Madise: Estonia's foreign policy disagreements should not reach the international stage

Estonia's Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise, who announced her candidacy for president on Monday, told a press conference that the president prepares foreign policy statements in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the diplomatic corps and the Riigikogu's foreign affairs committee. She acknowledged that disagreements can arise during these discussions, but said it is right that they never become public or reach foreign states.

Madise stressed that Estonia must do everything to remain strong and protected, preserving unity in foreign and security policy. She said the same principle should apply to domestic political disputes — differing views should not lead to treating another person as an enemy or as less than human.

Asked what would happen to her candidacy if the Riigikogu fails to secure the required support in the first round, Madise said new candidates could be put forward for a second round of voting the following day, and she would take part if lawmakers proposed it. She said she does not wish to be seen as a candidate of any single party, whether opposition or coalition, but rather as someone who builds cooperation.

Keeping people in Estonia

Madise said no one in Estonia should feel forced to leave the country because their identity is not valued, or because they cannot find suitable education or well-paid work. She also wants Estonians who have already left to want to return. She argued that Estonia needs a regional policy allowing people to live well anywhere in the country, rather than concentrating in cities where young people struggle to buy housing and start families.

Her work as Chancellor of Justice, Madise said, has given her a clear picture of residents' everyday problems, particularly regarding children's experiences in kindergartens and schools, social care, and excessive regulation that limits entrepreneurship. She warned that striving for total control and total security risks eroding people's joy in life and mutual trust.

At the press conference, Madise apologized for having attended a book launch event for author Peeter Helme, who was convicted of attempting to sexually abuse a child, acknowledging it was a serious mistake for which she was punished.