Estonia's president-elect Madise assembles adviser team ahead of inauguration

Estonia's president-elect Ülle Madise is set to be sworn in on October 12, and public attention has turned to the composition of her advisory team. Preparations for her term are in full swing, with particular interest in who she chooses as advisers, since these picks hint at the direction she intends to take as head of state.

So far it is known that Paavo Nõgene will become director of the Office of the President, Rainer Saks will serve as security adviser, Vladimir Svet as domestic policy adviser, Harrys Puusepp as communications adviser, Jaak Prints as cultural adviser, and Taimar Peterkop as adviser to the National Defense Council. The list remains incomplete. Some of the names are well known and respected, while others have prompted skepticism among citizens wary of a so-called "deep state" gaining influence at Kadriorg.

ERR News columnist Kaupo Meiel wrote a satirical commentary on the topic, jokingly suggesting the president-elect could also consider more unusual advisory posts — such as a dedicated "deep state" adviser, an esoteric adviser (an astrologer or even a witch), a poverty adviser, and both forest conservation and logging advisers who could chase each other around Kadriorg Park. The author also floated the idea of an artificial intelligence or robot adviser, noting Estonia's self-image as a digital nation.

The piece is a satirical opinion column reflecting the author's personal take rather than an official proposal to the president-elect's team. With only weeks remaining before the inauguration, the remaining adviser appointments are expected to be announced in the coming period.