Estonia's Chancellor of Justice Madise: ready to run for president if impartiality is preserved
Estonian Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise explained in an interview under what conditions she would agree to run for president, stressing she has not proposed her own candidacy and that preserving her impartial image is her only condition.
Estonia's Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise has addressed her potential candidacy for the country's presidency in a new interview. Although she has been widely discussed in the media in recent months, she stresses that she has never put herself forward, has made no agreements with anyone, and continues to carry out her duties as Chancellor of Justice without aligning herself with any party, coalition or opposition.
Madise says that if enough members of the Riigikogu offer her the post, seeing her as an impartial and experienced person capable of serving as president, it would be her responsibility to accept. Her only condition, she says, is preserving an impartial image, since both the Chancellor of Justice and the president must remain neutral and provide balance in state affairs.
Broad support required
Riigikogu Speaker Lauri Hussar has said Madise would be willing to run for president given sufficient support. Madise clarifies that the number of signatures — formally 21 members are enough to nominate a candidate — is not the key issue. What matters is that the proposal comes from a broad enough group of MPs to confirm she is seen as impartial rather than as the candidate of one particular party.
She cannot demand that the Centre Party or Isamaa specifically back her, but notes that without such assurance it would be difficult to carry out the demanding role of president. She points out that at least one party already has its own candidate and is instead awaiting the electoral college.
Possible meetings with factions
Isamaa and the Centre Party have said they cannot support Madise until they meet her in person. Madise notes she has taken part in public debate for more than 20 years and has regularly attended Riigikogu plenary sessions for over a decade, so opportunities to discuss relevant issues have already existed. Meetings with party factions before August 21 are possible, she says, as long as they do not compromise her impartiality.
If nominated but not elected, Madise says she could continue as Chancellor of Justice, since she has not violated any requirement of that post. She also commented on news that Tallinn University of Technology rector Tiit Land is seeking the presidency, saying she does not see herself as competing with him since she has not put forward her own candidacy.
