Friends and acquaintances describe Estonia's president-elect Ülle Madise

Because of her previous positions, Ülle Madise has built up a wide circle of acquaintances and friends. Journalist Anne Reiste asked several of them to describe Estonia's next president for the programme "AK. Nädal".

When the Riigikogu congratulated the incoming president, one of her friends gave her a photograph along with warm wishes. Singer and composer Siiri Sisask said she had sent Madise a picture of lingonberries, writing that even the lingonberries in the forest were rejoicing.

The friendship between Sisask and Madise began in the Riigikogu, when Sisask, then a member of parliament, sought legal advice from Madise, who at the time was an adviser to parliament's constitutional committee and head of its secretariat. Sisask said they no longer discuss politics or legislation with each other. She described Madise as having a refined and subtle sense of humour, and said that time spent with her and her family always leaves one feeling warmth and gratitude.

Olympic champion Erki Nool met Madise on a running track, back when she served as legal adviser to President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and he was a member of the Riigikogu seeking guidance on legislation. Madise trained for running then, as she still regularly does now, and Nool used the opportunity to ask his question. He described her as a consistent person, strongly devoted to her career, whose weekly training routine reflects clear goals, discipline and dedication.

As a pupil at Tartu's 15th school, Madise had hoped to become an athlete, but her path took a different turn. She graduated with a gold medal and went on to study law at the University of Tartu, on a course that produced several later prominent figures. Isamaa party chairman Urmas Reinsalu, a coursemate and later a colleague at the Ministry of Justice, recalled her as a smart, good-humoured student with whom he always got along well, and said cooperation with his former classmate as president would be businesslike should he become prime minister.

Sworn advocate and former Chancellor of Justice Allar Jõks, who crossed paths with Madise in various roles, said she is unafraid to voice her opinion and is highly rational, well-read, precise and well-argued, never imposing her views but simply explaining them.

Sisask said she does not believe the new post will change her friend or make her arrogant, citing the warmth of Madise's close-knit family. Nool added that Madise is pleasant company, though he expressed hope that in public appearances she might speak a little more freely and allow herself more room for imperfection, adding a more human touch.

Ülle Madise will become president of the republic in October, after taking the oath of office.