President Alar Karis announced 517 laws during his term. At the same time, he left 11 laws unannounced. These laws concerned, for example, the rights of foreigners, family benefits, and land tax.
On two occasions, Karis refused to announce the law amending the Churches and Congregations Act. He found that this law was contrary to the constitution. The Riigikogu passed the law unchanged again, but the president submitted a request to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court found that the law was in compliance with the constitution, and Karis promulgated it.
For comparison. Previous presidents have also left some laws unannounced. For example, Kersti Kaljulaid left six laws unannounced, Toomas Hendrik Ilves nine, and Lennart Meri 42 laws.
Constitutional law expert Paloma Krõõt Tupay said that Karis's actions showed courage in defending the constitution. In her opinion, it is important that society debates important issues.
Karis's relations with the government were complicated. For example, in 2022, he advised Prime Minister Kaja Kallas to resign if a new coalition could not be formed.
Political scientist Tõnis Saarts said that Karis was not a typical "lapdog-type president". He was not afraid to voice his opinion when he considered it justified. According to Saarts, Karis was also popular among the Russian-speaking population.
During his term, Karis made 122 foreign visits, including to Kazakhstan and Botswana. He also frequently visited Ukraine.
Karis's foreign policy activities created conflicts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna criticized Karis's statements about Hungary and Russia.
During his presidency, Karis actively visited various regions of Estonia. He paid particular attention to Ida-Viru County and educational institutions.
According to Karis, the important decisions are those that create controversy. He believed that the president should focus on major issues.