Vladimir Svet to become internal policy adviser to Estonia's president-elect Kallas Madise

Social Democrat and current Tallinn city council member Vladimir Svet will become internal policy adviser to Estonia's president-elect Ülle Madise. Madise said Svet has a good understanding of the many facets of Estonian life and is skilled at finding common ground with people of differing views. She expressed confidence that his experience and ability to build bridges between people would help her in the presidency. Her comments were distributed by a communications agency on Friday, September 25.

Svet himself said it was a great honor to be invited to serve as the president's internal policy adviser. He noted that the president plays an important role in overcoming the divisions, distrust and fears present in society. Svet also said he would continue working on infrastructure and spatial development issues, which have long been a focus of his work.

Background and prior cooperation

Over the past nine years, Svet has served as infrastructure minister, deputy mayor of Tallinn, elder of two districts of the capital, and a city council member. He holds a master's degree in law from the University of Tartu. Svet previously worked with Madise before: from 2016 to 2017 he served as her adviser while she held the post of Chancellor of Justice.

In connection with his move to the president's office, Svet will step back from active political roles and his position on the Tallinn city council, and will not run in the upcoming Riigikogu elections. It was previously reported that Paavo Nõgene will head Madise's office, Harris Puusepp will serve as communications adviser, Rainer Saks as security adviser, Jaak Prints as culture adviser, and Liis Lepre-Järma as foreign affairs adviser. Ülle Madise, elected president of Estonia in late August, will be inaugurated on October 12.