LOCAL AND REGIONAL STRUCTURES IN ESTONIA
Estonia is a unitary state composed of rural municipalities (vald), cities (linn) and counties (Maakonnad).
Local level: 194 rural municipalities and 33 cities
Municipal authorities
The municipal council (volikogu) is composed of members elected by direct universal suffrage for four years. It appoints and may dismiss the chair of the council as well as the mayor. This deliberative body is composed of a variable number of councillors, depending on the municipality demographic size. The council is assisted by sector-based commissions. The mayor cannot be the chair of the municipal council.
The government (valitsus) represents the executive board of the municipality. The government is composed of the mayor and of members appointed by him, after approval by the council. Members of the municipal government cannot sit on the municipal council.
The mayor (linnapea in cities, vallavanem in rural municipalities) is appointed by the municipal council for a four-year term. He/She is the representative of the municipal executive board. The mayor cannot hold the position of chair of the council simultaneously. The mayor and the chair of the council may be removed from office by the council, via a vote of no-confidence.
Competences
. Municipal budget
. Maternal, primary and secondary education
. Social welfare
. Health services
. Culture, leisure, sports
. Social Housing
. Urban planning, tourism
. Public transport
. Public utilities (water supply, sewage, public lighting and central heating)
. Environment
. Waste collection and disposal, street cleaning, maintenance of cemeteries
. Local taxes
Regional level: 15 counties
Regional authorities
The governor is appointed by the central government, on the minister for Regional Affairs' recommendation and after consultation with the representatives of local authorities. The governor is appointed for a five-year term and is in charge of the administration of the county.
Competences
. Management and administration of the county
