Education Minister Kristina Kallas said that there are 13 members in the Eesti 200 faction. Of these, 12 have confirmed that they will run in the 2027 elections.
Kristina Kallas said that one member is still considering whether to continue in politics. This member is Irja Lutsar. Lutsar confirmed that she will likely not run in the next elections.
Lutsar said that she could be more useful in scientific work. She added that her time in the Riigikogu was not in vain. Important laws were passed there.
Lutsar said that Eesti 200's low rating did not influence her decision. She also spoke about her former workplace at the University of Tartu. She is expected to return there.
Irja Lutsar received her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1995. Since 2004, she has been a professor at the University of Tartu. She has also led the Institute of Microbiology.
Lutsar became well-known during the coronavirus crisis. She worked as the head of the government's Scientific Advisory Board. Lutsar joined Eesti 200 in 2023. That same year, she was elected to the Riigikogu.
Lutsar also ran for the European Parliament and local elections. She received few votes in those. Eesti 200's current support is low, only 1.5 percent.