Keskerakond backs Tiit Land in Estonia’s presidential election

Estonia’s Centre Party has decided to support Tallinn University of Technology rector Tiit Land’s candidacy in the presidential election, ERR reported.

The decision was made at a joint meeting of the party’s board and its parliamentary group. Centre Party leader Mihhail Kõlvart said Estonia needed a president who could unite society, defend the country’s interests and remain politically independent.

“Tiit Land’s strengths include his academic and international background, as well as his extensive management experience,” Kõlvart said. He also highlighted Land’s political neutrality, saying the president should represent all of Estonia rather than one party or political force.

The Centre Party said that a genuine presidential election, rather than the appointment of a head of state, was important, and that democracy required at least two candidates.

Kõlvart said a meeting with Land had shown him to be capable of approaching complex issues substantively and pragmatically. They discussed energy, demographics, education, the economy and international relations, he said.

According to Kõlvart, one of the next president’s most important tasks will be to restore trust in Estonian society and bring together people with different views and backgrounds.

He added that Land’s long experience managing universities would prepare him to advocate for Estonian research, education and innovation. Estonia’s competitiveness depended on its ability to remain innovative, educated and open to new solutions, Kõlvart said.