After meeting with party leaders on Monday, Karis said Reform, SDE, and Eesti 200 have are most likely to form a government.

"My discussions with the heads of the parties represented in the Riigikogu made it clear to me that given the current balance of power in national politics, the coalition of the Reform Party, the Social Democrats and Estonia 200 has the best chance of forming what will hopefully be a decisive government, and one with a strong parliamentary majority," he said in a statement.  

The coalition negotiations must give those who care about Estonia answers to key questions: what will come of the country's economy, people's well-being and national security, and the sense of security among the population more broadly, he said.

"The parties must not get bogged down in the promises they made ahead of the last parliamentary elections more than a year ago," the head of state said. "The reality today means that some of those plans will have to be set aside or reassessed. My talks with the heads of the potential governing parties reassured me that they see things the same way." 

Karis added the change of government could also lead to a more constructive atmosphere in the Riigikogu between the coalition and opposition.

Reform, SDE, and Eesti 200 have governed together since May 2023. They started new coalition negotiations on July 8.

Michal now has 14 days to form a government. The Riigikogu must then vote the new coalition into office. It is expected to take office around the start of August.

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform) resigned on Monday but will continue as acting prime minister until the new government is sworn in. She has been nominated as the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

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