Kiili seeks independent MPs’ backing for Land presidential bid

Meelis Kiili, who recently left the Reform Party, has asked independent members of Estonia’s parliament to support Tiit Land’s nomination for president so that voters have at least two genuine candidates to choose from, ERR reported.

“Supporting the nomination of a candidate and voting for them in the presidential election are two completely different things,” Kiili said. “Supporting Tiit Land’s nomination does not mean an obligation to vote for him later. It creates the possibility of having at least two real candidates whose views can be compared publicly.”

At least 21 members of parliament must support the nomination of a presidential candidate.

Kiili said the goal of independent MPs should not be to force through one particular candidate. Instead, Estonia should aim to elect the best possible president, which first requires a genuine choice, he said.

“An election means having someone to choose between. A process with one candidate may formally comply with the rules, but it does not create a substantive choice. Having at least two candidates would enable debate and require them to explain their understanding of the president’s role and Estonia’s future,” Kiili said.

He said candidates should be assessed, among other things, on how they understand the president’s role in balancing the political system, serving as supreme commander of national defence, uniting society and representing Estonia in foreign and economic relations. The next president must also understand the importance of education, the information environment and energy security to Estonia’s long-term survival and security, Kiili said.

Kiili added that the rules for electing the president should be revisited after the election.

Kiili announced on August 10 that he was leaving the Reform Party and would continue working in parliament as an independent MP. Shortly before him, Kalev Stoicescu announced his departure from Eesti 200. The number of MPs without a parliamentary group consequently rose to 20, nine of whom are not affiliated with any political party.

Isamaa and the Centre Party are also seriously considering supporting Land’s nomination. Their parliamentary groups have eight and seven members respectively, while four additional politicians who are not members of their groups but are affiliated with the parties could also support the bid. That would bring the total to 19, two short of the 21 votes required.

Stoicescu has already indicated that he may support Land. If both Stoicescu and Kiili did so, the nomination would have the required 21 signatures.