Estonia's new president Madise: how the Riigikogu vote unfolded

Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, elected its new president in the first round of voting, with Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise receiving 71 votes — well above the required threshold of 68.

The presidential race had been marked by half a year of political tension. The incumbent president, Alar Karis, who was popular among the public, had strained relations with the political elite through his public statements, while names of other possible contenders floated in the press and political circles without being taken very seriously. Less than two and a half months before the election, Karis announced he would not seek a second term.

Over the summer, a wide range of names were mentioned as possible candidates, including senior European Commission official Maive Rute, diplomat Hannes Hanso, Estonia piano factory head Indrek Laul, and former Estonian Defence League commander Riho Ühtegi. Days before candidate registration, only two contenders remained: Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise and TalTech rector Tiit Land.

To become an official candidate, a person needed the backing of at least 21 members of the Riigikogu. Land would have secured only around 11 signatures, mostly from the Centre Party. Madise, however, was nominated by 75 lawmakers from several political forces, and with support from Isamaa she had already secured enough backing for a potential victory before the first vote was even held.

Discussion of the election results

A special program, "Epicenter: Presidential Elections 2026," is set to examine the vote's course and outcome, bringing together Estonian politicians and experts to discuss which agreements and political alignments shaped the process and what the result means for the country.