Kõlvart: Karis's Decision to Step Down is Sad News for All of Estonia

Centre Party chairman Mihhail Kõlvart called President Alar Karis's decision not to continue his presidency sad news for all of Estonia. According to Kõlvart, political intrigue by ruling parties with below 15 percent support has forced a president with 70 percent public backing to step down. He stressed that all political forces now have a duty to find a unifying candidate.

Centre Party chairman Mihhail Kõlvart expressed his comment on Tuesday on social media regarding President Alar Karis's decision not to run for a second presidential term. According to Kõlvart, this is sad news for all of Estonia.

"The political intrigue woven by ruling parties with below 15 percent support has created a situation where a president with 70 percent public backing has decided not to continue in office," wrote Kõlvart. He acknowledged that the president certainly has compelling reasons for this decision, but nevertheless considered it an unfortunate outcome.

In the Centre Party chairman's view, Alar Karis has fulfilled the role of president with dignity, upheld constitutional order, and been able to unite the nation. Kõlvart believes such qualities are essential in the next president as well.

Kõlvart stressed that now it is the duty and responsibility of all political forces to find a candidate who could unite the country in a similar manner. In his view, the new president should continue in Karis's footsteps and stand up for constitutional values.