Estonia’s parliament elected Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise as the country’s next president on Wednesday, securing the required majority in the first round of voting.

Madise received 71 votes in the secret ballot, exceeding the 68 votes required to win the presidency. Seven ballots were left unmarked, while no ballots were declared invalid.

A total of 78 members of the 101-seat Riigikogu received ballots, and all 78 participated in the vote.

Following the announcement of the results, Madise thanked lawmakers for their confidence and pledged to carry out her responsibilities with determination.

“I will do my best to be worthy of this trust,” Madise told MPs, expressing hope that political leaders could work together through mutual understanding while maintaining vigorous debate when necessary.

Madise said she hoped such cooperation would help create a stronger Estonia where people can live “happy, good and safe” lives.

Estonia to Have Second Female President

Madise will become Estonia’s seventh president and its second female head of state. She is scheduled to take the presidential oath on October 12.

She will succeed Alar Karis, who has served one five-year term and announced in June that he would not seek another term.

Karis congratulated Madise following her election, emphasizing the responsibility associated with serving as Estonia’s head of state.

“Serving as head of state is a great honour and an even greater responsibility. I wish you strength, wisdom and resolve,” Karis said in a statement shared on social media.

Madise’s election marks a significant moment in Estonia’s political history, as she prepares to take over the largely ceremonial presidency while assuming a key constitutional role as head of state and representing the country at home and abroad. (ILKHA)