Jõks: next chancellor of justice could come from among judges or lawyers
Former chancellor of justice Allar Jõks says suitable candidates to succeed Ülle Madise exist both among judges and lawyers, should Madise be elected Estonia's president.
The possible election of Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise as Estonia's president has raised the question of who could succeed her. Former chancellor of justice and sworn advocate Allar Jõks says suitable candidates for the post can be found both among judges and among lawyers.
Jõks noted that the Estonian constitution does not specify whether the outgoing or incoming president should nominate the new chancellor of justice to the Riigikogu. He said constitutional logic dictates that an outgoing president does not make major decisions of state-legal significance, yet while in office Alar Karis himself nominated Madise for the post to the Riigikogu back in 2021.
If Madise is elected president, Jõks believes it would be preferable for the outgoing and incoming presidents to jointly nominate the new chancellor of justice to the Riigikogu, signaling continuity in the office to the public. Madise's powers as chancellor of justice would end once she takes the presidential oath.
According to Jõks, how quickly a new chancellor could take office depends on whether the person has already passed the necessary vetting. Judges face no issues in this regard, making them strong candidates. Jõks added that even if Karis managed to nominate a new chancellor before leaving office, this would not fit the state-legal logic, since Madise knows the job and Estonia's leading lawyers, with whom she has worked, better than anyone.
Jõks declined to name a specific person without first discussing it with a potential candidate, but said suitable people could be found at the Supreme Court, in other courts, and among lawyers. He noted that a candidate must personally want the position and have political support, estimating that at least ten people would be suitable. He pointed out that the law requires a chancellor of justice to have outstanding moral qualities, dedication, courage and correct life values, alongside educational criteria.
Madise was appointed chancellor of justice in 2015, and the Riigikogu reappointed her for a second term on 15 December 2021, which began on 4 April 2022. On Monday, Madise announced she is formally running for president. After gaining the backing of Isamaa and three non-affiliated MPs, her support rose to 77 votes; 68 votes are required for election.
