Ilves sworn in for second presidential term

  • 2011-10-10
  • TBT Staff

Ilves will continue as Estonian president for 5 more years. (photo: president.ee)

TALLINN -- Estonian President Toomas Hendrick Ilves is being sworn in today for his second term as the country's head of state.

Ilves easily won the Aug. 29 election in parliament, with 73 votes in favor and just 25 in support of his only contender, Indreck Tarand. He needed 68 votes to win the election in the first round.

Ilves has pledged to continue to promote Estonian democracy and preserve national language and culture. He has also pledged to block any moves to weaken the country's national defense capabilities.

After taking his oath of office, Ilves will return to the presidential palace for further ceremonies, including inspecting the presidential honor guard.

On Tuesday he is due to travel to Latvia to make the first official state visit of his new presidency.

The Estonian president serves 5 year terms.