Estonia's pick for defense minister, Herem, draws concern from security experts
The nomination of former Estonian Defense Forces chief Martin Herem as defense minister has raised concerns among security experts over potential conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency in the process. Prime Minister Kristen Michal says he fully trusts Herem.
The selection of former Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) commander Martin Herem as the country's next defense minister has drawn criticism from security experts, who point to possible conflicts of interest and an opaque appointment process.
Retired Maj. Gen. Neeme Väli said that while moving from military leadership to a ministerial post is not unusual in itself, the current process lacks transparency. He is especially concerned about Herem's direct ties to defense industry company Frankenburg, and about the possibility that other people connected to the firm could also return to government service. Väli pointed to Kusti Salm, the ministry's former permanent secretary who became CEO of Frankenburg Technologies in fall 2024, saying it is unclear how a conflict of interest would be resolved or prevented should Salm return to the ministry. Väli also noted that some of the current problems in Estonia's defense sector originated while Herem himself was among the decision-makers.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal of the Reform Party said he has no doubts about Herem's ability to fix the ministry's problems, adding that an outside partner should also be brought in to help restore public trust in the sector.
Security expert Rainer Saks warned that Michal is taking a risk by placing so much confidence in Herem. While the EDF's accounting can likely be sorted out, Saks said the bigger concern is procurement: a rapidly growing defense budget and a large volume of procurements are running up against a shortage of experienced people able to spend the money effectively.
Intelligence should guide the pace of policy
Väli also questioned the urgency behind Herem's plans, arguing that decisions about the pace of defense preparations should rest on intelligence assessments rather than one person's personal judgment. He warned against rushing changes to laws or procedures, or granting the incoming minister special powers. Michal responded that Herem has not requested such powers, only political support for reforms. Herem does not intend to join any political party and is currently on vacation, due to return to Estonia on Sunday.
