Ülle Madise Elected President of Estonia for a Five-Year Term
Ülle Madise, Estonia's Chancellor of Justice, was elected President of Estonia in September 2026 by secret ballot as the sole candidate for a five-year term. She secured 71 votes in the 101-member Riigikogu, exceeding the required two-thirds majority of 68; 78 members participated and 7 ballots were left unmarked. Her candidature was proposed by 75 members. She assumes office on 12 October 2026, succeeding Alar Karis, who did not seek a second term, and becomes only the second woman President of Estonia after Kersti Kaljulaid. The Estonian presidency is a largely ceremonial office elected indirectly by Parliament rather than by direct popular vote.
Estonia's capital is Tallinn and its currency is the Euro; it joined the EU and NATO in 2004 | The Riigikogu is Estonia's unicameral parliament with 101 members | Kersti Kaljulaid, president from 2016 to 2021, was Estonia's first woman President