Meeting with non-faction MPs boosts Land's chances of presidential bid
University of Tartu rector Tiit Land considers his meeting with Riigikogu non-faction members successful and says his prospects for being nominated as presidential candidate have improved. Several MPs have indicated support, though some will decide after hearing the other candidate.
Tiit Land, who is seeking to become a candidate for president of Estonia, said after a meeting with MPs who do not belong to any parliamentary faction that the discussion was interesting and successful. According to him, former EKRE faction member Leo Kunnas reportedly promised to sign in support of his nomination.
Kalev Stoicescu, who recently left the Eesti 200 party, said Land could gather 21 signatures in his support. He welcomed the prospect of having two candidates to choose from and considers Land and Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise equally strong contenders. Stoicescu plans to meet Madise on Monday and intends to ask her questions similar to those he posed to Land, while wishing both candidates success.
During the meeting, Land was asked what he would address in his New Year's speech as president, how he views the Nordic direction, and how he would act if war came knocking. Stoicescu also asked how to motivate young people from school age to study exact and technical sciences more. He supports Land's idea that the future lies in these fields and noted that education issues ultimately relate to family policy.
Non-faction MP Tõnis Mölder said the meeting was substantive and Land presented his vision for solving society's problems as president. Personal and sharp questions were also raised, connected to his previous activities, and the work of former presidents was analyzed together. Mölder noted that in matters of security policy and legal policy, Land would need help from competent advisers. Mölder wants to first hear Madise and only then decide who to support with his signature.
Land described the meeting as interesting because there were fewer people than at faction meetings, which allowed for better contact. MP Enn Eesmaa asked Land about his “skeletons in the closet,” which Land considers a natural question for someone seeking the presidency. Land believes domestic and foreign policy are currently equally important, but he senses that Estonian residents expect the president to be present. “I feel confident,” he said.
