Ex-military chief's appointment as Estonia's defence minister worries security experts
The appointment of former Defence Forces commander Martin Herem as Estonia's defence minister has alarmed several ex-senior officers, who cite conflict-of-interest risks and rushed procurement, even as Prime Minister Kristen Michal expresses full confidence in him.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has appointed former Defence Forces commander Martin Herem as defence minister, a move that has unsettled some former senior military officials.
Major General (reserve) Neeme Väli says appointing a former serviceman to the post is not unusual in itself, but the current process is fairly opaque. He is particularly concerned about Herem's direct ties to defence company Frankenburg, compounded by rumors that other employees of the same firm, including Kusti Salm, could return to state service. Väli adds that today's problems trace back to when Herem himself was among those making decisions in the defence sector.
Michal argues that bringing in an outside partner is essential to restoring public trust in the sector and says he has no doubts about Herem's ability to bring order to it.
Security expert Rainer Saks warns that the risk lies in the prime minister's confidence in Herem's success. Defence Forces accounting issues will likely be sorted out over time, but procurement remains a bigger problem: a rapidly growing defence budget and a heavy volume of purchases are colliding with a shortage of experienced personnel, while excessive haste can tip into wastefulness and careless mistakes.
Väli says that same haste is evident in Herem's statements, and it rests on his personal assessment rather than any current intelligence evaluation. Intelligence assessments, he stresses, must never be shaped by political pressure — professionals should provide the assessment and policy should follow it, not the reverse. Laws and procedures must not be changed in haste, and the new minister should not be granted any special powers.
According to the prime minister, Herem has not requested such powers, seeking only political backing for reforms and greater defence efficiency. He does not intend to join a political party. Herem is due to return from vacation to Estonia on Sunday.
