Renee Meriste: Estonia should elect its president directly by popular vote

Renee Meriste, the newly elected president of Estonian Sports Association Kalev, believes Estonia should abandon its current presidential election system and move to direct elections. The music manager, who lived in the US for 18 years, told Kuku radio that he is troubled by how presidential candidates are sought.

Renee Meriste, recently elected president of Estonian Sports Association Kalev, expressed his view on Kuku morning radio that Estonia's presidential election system needs fundamental reconsideration. Meriste says he is troubled by the fact that the presidency is being peddled around like a commodity, and believes the country is ready to move to direct elections.

Meriste points to the experience of the United States as an example in his vision, where he lived for 18 years. There, direct presidential elections have made the process more accessible to the public and give the elected leader a strong mandate. In Meriste's assessment, a similar principle should apply in Estonia as well.

Renee Meriste is known primarily as a music manager, but he recently added the position of head of Estonian Sports Association Kalev to his roles. His statement on the presidential election issue has drawn attention, as the topic has periodically appeared on the agenda in Estonia's public debate, but the election procedure has not been changed so far.