New government takes the reins in Riigikogu

Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves appointed on Wednesday, March 26, the new Estonian government, reports Public Broadcasting.

The government was formed by prime minister, Reform Party member Taavi Roivas. The Reform Party and Social Democratic Party government includes also Reform Party members Keit Pentus-Rosimannus as the environment minister, Urve Tiidus as the culture minister, Jurgen Ligi as the finance minister, Urmas Paet as the foreign minister, Hanno Pevkur as the interior minister, Urmas Kruuse as the health and labor minister and Anne Sulling as the foreign trade and entrepreneurship minister.

The Social Democrats to work in the government are party chairman Sven Mikser as defense minister, Jevgeni Ossinovski as education and science minister, Andres Anvelt as the justice minister, Urve Palo as the economy and infrastructure minister, Ivari Padar as the agriculture minister and Helmen Kutt as the social welfare minister.

The new government can work till the next Riigikogu elections that take place on March 1 next year.

The new government will give the oath of office to the Riigikogu Wednesday afternoon, after which the president will relieve the previous Andrus Ansip-led Reform Party and Pro Patria and Res Publica Union government of its duties.