Siim Kallas: Votes Exist to Elect President in Riigikogu

Former Reform Party figure Siim Kallas expressed confidence that Estonia's presidential election will take place in the Riigikogu (parliament). After incumbent President Alar Karis announced he would not seek re-election, Kallas stated that the necessary votes are available.

He predicted that an agreement on a presidential candidate will be reached among the Reform Party, Eesti 200, the Social Democrats, and a portion of non-affiliated MPs. The president, he said, will be elected in early September. Kallas admitted that the Reform Party currently has no candidate of its own, but that will soon change.

Discussing the party's ratings, Kallas acknowledged that the Reform Party is searching for a new political identity. He criticized the Right Party for recycling old ideas and noted that Isamaa leader Urmas Reinsalu is weak for not taking responsibility in the Tallinn mayoral election. He described the Centre Party and Social Democrats as strong players.

Regarding the role of the president, Kallas remarked that in Estonia the president has limited powers, with real authority resting with the prime minister. He stressed the need for a prime minister with a solid domestic political base who can defend Estonia's interests in the EU and NATO.