Madise says she is not seeking presidency but may consider bid

Estonia’s Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise is not seeking a new position or a presidential candidacy but would seriously consider standing if members of the Riigikogu, Estonia’s parliament, secured broad cross-party support, ERR reported.

“I confirm that I have answered all journalists and other people who have asked in the same way. I am not seeking any new job or office. I hope to work with full strength and dedication until the end of my term as chancellor of justice,” Madise wrote in a response on Thursday.

Madise said no members of the Riigikogu had asked for her consent to nominate her as a candidate. She added that she had responded to statements made independently of her by saying that the chancellor of justice cannot and must not align herself with any party, coalition or opposition group.

Addressing media questions about a possible conflict of roles involving an independent officeholder, Madise referred to Estonia’s constitutional order. Under the Constitution, the powers of people serving in appointed or elected offices, including the state auditor, judges and the chancellor of justice, end only when the president takes the oath of office.

“If a situation should arise in which a large majority of members of the Riigikogu, across the boundaries of the coalition and opposition and different ideological groups, found that I was the person best suited to become president under the current circumstances, and asked for my consent to nominate me as a presidential candidate in the Riigikogu, I would consider it very seriously,” Madise said.

“It is possible that the country must be served in a new office if a secret ballot should lead to that,” she added.

Madise also stressed that the head of an independent constitutional institution must not put themselves forward as a candidate, make promises, reach agreements or issue party-political statements. The requirement to remain separate from party politics also applies after candidates are officially nominated and registered, including during meetings with politicians and interviews.

Kristina Kallas, leader of Eesti 200, said on Thursday that Madise currently had the support of 67 members of the Riigikogu. Züleyxa Izmailova, who left Eesti 200 and joined the Social Democrats, said she did not support Madise. Izmailova told ERR that the election would be conducted by secret ballot and that her vote would not prevent Madise from being elected president. She said, however, that there should be discussion before the vote rather than pressure on the opposition to make a quick choice.

The Riigikogu’s council of elders will discuss the presidential election on Tuesday. The first round of voting is scheduled for September 2.