Riigikogu speaker Lauri Hussar says Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise does not want just 68 votes to become president. She wants support from both the coalition and opposition. Madise does not need to resign from her current position to run for president.
Hussar mentioned that Madise has said: if Riigikogu members want her as president, she will agree. This requires at least 21 signatures. Madise wants to be a serious candidate. She has not asked for support from political parties.
Hussar says Madise can meet with Riigikogu factions. This can be done before candidates are officially nominated. Candidates will be nominated from August 21 to 24.
Madise does not need to leave her current position to run for president. The Constitution allows this. If elected president, all her other official duties will end.
Hussar believes Madise is a good candidate. She is impartial and an experienced lawyer. Madise has worked for the Estonian state for a long time. Hussar says he cannot imagine a better candidate.
Electing the president requires at least 68 votes. Riigikogu has three more weeks. Hussar says there is no need to speculate now about how votes will be distributed. The important thing is to find broad support for Madise.
Hussar believes that if Riigikogu can reach an agreement, it would be good news for all Estonians.