Social Democrats See Ülle Madise as Compromise Candidate for President

The Social Democratic Party regards Ombudsman Ülle Madise as the most suitable compromise candidate for the position of Estonian president. Tanel Kiik, a member of the SDE board, confirmed to ERR that Madise could garner the necessary two-thirds support in the Riigikogu from both the coalition and opposition parties. Official nomination of candidates takes place on 21-24 August.

The Social Democratic Party (SDE) believes that Ombudsman Ülle Madise is currently the most likely compromise candidate for Estonian president who could gather the necessary two-thirds support in the Riigikogu. Tanel Kiik, a member of the SDE board, said this on Wednesday, 1 July, on ERR radio, commenting on the results of a party board meeting held on Monday.

"When we talk about an apolitical or cross-coalition candidate, in our view Ülle Madise would be a clear favourite. She is neither solely a coalition nor solely an opposition candidate and could be acceptable to many different political forces," Kiik said.

Consultations are underway

According to Kiik, the Social Democrats have already held informal consultations with representatives of most parliamentary parties. So far, only EKRE has publicly indicated that it does not support Madise's candidacy. Kiik emphasised, however, that no final decision has yet been made regarding the nomination of a candidate, the matter has been discussed at the party board level, and a decision by the SDE parliamentary faction is needed for an official nomination. Kiik also confirmed that he personally has not discussed this matter with Ülle Madise, but contacts between politicians and the ombudsman have already taken place.

Other parties respond

Other parties have also commented on Madise's candidacy. Jana Toom, a Centre Party MEP, noted that Madise's candidacy is no longer a secret. "We all know who this apolitical woman is, she is Ombudsman Ülle Madise. It is a secret that everyone knows. But in my opinion we have many apolitical men and women. And there are many candidates, as it turned out," Toom said on Sunday in the ETV programme "Aktuaalne kaamera".

Jüri Ratas, an Isamaa MEP, called Madise a strong candidate but emphasised that the future president should enjoy broad public support. "Isamaa's position was to support Alar Karis and I am personally sorry that he is not running. Is Ülle Madise a good and serious candidate? Undoubtedly. But in my view it is important to find a person who also finds broad public support," Ratas said.

The circle of candidates becomes clear in August

The official period for nominating candidates runs until 21-24 August. According to Kiik, parties hope to use July for negotiations and to seek a candidate who can achieve broad parliamentary support.

Current president Alar Karis has already confirmed that he will not run for a second term. EKRE announced in May that their candidate for president is party vice-chair Mart Helme.