Herem tops trust ratings among Estonia’s ministers

New Defence Minister Martin Herem is Estonia’s most trusted government minister, with 40 percent of residents saying they trust him, ERR reported. Culture Minister Heidy Purga and Social Affairs Minister Karmen Joller follow at 24 percent each.

Herem had only just taken office when the survey began, but quickly stood out among cabinet members, said Aivar Voog, head of research at Emor, which conducted the poll. Voog said Herem’s years as commander of the Defence Forces may have helped build public trust and an image as an expert in his field.

Average trust in ministers rose to 16 percent from 12 percent in a May survey, Voog said. Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi was trusted by 20 percent of respondents, followed by Interior Minister Igor Taro at 18 percent, Prime Minister Kristen Michal at 17 percent, and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and Justice and Digital Affairs Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta at 15 percent each.

Education and Research Minister Kristina Kallas was trusted by 13 percent of respondents, Energy and Environment Minister Erkki Keldo by 12 percent, Regional Affairs and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras by 11 percent, and Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis by 10 percent.

Most Estonian residents are not yet familiar with the new Economy and Industry Minister, Liina Vahtras, and her trust rating will become clearer in future surveys.

The representative nationwide survey was conducted online from September 17 to 24 and included 1,114 Estonian residents aged 16 and older.