Supreme Soviet of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic


The Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR was the highest organ of state authority of the Estonian SSR. Before 1988, the Supreme Soviet had no meaningful political role. After its first democratic elections on 18 March 1990, the institution was renamed the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia on 8 May 1990.

Organization

The structure and formal functions of the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR were copied from the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union. The sessions of the Supreme Soviet lasted only several days twice a year and decisions were made unanimously and without much discussion. Supreme Soviet elections were held after every four years until 1978 and were held every five years in 1978–1985. The Supreme Soviet gathered in Tallinn, in the Toompea Castle building which now houses the Riigikogu.

Presidents of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet

The presidium was the permanent body of the Supreme Soviet. Its chairman was the de jure head of state of Estonian SSR.
The chairmen of the presidium were:
PresidentFromToNotes
Johannes Vares
25 August 194029 November 1946First President of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet
Eduard Päll
5 March 19474 July 1950
August Jakobson
4 July 19504 February 1958
Johan Eichfeld
4 February 195812 October 1961
Aleksei Müürisepp
12 October 19617 October 1970
Artur Vader
22 December 197025 May 1978
Johannes Käbin
26 July 19788 April 1983
Arnold Rüütel
8 April 198328 March 1990Last President of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet

Convocations

  • 1st convocation
  • 2nd convocation
  • 3rd convocation
  • 4th convocation
  • 5th convocation
  • 6th convocation
  • 7th convocation
  • 8th convocation
  • 9th convocation
  • 10th convocation
  • 11th convocation
  • 12th convocation