Riigikogu is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a special sitting

NordenBladet — Today at 12 noon, the Riigikogu is holding a special sitting to celebrate its 100th anniversary. This will begin with an opening address by Henn Põlluaas.

“The Constituent Assembly shaped Estonia’s developmental avenues as the first representative body. It declared that the people of Estonia wanted to live independently in a nation state. Forever, as our Constitution also confirms,” said Põlluaas. He emphasised that we have survived destructive historical storms, we have persevered and restored our country. “We have something to be proud of. I really hope that the members of the current Riigikogu will not forget the democratic and noble principles of the founders of the Republic of Estonia and the Constituent Assembly,” the President of the Riigikogu stressed.

President of the Republic Kersti Kaljulaid will also speak at the sitting, as will Prime Minister Jüri Ratas, Chairman of the Administrative Law Chamber Ivo Pilving, Auditor General Janar Holm, and Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise.

On 23 April 1919, the first representative body elected by the independent Estonian nation – the Constituent Assembly – convened in Tallinn. The Assembly was essentially our first parliament, passing the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of Estonia, and the Land Act, and solving other issues of vital importance for the Republic of Estonia. The decisions of the Constituent Assembly formed the foundation of the Republic of Estonia.

The festive spirit is heightened by the chamber choir Collegium Musicale, under conductor Kristel Marandi.

The sitting will be streamed live.

More information on the anniversary week of the Riigikogu can be found on the home page of the Riigikogu.

Source: Parliament of Estonia