Estonia's Prime Minister Steps Down to Take EU Foreign Policy Role, Paving the Way for New Leadership

In a significant political development, Kaja Kallas, the Prime Minister of Estonia, has announced her resignation to take up the position of the European Union's foreign policy chief. Kallas, who has led the Baltic nation for the past three and a half years, has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine following the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Kallas, Estonia's first female Prime Minister, formally submitted her resignation to President Alar Karis on Monday during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Tallinn. Under her leadership, Estonia has emerged as one of Europe's most ardent backers of Ukraine, steadfast in its support for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

President Karis paid tribute to Kallas' tenure, acknowledging the challenges she faced, stating, "It has been a time full of crises, including the coronavirus, economic recession, and the war in Europe, where Russia disrupted our previous security landscape with its aggression in Ukraine." Kallas' final duty as Prime Minister was representing Estonia at a recent NATO summit in Washington.

Kallas' resignation as Prime Minister has automatically triggered the dissolution of her three-party coalition government, comprising the center-right Reform Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the liberal Estonia 200 party. The coalition will function as a caretaker government until a new cabinet is sworn in by the end of July or early August.

The Reform Party has announced Kristen Michal, the party's veteran and current Minister for Climate Affairs, as their nominee to succeed Kallas as Prime Minister. Michal's nomination requires approval from President Karis and the 101-seat parliament, the Riigikogu, where the coalition currently holds a comfortable majority.

Michal, a 49-year-old former economics and justice minister, has been a prominent figure in Estonia's political landscape since the late 1990s. He has served as Minister for Climate Affairs since April of last year, and his appointment as Prime Minister is expected to ensure continuity and stability in Estonia's leadership.

The transition of power in Estonia occurs amidst ongoing challenges posed by the war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical tensions. Kallas' new role as the EU's foreign policy chief is seen as recognition of her diplomatic skills and ability to navigate complex international affairs.

As Estonia prepares for a new Prime Minister, its commitment to European and transatlantic alliances, as well as its unwavering support for Ukraine, are anticipated to remain steadfast under the incoming leadership.