Reinsalu disputes Ühtegi’s view of presidential candidates

Isamaa leader Urmas Reinsalu has rejected retired Major General Riho Ühtegi’s view that there are no good candidates among those seeking Estonia’s presidency, ERR reported. Reinsalu and Centre Party leader Mihhail Kõlvart both praised Ühtegi for being willing to run.

Reinsalu described Ühtegi as a dignified and forthright retired major general who deserved recognition for being the first to take responsibility and step forward in the presidential race.

“I considered Ühtegi a very serious and substantial potential candidate because he had a clear vision of the presidency,” Reinsalu said.

Reinsalu added that all publicly known candidates had their own strengths. He singled out Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise, describing her as a calm person with a clear outlook.

“Ülle Madise is very likeable as a person and as a professional; I have no doubt about that,” Reinsalu said.

Ühtegi told ERR on Wednesday that he did not see any good candidates among those currently seeking the presidency publicly. He said people who had not been among ordinary citizens in the countryside could not establish the right connection with them.

“I have been among the people and I know how important this really is to an ordinary person. Sitting in an office in Tallinn or Brussels can never give you that feeling,” Ühtegi said.

Kõlvart wrote on social media that serving as president was a mission and demanding work requiring total commitment. He said such a commitment was not possible alongside health problems and thanked Ühtegi for making an honest decision.

“Ühtegi certainly deserves recognition for having the courage to put his name forward in this election without anyone guaranteeing him votes or a positive result beforehand,” Kõlvart wrote.

Kõlvart added that Ühtegi’s withdrawal had deprived the presidential election and possible future debates of a worthy candidate who considered listening to and uniting the people important. He said these were values the next president should bring to office.

“Retired Major General Riho Ühtegi has shown himself to be an example and a leader in his previous positions, which is an important prerequisite for the presidential role. The need for these qualities will not disappear with Riho Ühtegi stepping aside,” Kõlvart wrote.

Ühtegi announced on Wednesday that he was withdrawing from the presidential race for health reasons. Composer Sven Grünberg, entrepreneur Hugo Osula, entrepreneur and filmmaker Kris Taska, actor and director Hendrik Toompere, and economic expert Raivo Vare had proposed him as a candidate.

The Riigikogu will convene to elect the president on September 2, 2026. A candidate must be nominated by at least 21 members of parliament.