Estonian President Puts Forward Oliver Kask as Chancellor of Justice

Estonian President Ülle Madise has proposed to the Riigikogu, the country's parliament, that Supreme Court Justice Oliver Kask be appointed the next chancellor of justice. The chancellor of justice is a senior Estonian official who oversees the constitutionality of laws and the protection of fundamental rights. Madise held the post until she took up the presidency earlier this month, which is why a successor is now needed.

The president announced the nomination on Saturday in a statement published on her official website. Before settling on a candidate, she consulted representatives of the parties sitting in parliament.

The president's assessment

Madise described Kask as a highly regarded expert in constitutional law and the protection of fundamental rights, both in Estonia and internationally. In her view, his work in the Administrative Chamber of Tallinn Circuit Court and his election to the Supreme Court demonstrate his professional competence, leadership and communication skills.

She said Kask's life and career so far suggest he understands how the separation and balance of powers works. She noted that Estonia ranks among the best in the world on the rule of law index, and that in the international constitutional law community the chancellor's independence from political affiliation is regarded as very important. According to her, Kask is capable of, and has the legitimacy for, defending the values of the rule of law in that high-level international setting.

The candidate's background

Kask graduated from the University of Tartu's Faculty of Law. He has worked at the Ministry of Justice and, from 2004 to 2024, served as a judge at Tallinn Circuit Court, including as chairman of its Administrative Chamber. He has been a Supreme Court justice since September 2024.

The president concluded that, given Kask's professional experience, knowledge and personal qualities, he is a suitable candidate for the post.