Läänemets: Herem’s nomination may be a play to restore Reform Party’s reputation
In Estonia, opposition Social Democratic Party leader Lauri Läänemets said that inviting former Estonian Defence Forces commander General Martin Herem to become defence minister may be an attempt by the Reform Party to restore its reputation. Herem is considered the most likely candidate to replace Hanno Pevkur, who resigned last week, ERR News reports.
Potential conflict of interest
Läänemets pointed out that Herem is currently an adviser to the private defence company Milrem Robotics. In his view, moving from an important defence industry company to a ministerial post could create a conflict of interest.
The Social Democratic leader also questioned whether restoring trust through such an appointment would be convincing. He noted that Herem held office during a period when problems arose at institutions where people close to him worked. Herem led the Estonian Defence Forces until the summer of 2024.
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No formal offer
Prime Minister Kristen Michal discussed the post of defence minister with Herem last week, but no formal offer was made to him. Reform Party Secretary General Kristo Enn Vaga said the party is considering candidates both from within its ranks and from outside. The party’s board is due to discuss the matter on Wednesday.
Under the coalition agreement with the Eesti 200 party, the post of defence minister belongs to the Reform Party. Vaga said that the new minister could take the oath before the Riigikogu next week, when parliament convenes for its autumn session.
Pevkur’s resignation
Riigikogu member Peeter Tali of Eesti 200 said the new defence minister should quickly take control of the sector. According to him, Pevkur’s resignation was also caused by alleged procurement violations and the unknown whereabouts of several million euros that were supposed to go to the Indian company Datasel, which manufactures shells for Ukraine. Pevkur said he was unaware of the procurement problems but accepts political responsibility for the oversights.
