Mikser proposes Luik for president
Social Democrat chairman Sven Mikser said the future President of Estonia should be someone who can speak on defense, suggesting that Jüri Luik, the current ambassador to Moscow, could be the man to replace Toomas Hendrik Ilves.
“I read from yesterday's news that IRL has named its candidate for president. Indrek Tarand certainly has his strengths – he is attractive and interesting and offers the media exiting material,” Mikser said.
However, taking into consideration the current security situation, Estonia needs a leader with a different profile, Mikser said on his Facebook page, adding that credibility, authority on foreign politics and experience in international relations are now needed.
He said the office of the President is not one for political alliances and that Jüri Luik, who is an IRL member, would be his choice.
Mikser told ERR radio that his party has not made a decision on its official candidate for president.
Luik was the defense minister between 1993-1994 and again in 1999-2002, after which Mikser took over. Luik was also the foreign minister in 1994-1995.
Luik was recently named as the new head of the International Center for Defense and Security, a post he is set to take over in August this year.
The next president will be elected by the Parliament or, if that fails, by the electoral college, in 2016.
So far IRL has proposed Indrek Tarand, an independent MEP, as its candidate. The Reform Party could name Siim Kallas, while the Center Party is yet to throw any names around.
Editor: J.M. Laats