Experts: Role of Estonia's President to Stay the Same, but Madise Will Shape It Her Way
Estonia's newly elected president, Yllä Madise, takes office on 12 October. Political commentators say the powers of the post will not change, but she will define her own style.
Estonia's new head of state, President Yllä Madise, is officially taking office on Monday, 12 October, after taking her oath in the Riigikogu, the Estonian parliament. The president has functions in foreign policy, national defence and domestic policy, and commentators say this role will remain the same, although Madise will decide how to fill it.
On the eve of the inauguration, which coincided with the Harvest Thanksgiving Day, Madise attended a service at the Tallinn Dome Church. She is continuing a tradition observed by her predecessor Alar Karis: the service is held the day before the presidential oath.
Possible changes
Argo Ideon, editor of ERR News, the Estonian public broadcaster's news portal, told the programme "Aktuaalne kaamera" that Madise will not be a copy of any previous president. One possible change is more regular meetings of the National Defence Council, which operates under the president. According to Ideon, Madise would like the council to meet regularly, and given the uncertainty in world politics he considers this a timely step. Madise has also promised to remain impartial toward political parties, while drawing attention to society's problems and monitoring compliance with the Constitution.
Anvar Samost, editor-in-chief of the newspaper Postimees, said conflicts between the president and parties may arise over the next five years. In his view, it is not known what governments and coalitions Estonia will have, and some may act differently from what Madise, as a lawyer and president, considers right.
Calls for more independence
Some parties believe the president should be given greater independence. Anti Poolamets of EKRE, the Conservative People's Party of Estonia, advocates direct election of the head of state and a more independent presidential role in foreign policy. He said very little real substance remains in the office, despite the guard of honour and ceremonial speeches.
The inauguration at the Riigikogu will be broadcast live by ETV+ at 14:40.
