On Monday, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas resigned from her position in order to assume the role of the European Union’s next foreign policy chief, following her selection for the position by EU leaders.
Kaja Kallas, who has been the Prime Minister of Estonia since 2021, handed in her resignation letter to the president. However, she will continue in her role until a new government is formed and sworn in. In an interview on Monday, Kallas described her tenure as a difficult period, being the first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister in Estonia.
“I started when the Covid crisis was at its peak and I was probably the only prime minister who immediately after being sworn in went to a government meeting and started making decisions,” she noted.
The current prime minister is also anticipated to step down as the leader of her Reform party in the coming summer. Kaja Kallas, known for her strong stance against Russia, was chosen as the European Union’s future top diplomat last month.
However, her nomination still needs to be voted on by the European Parliament. The ruling coalition, consisting of Kallas’ Reform party, the Social Democrats, and Estonia 200, is currently engaged in discussions to establish a new government.
The Reform party has selected Kristen Michal, the current climate minister, as their nominee for the position of prime minister.
Estonian President Alar Karis will now engage in discussions with the political parties and determine whom to approach regarding the replacement of Kaja Kallas.
