Estonian President Karis: Two "Superpowers" – Listening and Calm

Estonian President Alar Karis, whose five-year term is drawing to a close, looked back on his time in office in an interview with "Aktuaalne kaamera +", a programme of the public broadcaster ERR. In Estonia the presidency is largely representative, but the president is also the supreme commander of the armed forces and may refuse to promulgate laws passed by parliament (the Riigikogu).

Asked about his "superpower", Karis named two: the ability to listen to people, and the calm he has learned over the years to keep even in difficult situations.

From university to Kadriorg

Before taking office, Karis had no background in party politics. He had been rector of the University of Tartu, the state auditor and director of the Estonian National Museum in Tartu. He said the post and the role of representing the state inevitably impose limits, so words have to be chosen more carefully.

Just a few months after he took office, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. ERR journalist Andrei Titov noted that Karis has visited Ukraine several times and supported Ukrainians in deeds as well as words.

Laws left unpromulgated

Over five years Karis refused eight times to promulgate laws adopted by the Riigikogu. They included the motor vehicle tax law, a law stripping Russian citizens of the right to vote in local elections, the Churches and Congregations Act, and the conscription law with language requirements for conscripts, which was subsequently amended. The president believes laws are often passed too hastily, leaving their quality wanting.

Assessments

Olesja Lagašina, editor-in-chief of the business daily Äripäev, stressed that Karis, as a former state auditor, was vigilant and stepped in when necessary. Indrek Kiisler, deputy editor-in-chief of Postimees, called him a conciliator who did not seek conflict. Polls indicate Karis has won fairly broad public support.