Kaja Kallas Steps Down as Estonian Prime Minister

Kaja Kallas has officially resigned from her position as Estonia’s Prime Minister to take on the role of the European Union’s foreign policy chief later this year. She is the first female prime minister of Estonia and has been leading the nation for three and a half years.

During a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Tallinn, Kallas submitted her formal resignation to President Alar Karis on Monday. Under her leadership, Estonia has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, particularly following the Russian invasion earlier this year.

President Alar Karis commended Kallas for her leadership during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn, and the conflict in Ukraine. Her final official duty was representing Estonia at a recent NATO summit in Washington DC.

New Role as EU Foreign Policy Chief

Kallas will be succeeding Josep Borrell of Spain as the EU foreign policy chief. Her decision to step down as Prime Minister has also led to the resignation of her three-party Cabinet in Estonia.

The Reform Party has nominated Kristen Michal, the current Climate Minister, to replace Kallas as the new Prime Minister. Michal’s nomination is subject to approval by President Karis and the Riigikogu, Estonia’s parliament.

Much like Kallas, Michal has a long history with the Reform Party and has been actively involved in Estonian politics for many years. He has been serving as the Minister for Climate Affairs since April 2023.