Madise: I am ready to continue serving the country as president

TALLINN – Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise has written to the President of the Riigikogu, stating that she is ready to continue serving the country as president.

"I thank you and all the members of the Riigikogu who, in discussing my candidacy for President of the Republic, have understood my role as the head of an incumbent, independent constitutional institution," Madise wrote to the President of the Riigikogu, Lauri Hussar.

"I confirm that if a sufficient majority of the members of the Riigikogu find that I should continue serving the country as President of the Republic, I am willing to be a candidate. If the vote confirms the choice of the Riigikogu members, I will accept this responsibility," Madise added.

The coalition parties, the Reform Party and Eesti 200, want Madise for president. The opposition Social Democratic Party also supports Madise's potential candidacy.

Diplomat Hannes Hanso, entrepreneur Indrek Laul, EU official Maive Rute, and the rector of Tallinn University of Technology, Tiit Land, have also announced their readiness to run for president.

Currently, only the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE) has a confirmed candidate, Mart Helme. However, nominating a presidential candidate in the Riigikogu requires at least 21 votes, and EKRE has only nine.

The submission of presidential candidates will begin on August 21, and the first round of the election is scheduled for September 2.