President Alar Karis does not want a second term. This makes the presidential election more complicated. Political scientist Tõnis Saarts says that parties will not quickly find a common candidate.
Saarts believes that Karis's decision was unexpected but not surprising. Karis has previously said he only wants one term. This disrupts the plans of the parties, especially for the Centre Party and Isamaa.
The presidential election will likely go to the electoral college. It is difficult to reach an agreement in the Riigikogu because the parties do not get along well. The coalition has a majority, but the opposition does not support their candidate.
Saarts says that parties have already considered that Karis will not continue. Finding a new candidate is difficult because parties want to distinguish themselves, especially from the Reform Party.
The parties say they want to cooperate. But Saarts believes these are just words. In reality, the differences are too great. In 2021, the situation was easier because the parties got along better.
Saarts says that if a very good candidate who suits everyone emerges, an agreement is possible. However, no such candidate is currently visible. Therefore, the election will go to the electoral college.