Language learners interested in understanding Estonian culture and engaging in discussions about politics will benefit from knowing key political terms in Estonian. Here are some important political terms, their definitions, and examples of how they’re used in sentences:

Valitsus
In Estonian, “valitsus” means government. It refers to the group of people and organizations that govern a country or an area. The term can encompass the executive branch, including ministers and the prime minister in Estonia’s parliamentary system.

Eestis tegutseb hetkel uus valitsus.

Election
“Valimised” in Estonian refers to elections, which are a fundamental democratic process where citizens vote to elect their representatives.

Valimised toimuvad iga nelja aasta tagant.

Riigikogu
This term stands for the Parliament. In Estonia, Riigikogu is the unicameral parliament and legislative authority.

Riigikogu võttis vastu uue seaduse.

Erakond
“Erakond” translates to a political party. It is an organization of people who have similar political goals and objectives and who work together to get elected to public office.

Mitmed erakonnad valmistuvad tulevasteks kohalikeks valimisteks.

Peaminister
Equivalent to the ‘Prime Minister’, this term denotes the head of the government in Estonia.

Peaminister pidas olulise kõne majanduspoliitikast.

Vabariigi President
This term translates to ‘President of the Republic’ and it is the title for the head of state of Estonia.

Vabariigi President kuulutas välja uued seadused.

Demokraatia
“Demokraatia” means democracy, a form of government in which the people have the authority to deliberate and decide legislation, or to choose governing officials to do so.

Demokraatia on Eesti riigikorralduse alus.

Hääletus
“Hääletus” stands for voting or ballot in the context of a democratic election or decision-making process.

Hääletus oli selle muudatuse osas üksmeelne.

Seadusandlus
The term for ‘legislation’. It refers to the process of crafting and enacting laws.

Riigikogu tegeleb seadusandluse pideva uuendamisega.

Koalitsioon
A ‘coalition’ refers to an alliance between different political parties, usually formed to govern when no single party has secured a majority.

Uus koalitsioon on teatanud oma plaanidest järgmiseks aastaks.

Opositsioon
The term ‘opposition’ refers to the political parties that are not part of the governing body or coalition.

Opositsioon esitas umbusaldusavalduse valitsuse vastu.

Knowing these political terms not only enhances one’s vocabulary but also provides valuable insights into the functioning of the Estonian government and its political processes. Politics is deeply intertwined with history, culture, and the daily life of citizens, making these terms an essential part of comprehending Estonian language and society.