Local Self-Government in Estonia
Local Self-Government in Estonia
Author(s): Sulev MäeltsemeesSubject(s): Constitutional Law, Public Administration, Recent History (1900 till today), Labor relations, Government/Political systems, 19th Century, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Fiscal Politics / Budgeting
Published by: Ragnar Nurkse School of Innovation and Governance, Tallinn University of Technology
Keywords: Estonia; Local Self-Government;
Summary/Abstract: Estonia was proclaimed a Republic on 24 Februar 1918. Until that time Estonia had been a part of the Russian Tsarist Empire for over 200 years. Rural municipalities (vald) as institutions of local self-governance were formed in 1816 in the Estonian province (kubermang) and in 1819 in the Livonian province. Rural municipalities were originally established by manorial estates. Rural municipalities became more independent in 1866 when the Rural Community Government Act was enforced. The rural municipality started electing the local council, the local executive board and the mayor, and since then we can talk about local self-government in Estonia that is based on modern principles. Several cities (linn) had a tradition of self-governance from the Middle Ages (Town Law of Lübeck). In 1877, the Lübeck Rights became invalid on the territory of the present-day Estonia and the 1870 Russian Cities Act was enacted.
Journal: Halduskultuur
- Issue Year: XVII/2016
- Issue No: 2
- Page Range: 79-109
- Page Count: 31
- Language: English