Allar Jõks confirms intention to run for president in the Riigikogu
In an interview with Estonian daily Postimees, presidential candidate Allar Jõks, who is now backed by both the Pro Patria and Res Publica Union (IRL) and the Free Party, made clear that he did not intend to skip the balloting rounds in the Riigikogu come Aug. 29.
Jõks told the newspaper (link in Estonian) that the Free Party and IRL are dealing with making sure that they have the 21 signatures necessary for nomination in the Riigikogu together at the right time. "I have meetings coming up in the next few weeks with other political parties," he added.
Before now, it was unclear whether Jõks would participate in the Riigikogu's balloting rounds on Aug. 29. He officially received the backing of the Free Party on Friday, however it could nonetheless be assumed that he may not be nominated in the Riigikogu due to tactical considerations.
Jõks' focus, however, remains on the electoral college. "Since Midsummer, I have traveled 6,500 kilometers [over 4,000 miles], which has taken me to about 70 cities and parishes, around 90 local government figures," noted the candidate.
"95 percent of all of my meetings provided me with the feedback that foreign policy is important, however the president must do more to deal with what is going on within Estonia," Jõks added.
Editor: Editor: Aili Sarapik
