Michal backs Pevkur as he leaves politics

Prime Minister Kristen Michal thanked Hanno Pevkur for his years of service and said he understood his decision to leave politics, ERR reported. Michal said relentless negativity and angry comments can wear down even the strongest.

Michal said he had tried to persuade his longtime ally to stay and had supported him emotionally, asking his team to do the same. “No one is made of iron,” he said, adding that he considered Pevkur a good man and a valued member of the team.

Pevkur announced on Wednesday that he would not run in the next parliamentary elections and would leave politics. He stepped down as defence minister in September. He is seeking opportunities in the private sector and is open to offers outside Estonia.

Pevkur told ERR he had spent 25 years in politics, held a parliamentary mandate for 20 years and served in the government for 12 years. He said he had decided after careful consideration not to run again, but would continue serving in parliament until circumstances became clear.

Michal said Pevkur would be hard to replace, but new people would join the party over time. He added that Pevkur would continue to follow the party’s fortunes and would be ready to offer advice.