Public Figures Propose Riho Ühtegi as Presidential Candidate
Several Estonian public figures have proposed former Defense League commander Riho Ühtegi as a candidate for president. The group praised his leadership and crisis management experience.
Composer Sven Grünberg, entrepreneur Hugo Osula, entrepreneur and filmmaker Chris Taska, actor and director Hendrik Toompere, and analyst Raivo Vare have called on the public to consider Major General Riho Ühtegi as the next president of Estonia. Vare confirmed that Ühtegi has given his consent. In a joint statement, they said Estonia needs a president who is not the lowest common denominator of party agreements, but an honest, direct, and experienced leader whose word carries weight and who is listened to and trusted. They emphasized that society most needs a president who would give a honest assessment of the current situation and prospects of Estonia and serve as a spiritual leader. The president should work to restore trust in society and be a bridge between divided sides.
Ühtegi (62) is an Estonian officer, Major General, who commanded the Defense League (Kaitseliit) from 2019 to 2023. He has served as commander of the Defense Forces' reconnaissance battalion and commander of the Estonian contingent in Afghanistan. He has also been Estonia's military attaché in Georgia and commander of special operations of the Defense Forces.
The Estonian parliament (Riigikogu) is scheduled to elect the president on September 2, 2026. Candidate nominations will take place from August 21 to 24. At least one-fifth of parliament (21 members) have the right to nominate a candidate. Candidates must be Estonian citizens by birth and at least 40 years old. Active military personnel or those who have served two consecutive presidential terms cannot be nominated. If the president is not elected in parliament, the Electoral College will choose.
