Isamaa and Centre Party want Karis to run in Riigikogu vote first

Estonian parties Isamaa and the Centre Party, both supporting President Alar Karis's re-election bid, want him to stand as a candidate in the Riigikogu before any broader electoral process. Karis has promised to announce by Midsummer's Day whether he intends to seek a second term.

Estonia's Isamaa and Centre Party have expressed their preference for President Alar Karis to enter the presidential election race at the Riigikogu stage, despite the likelihood that he would not secure enough votes to win there.

Both parties are backing Karis for a second term and believe it is important for him to go through the parliamentary round, even if the outcome is expected to fall short of the required majority. Under Estonian law, if a presidential candidate fails to gain sufficient support in the Riigikogu, the election proceeds to an electoral college.

Karis has said he will reveal by Midsummer's Day — celebrated on June 24 — whether he wishes to run again. The announcement is being closely watched by party leaders as they begin positioning themselves ahead of the presidential selection process.

The stance of Isamaa and the Centre Party reflects a broader political calculation: participating in the Riigikogu vote would signal broad cross-party support and lend legitimacy to Karis's candidacy, even if the final decision ultimately falls to a wider body.