Madise's nomination for president raised the question of who would become Estonia's new Minister of Justice
The nomination of Estonian Minister of Justice Julle Madise as a candidate for president has raised the question of who will take over her current position if she wins the election, according to ERR News.
The Chancellor of Justice is appointed by the Riigikogu, Estonia’s parliament, upon the recommendation of the president. The term of office is seven years. The candidate must have a law degree, be an experienced and recognized lawyer, and pass a security clearance if they do not already hold a valid top-secret clearance.
Madis Timpson, chair of the Riigikogu’s Legal Affairs Committee, stated that there are several strong lawyers in Estonia who are suitable for this position, particularly among the Supreme Court justices. He did not name any specific candidates. According to him, incumbent President Alar Karis can formally nominate a candidate for the new Chancellor of Justice; however, Thompson believes that Madise should do so if she is elected head of state.
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Kariss’s last day in office is October 10. If Madise becomes president, she will remain Chancellor of Justice until that date. Her term in that position will end the moment she takes the presidential oath on October 11. The Estonian Constitution prohibits the president from holding any other office at the same time.
Olar Koppel, director of the Chancellor of Justice’s office, noted that a new candidate for the position could be nominated by either the current president or left to the new head of state—depending on the agreement between them. Until a new Chancellor of Justice is appointed, Koppel, as Deputy Chancellor of Justice, will temporarily assume the duties of the position.
Madise has served as Chancellor of Justice since 2015, and her second term began on April 4, 2022. She officially announced her candidacy for the presidential election on Monday. After receiving support from the Isamaa party and three independent members of parliament, her support rose to 77 votes. At least 68 votes are required to elect a president.
