Michal pays tribute to Siim Kallas as a role model

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal expressed his condolences to the family of Siim Kallas, who died overnight before Saturday, and said Kallas had been a role model for many, ERR reported.

“Siim Kallas was a role model for many people in the Reform Party. He founded the party, and his influence extended into many fields beyond it,” Michal told ERR on Saturday.

Michal said Kallas was admired for his good humour, cheerful disposition, broad reading and worldview.

“There was hardly any field in which he could not give advice and guide people in the right direction,” he said.

Michal said he had joined the Reform Party as a young man and become its secretary-general while Kallas was party chairman.

“Without a doubt, he was a great role model and a very capable person for my generation,” said Michal, who is currently the party’s chairman.

Michal also described Kallas as a longtime friend, ally and teacher. The two had sat next to each other in Estonia’s parliament and discussed domestic and international politics.

He extended his condolences to Kallas’ daughter Kaja, son Ülo, wife Kristi, and all his friends and relatives, calling the news both sad and unexpected.