Vilnius: Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas announced her resignation on Monday to take up a new position as the European Union’s foreign policy chief, according to the president’s office.
A Strong Advocate Against Russian Expansionism
Kallas, 47, has been a vocal critic of Russia and its alleged expansionist ambitions since assuming office in early 2021. She has actively lobbied Estonia’s NATO and EU allies for unwavering support to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russian forces. Under her leadership, Estonia, a small Baltic nation of 1.4 million people, has emerged as one of the leading per capita contributors of military aid to Ukraine.
Kallas led the liberal Reform Party to victory in both the 2019 and 2023 parliamentary elections, and has served as prime minister since 2021.
Also Read | EU Plans to Boycott Orbán’s Summit After Meetings with Putin and Xi Jinping
Succession Plan Underway
The Reform Party has nominated Climate Minister Kristen Michal to succeed Kallas as Estonia’s next prime minister. Negotiations are underway with coalition partners Estonia 200 and the Social Democrats to finalize the cabinet reconfiguration.
Also Read | Yandex Concludes $5.4 Billion Asset Split, Redefining Russian Tech Landscape
Kallas will continue as Estonia’s caretaker prime minister until the new government is confirmed by early August, as reported by Estonia’s public broadcaster ERR.
Her party is scheduled to elect a new leader on September 8th, marking a pivotal moment in Estonia’s political landscape.
