Security experts question Herem’s move from military to ministry

Several former senior military officers have raised concerns about former Defence Forces Commander Martin Herem becoming Estonia’s defence minister, ERR reported. They point to his movement between the state and the defence industry, as well as possible haste in procurement decisions.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal said he had no doubts about Herem’s ability to put the defence sector in order.

Former servicemen moving into the defence ministry is not unusual in itself, but the current process has been relatively opaque, reserve Major General Neeme Väli said. He is particularly concerned about Herem’s direct connection to Frankenburg, a defence industry company, as well as reports that other people working there could return to state employment.

“How the conflict of interest will be resolved and prevented, I cannot say. We will see how it goes,” Väli said. He also noted that many of the current problems began when Herem was one of the decision-makers.

“Martin Herem knows where he succeeded and where he failed. An outside partner must certainly be involved to restore public trust in this field,” Michal said.

Security expert Rainer Saks said Michal’s confidence in Herem’s success was a risk taken by the prime minister. While military accounting would probably be brought into order over time, procurement posed the greater challenge, Saks said.

“We have a rapidly growing defence budget and many defence procurements, but not enough people with experience in this work and in spending the money efficiently. On top of that, there is enormous haste,” Saks said.

Saks said the Defence Forces must be able to protect the country as quickly as possible, but that haste eventually becomes waste and leads to foolish mistakes. Väli said the same haste could be heard in Herem’s statements.

“What is this speed based on? It is based on Martin Herem’s personal assessment. No intelligence assessment supports it today. Intelligence assessments must not be politically influenced. Professionals should provide the intelligence assessment and policy should be adjusted accordingly, not the other way around,” Väli said.

Väli added that laws and procedures should not be changed hastily, nor should the new defence minister be given special powers. Michal said Herem had not requested such powers, but had only asked for political support for reforms and improvements to defence capability. Herem does not want to join a political party.

Herem is still on leave and is due to return to Estonia tomorrow.