Estonia 200 wants Kersti Kaljulaid to continue as president

TALLINN - The non-parliamentary Estonia 200 said in an open letter to Kaja Kallas, prime minister and leader of the senior partner in the government coalition Reform Party, that Kersti Kaljulaid should continue as the Estonian head of state.

"Estonia needs smart, driven and ethical leadership with a vision. In just three months, representatives of the nation will once again elect the Estonian president who is to perform a balancing role in politics between different interest groups and political powers. I presume you agree that it is important that they elect a candidate who is suitable in terms of their knowledge and values -- someone who also has the largest possible support of the people," the party said in its letter to Kallas.

Estonia 200 said that Kaljulaid has proven a good president for Estonia for the past five years.

"She has firmly stood for the fundamental values of the Estonian state, led the way in future directions for Estonia, acted as a balancing force between institutions and political powers and as a leading force in Estonia's foreign policy and in terms of shaping the reputation of our state. She knows how to listen to people, how to firmly stand up for those who are most vulnerable and how to act as a fair guardian. All of this shows that Estonia has a good president today with regard to whom we can be certain that the role of the president is fulfilled with dignity and wisdom," the party said.

"For that reason, we are turning to you as the Estonian prime minister and leader of the biggest political party -- the Reform Party -- with the proposal to set up the candidacy of Kersti Kaljulaid as president and find sufficient support among MPs of the Riigikogu for Kaljulaid to be able to continue as president. Take a firm step and set up the candidacy of Kersti Kaljulaid as president of Estonia today to demonstrate resolve and a clear plan," Estonia 200 said.