Madise says Estonia must put its own interests first

Estonia must act in its own interests while remaining a useful partner to its allies, presidential candidate Ülle Madise said in an interview with ERR and Vikerraadio’s Uudis+ programme.

Madise said she believed the lack of support signatures from conservative parties would not damage her image as an impartial candidate. So far, signatures have been submitted by MPs from the Reform Party, Eesti 200 and the Social Democrats.

“I do not know how to divide people’s worldview so rigidly into two groups, with some being conservatives and others liberals,” Madise said.

She noted that the Social Democrats, who are currently in opposition, had first proposed her as a possible candidate. Their economic and social policy views, she said, differed considerably from those of the Reform Party and Eesti 200.

Madise said all parties represented in the Riigikogu should represent a range of interests and views. She added that she had remained impartial during her time as chancellor of justice and had never become a passionate advocate for any particular issue, despite pressure in difficult circumstances.

“The chancellor of justice must be credible and trusted by all people in Estonia, regardless of their worldview,” she said.

According to the Constitution, the same principle applies to the president, Madise said. She added that she wanted to preserve her impartial image and not be associated with any single party, coalition or opposition group.

Madise said it remained unclear whether she would receive support across party lines because the deadline for nominating presidential candidates is August 24. She said this was how the process should work in a parliamentary democracy.

She said that meetings with Riigikogu members on Monday and Tuesday had involved good questions and interesting discussions. Madise said she had not sensed disagreement during meetings with MPs from Isamaa, the Centre Party or among unaffiliated members of parliament.

“I told the same story throughout, one that I believe suits a president as someone who advances Estonia’s future and inspires its people,” she said.

Madise said MPs were free to decide how to vote. She suggested they might be seeking an independent and balanced intermediary who could maintain domestic stability and represent Estonia abroad while ensuring that the country was recognised as one worth defending.

She said it was up to MPs to decide how an agreement would be reached, what considerations would guide them and how much attention they would pay to parliamentary elections and political manoeuvring.