Tiit Land rejects claims he is political parties’ pawn

Presidential candidate Tiit Land told ERR he does not consider himself a pawn of political forces, despite his rival Ülle Madise having the support of at least three parties.

Land said he was seeking the presidency because of his experience as rector of two universities, his long management career and international background. He also cited his ability to communicate with, listen to and speak to different groups of people as a strength.

Compared with Madise, Land highlighted his long career in education and research, as well as his international experience. He said Estonia needed stronger economic growth and more innovation to address its current challenges.

Asked whether he might be acting as a pawn for political forces, Land said he had not considered that possibility. “I am not someone who believes in conspiracy theories, and I believe I have enough common sense to understand if that were the case,” he said.

Land said the support Madise has received from several parties showed that she had secured the signatures needed to be nominated as a candidate.

Land also said he had discussed Estonia’s energy policy with the Centre Party and Isamaa. He described himself as a supporter of the green transition, but said the concept had perhaps become too ideological.

“The direction and goals are right, but the question is how we achieve them,” Land said, adding that the transition should create new clean and climate-friendly technologies.

On family policy, Land said he did not have a ready-made solution that would immediately increase Estonia’s population through natural growth. He pointed to economic and educational factors, saying young people might delay starting families because of their financial situation.

Land also noted that nearly two-thirds of university graduates in Estonia are women. He said this represented a social issue, including the question of whether young people form relationships during their studies or whether highly educated young women instead choose not to start families and move abroad.

ERR’s interview was conducted by Margus Saar for the programme Aktuaalne kaamera.