Estonian Opposition Awaits Madise's Reply as Presidential Election Looms

With just over four weeks until Estonia picks its next president, two opposition parties — the Center Party and Isamaa — still have not made clear whether they would back current Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise. Madise herself has not said if she would leave her post to run for the presidency.

The Reform Party, Social Democrats and Eesti 200 have already publicly indicated they would vote for Madise. Opposition leaders, however, are staying noncommittal. Isamaa chairman Urmas Reinsalu said the party is open to considering all possible candidates but wants to meet them in person to understand their vision of the president's role. He described Madise as a serious potential candidate.

Center Party vice-chairman Lauri Laats said Madise has given neither a yes nor a no, and the party is waiting for her answer. Depending on that response, the Center Party will decide whether to support Madise, put forward its own candidate, or pick from those already in the race.

Lawyer Allar Jõks, who ran for president ten years ago, said Madise's silence is understandable: as Chancellor of Justice, she cannot afford to be drawn into political games. In his view, the process should be different — the Riigikogu Council of Elders, after verifying that Madise has broad support, should formally ask her to stand.

Social Democrat Tanel Kiik suspects that some parties, like EKRE, do not want the president to be elected in parliament and are deliberately pushing for a vote in the electoral college. He described the situation as a game of cat and mouse, with everyone waiting for someone else to make the first move. The Riigikogu Council of Elders may convene as early as next week, but that does not guarantee that a candidate acceptable to most parties will be found.