Prime Minister: Reform Party Would 'Certainly' Back Ülle Madise Presidential Candidacy
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said the Reform Party would support Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise for president if she agrees to run, following a proposal by the opposition SDE. Other opposition parties criticized the announcement as premature.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated on Thursday at a government press conference that the Reform Party would "certainly" support Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise as a presidential candidate, provided she gives her consent. His comments came after the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDE) proposed Madise for the presidency on Wednesday. The coalition partner Eesti 200 had also previously expressed support. However, Madise herself has made clear that she has not agreed to run, a necessary prerequisite for formal nomination.
Michal said the party would be delighted to back her and that he personally would do so without needing an internal poll. He praised Madise as fair and impartial in her role as justice chancellor, even when her decisions and opinions were not always in line with the government's views. Michal also highlighted her consistent defense of Estonia's constitutional values across various administrations, which he described as a core presidential duty. He added that Madise has a thorough understanding of Estonia's foreign and security policy foundations and actively contributes to those discussions.
Michal acknowledged that the presidential election process got off to a bad start, with politicians rushing to take positions before knowing whether incumbent President Alar Karis would seek a second term. Karis eventually announced he would not run again, ending months of speculation. The prime minister expects informal talks between parties and the sounding out of potential candidates to take up most of July, with the Council of Elders likely meeting in late July or early August. The formal nomination process runs from August 21-24, with the first Riigikogu ballot on September 2.
Leaders of other parties criticized the SDE's move. Isamaa leader Urmas Reinsalu said the public proposal was unjustified, as it put pressure on Madise. Center Party's Riigikogu faction leader Lauri Laats called the timing "inappropriate" and accused the Social Democrats of political spin. However, he added that if Madise does decide to run, the Center Party would discuss it. Madise herself thanked supporters but reiterated she had not given her consent and remains impartial in her office. Currently, the only declared candidate is Mart Helme of the Conservative People's Party (EKRE).
