In early August, the Riigikogu Council of Elders will convene. They will discuss presidential elections and party candidates. EKRE is the only party with a candidate so far. Three parties are waiting for Ülle Madis's decision. Riigikogu Speaker Lauri Hussar believes that the parliament will elect the president in September.
Reform Party can nominate a candidate with 21 votes. Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that Reform Party supports Ülle Madis. If Madis agrees, she will also be supported by Eesti 200 and the Social Democrats. Michal said: "We have spoken with Ülle Madis. She knows that people want her to be president."
Isamaa and the Center Party have not yet announced their candidates. EKRE's candidate is Mart Helme. But EKRE does not have enough signatures to nominate him. Some citizens have also nominated their own candidates.
Economist Raivo Vare criticized politicians. He said that politicians should listen more to public opinion. Vare said: "Politicians make simple decisions. They don't ask what the people want."
Riigikogu Speaker Lauri Hussar said that candidates must receive support from 21 members. Hussar stated: "The Constitution clearly says that a candidate must have 21 signatures."
Several parties want the Council of Elders to convene immediately. They want to discuss presidential candidates. Hussar said that the Council of Elders will meet within two weeks. He hopes that the parties will be ready for discussions.
Presidential candidates can be nominated starting from August 21. The first round of elections is on September 2.