The Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR (Estonian: Eesti NSV ÃÂlemnõukogu) 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.
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 1978âÂÂ1985. The Supreme Soviet gathered in Tallinn, in the Toompea Castle building which now houses the Riigikogu (as it did in interwar Estonia).
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: