Survey: President Alar Karis deemed most reliable politician by Estonian people

TALLINN - The people of Estonia deem Estonian President Alar Karis, former president Kersti Kaljulaid and MEP Marina Kaljurand the most reliable political figures, it appears from the results of a survey by pollster Kantar Emor.

The top three politicians deemed most reliable are thus either directly or indirectly linked to the presidential institution. Kaljurand was the most popular presidential candidate in 2016 and has retained a part of that popularity.

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas placed fourth, having seen her score for perceived reliability nearly double compared with January 2022. At the end of last year, topical issues in the society concerned the health crisis and energy prices skyrocketing with public criticism first and foremost targeted and the government's decisions or lack thereof in many people's eyes. The prime minister was the person to bear the largest portion of the criticism. With Russia's attack on Ukraine, these problems took a back seat and Kallas has been successful in her role as prime minister in the new aggravating security crisis, which is also expressed in growth in her perceived reliability.

Over two-thirds of people in Estonia do not trust leaders of the opposition Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE) Mart Helme and Martin Helme, who are continuously only found trustworthy by EKRE voters. Lack of trust in the politicians who used to be deemed the least reliable previously has grown even further compared with January, with the prime minister being the exception in this regard.

Of high-ranking politicians, incumbent Minister of Culture Tiit Terik, leader of the Social Democratic Party Lauri Laanemets and Minister of Entrepreneurship and IT Andres Sutt are virtually unknown to most people in Estonia as they are at the top of the list of politicians with regard to whom respondents did not have an opinion.

The data is based on country-wide web surveys conducted by Kantar Emor among a representative sample. In April, 1,192 people aged 15-84 were surveyed and asked to assess which politicians they trust or mistrust and with regard to whom they do not have an opinion. The list of political figures included leaders of major parties, most popular candidates in the previous elections, president of the Riigikogu and president of Estonia.

Kantal Emor in January and April surveyed Estonian people's opinions about the following politicians -- Jaak Aab, Mihhail Kolvart, Juri Ratas, Yana Toom, Urmas Paet, Urmas Reinsalu, Andrus Ansip, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Indrek Saar, Marina Kaljurand, Martin Helme, Siim Kallas, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Kristina Kallas, Riho Terras, Mart Helme, Jaak Madison, Kaja Kallas, Henn Polluaas, Tanel Kiik and others.