New chancellor takes responsibility for proper use of defence funds

Kristjan Mäe, the new chancellor of Estonia’s Ministry of Defence, says he is responsible for ensuring defence funds are spent properly and in a way that merits public trust. ERR reported that he is taking up the post as the defence sector faces scrutiny over the use of state funds.

Mäe said his first priorities were to address the leadership and trust crisis and to ensure that a Russian military attack on Estonia would be impossible. He said Estonia’s security and military defence mattered greatly to him, and that the chancellor’s role was an opportunity to strengthen them.

“We live in a dangerous security environment, and in such an environment it is necessary to make bold, forward-looking decisions,” Mäe said. He added that he understood his responsibility to ensure that “five per cent” was spent correctly and in a way worthy of the Estonian people’s trust.

Asked how he would help prevent scandals such as the one involving a 70 million euro ammunition deal, Mäe said the ministry’s area of responsibility was taking feedback and concerns raised by the National Audit Office extremely seriously. He said addressing issues involving management, due diligence and technical tools was already a priority for him and the wider ministry.

Mäe has worked at the Ministry of Defence since 2012. Before becoming chancellor, he headed its policy planning department.

His predecessor, Kaimo Kuusk, was dismissed after his cooperation with the minister failed. Mäe declined to comment on Kuusk’s work or dismissal, saying it was a government decision. He said he would focus on the chancellor’s duties under laws and regulations, including managing the ministry and coordinating its area of responsibility, and on maintaining trust in national and military defence.