Renee Meriste: Estonia's president must belong to the people

Kalevi Sports Club president Renee Meriste writes that the president of the Estonian Republic is the nation's conscience and the country's most important unifier. Although the president does not lead the government or draft the state budget, they shape trust, attitudes and Estonia's image both at home and abroad. Meriste emphasises that the president's role is to be close to the people.

Kalevi Sports Club president Renee Meriste holds the view that the most important task of the president of the Estonian Republic is to be the nation's conscience and the country's unifier, rather than merely a ceremonial figurehead.

According to Meriste, the president's duties do not include leading the government or drafting the state budget, but this does not mean the president's influence is small. On the contrary, it is precisely the president who shapes public trust, people's attitudes and Estonia's reputation both domestically and on the international stage.

In Meriste's assessment, the president's role is to be the bearer of Estonian dignity, someone whom the people recognise as their own and whose word carries weight even in the most difficult moments. This means that the presidency is not suited merely to an experienced statesman, but to a person who can unite different groups in society and speak with a clear and honest voice.