Estonian PM Michal on Pevkur's exit: no one is made of iron

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal of the Reform Party has commented on the decision of his longtime party colleague Hanno Pevkur to leave politics. Pevkur, who stepped down as defence minister in September, announced on Wednesday that he will not run in the next Riigikogu (Estonian parliament) election and is leaving politics altogether. The election is four months away.

Michal thanked Pevkur for his work and their years together. He described the former minister as a loyal and honest team member who managed to accomplish a great deal. The prime minister said he had tried to persuade his colleague to stay but understands the choice: people sometimes break down when they see an overwhelming number of vicious comments around them and know that nothing can be changed. "After all, no one is made of iron," he said.

Michal said he gave Pevkur considerable emotional support and asked his team to do the same. According to him, Pevkur will be hard to replace, although new people are still joining the party. The prime minister added that Pevkur will keep following the party's successes and is ready to offer advice.

Pevkur's explanation

In an interview with the broadcaster ERR, Pevkur said he has spent 25 years in politics, 20 of them as a member of parliament and 12 in the Estonian government. He said he had thought long and seriously about what he wants to do next in life and decided not to stand again.

Pevkur is looking for opportunities in the private sector and is open to offers outside Estonia. Until he settles on his plans, he will continue to serve out the parliamentary mandate he received from voters.