Estonia’s Reform Party Chooses New Leader

Estonia’s ruling party, the Reform Party, has unanimously selected climate minister Kristen Michal to take over as the country’s new leader. The decision was made swiftly following the appointment of outgoing Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Michal’s nomination as the new leader was endorsed by the party’s governing board in a closed-door meeting, just two days after Kallas was put forward for the EU role. The next steps involve approval from the Estonian President and parliament to finalize Michal’s appointment.

Having served as Minister for Climate Affairs since April of the previous year, Michal brings a wealth of experience to the position. He has been an active member of the Reform Party since the late 1990s, showcasing a long-standing commitment to the party’s values and goals.

Kallas, who made history as Estonia’s first female Prime Minister in January 2021, currently leads a three-party coalition government. Her leadership led the Reform Party to a resounding victory in the 2023 general elections, solidifying her position as a key figure in Estonian politics.

Throughout her tenure, Estonia under Kallas has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in the face of the ongoing conflict with Russia. The country’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine has been a defining feature of its foreign policy stance under Kallas’s administration.