Chairman of the Center Party Mihhail Kõlvart said they will not participate in the presidential elections in the Riigikogu. Expert Annika Arras responded that Kõlvart should read the constitution. Faction members can vote, it cannot be prohibited.
Arras said direct presidential elections would be more interesting than the current system. Candidates could travel across Estonia and talk to people. There would be more surveys.
The expert added that the threat of foreign interference exists in every election. There are no serious arguments against direct presidential elections. It's simply a choice and a matter for discussion.
According to Arras, election transparency depends on politicians. Changing electoral rules doesn't change that. If candidates were known earlier, there would be more debates and people would know better.
The Center Party supports direct presidential elections. Kõlvart promised they wouldn't just go to the Riigikogu during elections. Arras said the party chairman cannot forbid members from voting.
Arras also spoke about Isamaa's candidate Ülle Madise. Madise's meeting with the faction has been successful. Many believe she would make a good president.
The expert said presidential elections are important for parties. Maintaining party discipline is difficult. EKRE's discipline is strong because dissenters have been expelled.
Presidential elections also affect the next Riigikogu elections. But there are still five-six months left. Everything can change.
Arras believes the Social Democrats would win if Madise is elected. Presidents' support is always high. The main topics of the next elections will be abortion and tax policy.