membership of NATO. However, it will inevitably run into serious objections from Russia, who is determined to avoid having NATO members on her borders.
Government: A new constitution was accepted in a referendum in June 1992, under which a 101-seat National Assembly is elected by popular vote. Members elect a President and Council of Ministers to take executive responsibilities.
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