Although Estonian presidents have little executive power, successive officeholders have shaped the office around their own priorities
HELSINKI – Estonia’s parliament is on tack to elect Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise as the country’s next president next week, after she emerged as the sole serious candidate.
MPs will vote on Wednesday to choose their head of state, with Madise’s expected election set to elevate a constitutional expert known for defending democratic institutions at a time of heightened tensions with Russia and growing scrutiny of Kremlin influence in Estonia.
Traditionally, the long list of potential candidates for the mainly ceremonial post includes diplomats, academics, civil servants, economists and business leaders as well as established political personalities. However, this year only one name was a serious contender.
When nominations closed last week, Madise was the only person to secure enough support to make her election all but certain.
