Estonian Presidential Election: Parties Divided on Approach

Estonia's political parties have taken divergent approaches to finding a new president, who will be elected this autumn. While some parties are meeting with all potential candidates, others are betting on a single candidate.

The opposition party Isamaa has decided to begin meetings with all prospective presidential candidates. Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise and Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonatan Vseviov, both mentioned as potential candidates, were not interested in meeting, but Isamaa Chairman Urmas Reinsalu spoke with CEO of Estonia Pianos Indrek Laul on Thursday. "Both [Maj. Gen. ret.] Riho Ühtegi yesterday and Laul today spoke at length about their dream for Estonia, about what they believe is on the minds of the Estonian people and what the opportunities for Estonia could be," Reinsalu said.

Opposition Center Party Chairman Mihhail Kõlvart said different candidates bring forward new ideas and that the debate among candidates should gain more momentum. The Center Party does not yet have a preferred candidate, and discussions are ongoing.

The opposition Social Democrats continue to favor Madise as their presidential candidate. Coalition parties Reform and Eesti 200, as well as the Social Democrats, have said they are prepared to support Madise's candidacy if she decides to run. However, Madise, who is on holiday, has not indicated whether she is interested in standing.

Journalist Mirko Ojakivi noted that the public figures who put forward Laul's name cannot formally nominate him without 21 signatures from members of parliament. "No parliamentary group is rushing to support Laul," Ojakivi said. He also pointed out that parties have different objectives: the Reform Party aims to steer the process smoothly, while the opposition seeks to drag it out to show the prime minister's inability to get things done.