Reinsalu says Madise backing was substantive, not political game

Isamaa leader Urmas Reinsalu told ERR’s Aktuaalne kaamera that the party’s decision to support Ülle Madise in Estonia’s presidential election was based on her Estonia-centred vision and national positions, not political tactics. He said the country’s current crisis of trust required a president with broad-based support.

“We became clear that Ülle Madise is a strong candidate,” Reinsalu said. “We listened to her views, and they appealed to us, especially her national positions and her vision of carrying out the duties of president with Estonia at the centre.”

He said it was also important that the next president have broad support during Estonia’s current crisis of trust. Isamaa’s decision would help shape the framework for the presidential election on September 2, he added.

Asked whether the party had taken so long to decide in order to remain in the spotlight and demonstrate that it could determine who would become president, Reinsalu rejected the suggestion.

“Isamaa’s decision was decisive, that is true, but it was not a game,” he said. “This is a very serious matter, and I think Estonian people are right to scrutinise politicians closely at present.”

Isamaa had previously preferred incumbent President Alar Karis. After what Reinsalu described as prolonged manoeuvring by coalition parties, Karis announced that he would not seek re-election.

“For us, it was important that people clearly express their willingness to take on the presidency,” Reinsalu said. “The substantive quality for me was to hear their vision of the office of president.”

He said the party had that opportunity with Madise on Monday, following a lengthy procedural manoeuvre.

Reinsalu also praised Tiit Land and the other candidates. He said he had spoken with Madise and asked her to find a way to hear the views of the other candidates on Estonia’s situation, calling this a significant opportunity.

Reinsalu said Isamaa had reached its decision unanimously.

He also denied that supporting Madise was intended to distinguish Isamaa from the Centre Party, which had announced shortly beforehand that it would support Land.

“This was not a tactical decision, but a substantive one,” Reinsalu said. He added that he had met Land and discussed the situation seriously.

“Tiit Land is also certainly a person who would carry out the duties of president in a distinctive and very profound way,” Reinsalu said, expressing his sincere appreciation for Land’s willingness to take on the role.