Estonian president proposes to appoint Villu Kove head of Supreme Court

TALLINN – Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid on Monday made a proposal to the parliament to appoint Villu Kove, renowned jurist and chairman of the civil chamber of the Supreme Court, as the new chief justice of the Supreme Court of Estonia. 

"Our court system is strong, functional, independent, and the people of Estonia trust it. Therefore I consider it important that also the next head of the Supreme Court come from within the court system," the head of state said. She emphasized that the chief justice of the Supreme Court is not only the head of courts, but also one of the main spokespeople for the rule of law in our public domain. 

In the proposal sent to the Riigikogu, the president points out that Kove is a valued lawyer having a strong academic background and longtime work experience as a judge. Kove has taken part in the preparation of most of our legislative acts regulating civil and business law and commenting thereof, and has made a significant contribution to the preparation of Estonian lawyers by teaching in universities and and mentoring several dissertations.

Before making the proposal, the president consulted with all parliamentary parties. The president's proposal is for the appointment of Kove to take effect February 4, when the term of office of the incumbent chief justice of the Supreme Court, Priit Pikamae, expires. 

Pikamae is taking up the position of advocate general of the European Court of Justice.