Estonian Justice Chancellor Madise: Would accept presidential nomination with broad Riigikogu support

Estonian Justice Chancellor Ülle Madise has outlined her position on a possible presidential bid in an interview with ERR. She said she has not put herself forward as a candidate, has not asked anyone to nominate her, and has made no arrangements with political parties.

Still, if enough members of the Riigikogu regard her as an impartial and experienced figure capable of serving as head of state, she believes accepting such a nomination would be the responsible thing to do. She said she would treat any such request from lawmakers with great respect.

No fixed threshold

Madise declined to name a specific number of MPs needed to demonstrate sufficient support. While Estonian law requires 21 Riigikogu members to nominate a presidential candidate, she indicated that meeting just this minimum would not necessarily prove the broad backing she is looking for.

According to Madise, the deciding factor is not the number of votes but whether she can maintain her image of impartiality, since she considers herself neutral in substance and practice. A nomination, she said, should show that MPs from different political camps are willing to accept her as an independent figure rather than as a representative of any single party. She would not, however, demand support from every party or try to direct how MPs vote.

No promises to parties

Madise said she could meet with parliamentary groups before formally becoming a candidate, should MPs begin collecting signatures in her support, as long as such meetings do not compromise her impartiality. She stressed she could not make promises or enter into political agreements with parties.

Asked whether she would resign as justice chancellor to campaign for the presidency, Madise ruled this out, saying there is no substantive or formal reason to step down. She noted that under the Estonian Constitution, a sitting chancellor's term automatically ends if elected president and sworn into office.

Madise also dismissed the notion of viewing Tallinn University of Technology Rector Tiit Land, whose name has also been linked to the presidential race, as a rival, since she does not consider herself to be competing for the post. She said she is familiar with the demands of the presidency and does not see it as an inherently attractive position, adding that doing the job well is just as demanding as her current role.