Land says Madise’s presidential bid will not deter him

Tiit Land said Ülle Madise’s decision to run for president would not affect his own bid, ERR reported. Land described Madise as a strong competitor after Estonia’s legal chancellor announced her candidacy on Monday.

“It is very positive that Madise publicly announced her decision to run, and it does not affect me in any way,” Land told ERR. He said her candidacy would create opportunities for discussions in the coming weeks.

“Of course, I consider Madise a strong competitor,” Land said, describing her as a capable legal chancellor and a pleasant person.

Land said his own experience differed from Madise’s because he had worked on Estonia’s future through education, science, technology and the next generation. He also said he had led large organisations, brought different people together and gained international experience.

Madise has hired a communications company to advise her campaign. Land said he did not currently have a communications firm supporting him, but had many advisers, including colleagues and university rectors. He added that he knew communications specialists whom he planned to consult, but would not name them before contacting them.

Madise’s nomination for president was backed last week by 62 members of Estonia’s parliament from the Reform Party, Eesti 200 and the Social Democratic Party. At least 21 signatures, or one-fifth of parliament’s members, are required to nominate a candidate. A presidential candidate needs at least 68 votes to be elected in parliament.