Book of condolences opened in Estonia for former PM Siim Kallas

A book of condolences has been placed in the Angels' Hall of Stenbock House, the seat of the Estonian government, to honor the memory of former prime minister Siim Kallas, who died over the weekend at the age of 77.

Kallas served as Estonia's prime minister from 2002 to 2003 and later as a European Commissioner and vice-president of the European Commission between 2004 and 2014. He was also one of the founding members of the Reform Party. He is regarded as a key figure behind Estonia's monetary reform and played a major role in the country's accession to the European Union and NATO in 2004, as well as its adoption of the euro in 2011. Kallas was the father of Kaja Kallas, the current EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Estonian President Alar Karis was the first to sign the book, having earlier praised Kallas as a statesman whose bold and forward-looking vision helped shape the country's development. Among the early signatories were former prime minister Taavi Rõivas and former Bank of Estonia president Ardo Hansson.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal also paid tribute over the weekend, describing Kallas as a role model and mentor who played an instrumental part in building modern Estonia.

The book was open for signing until 5 p.m. on Sunday, and from Monday it will be available on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the day before Kallas' funeral, after which it will be given to his family. People can also offer condolences online.