Nestor: Parliamentary groups must find unlabeled joint candidate
President of the Riigikogu Eiki Nestor stressed that within the next few days, the six parliamentary group leaders of the Riigikogu must find a candidate who will be jointly asked to run for president. He also requested that the media refrain from speculation, as this could negatively affect the process.
President of the Riigikogu Eiki Nestor (SDE) said on ETV's morning broadcast "Terevisioon" that immediately following the failed elections in the electoral college, he proposed to the Vice-Presidents of the Riigikogu that they call together the Council of Elders for Monday.
"The initial plan is to ask all six parliamentary groups whether they are prepared to seek a candidate who could earn the votes of more than 2/3 of the MPs," said Nestor, emphasizing that he did not wish to name a single name, as if any possible candidates' names were to reach the media, the entire process could be negatively affected once more.
"Let us refrain from labeling [anyone], as very many good people who could be candidates might just simply say no then," explained Nestor.
According to him, all of the parliamenary group leaders will approach the potential candidate together and propose to the chosen person that they run for president. "I have done this myself, in person," he recalled. "I have gone to see Lennart Meri and proposed that he run for president."
The president of the Riigikogu added that if all parliamentary group leaders were to jointly support one candidate, this would then bolster the candidacy with faith in the fact that this candidate is truly supported.
Free Party MP and Constitutional Assembly member Jüri Adams said that the timeline has become rather tight, which is why the issue of introducing a new person to the greater public would become rather confusing.
"I recieved a number of emails last night wherein people were suggested nominating people who are very likable and who I would consider to be a great fortune for Estonia, but I do not see a technical opportunity for making them known among the people within ten days," Adams explained.
Editor: Editor: Aili Vahtla