The group backing the 58-year-old includes entrepreneurs, academics, and cultural figures. This is the third time Laul has been proposed for the role.

"Estonia is at a stage where the future increasingly depends on whether we can define our shared interests and bring together knowledge, culture and entrepreneurship to achieve them," the group wrote in an open letter.

"In a rapidly changing world, we must safeguard our country's security, social cohesion and trust in democratic institutions. This requires common ground and a spirit of cooperation between different worldviews and fields of life. This is precisely the kind of balance we expect from the President of the Republic of Estonia – a person who understands Estonia's identity, can speak to and unite the people of Estonia, and represent our country with dignity and conviction around the world. We believe that Indrek Laul's life and work to date embody these competencies and values," the group's public letter of support states.

The 30 signatories include opera singers Annely Peebo and Ain Anger, conductors Kristjan Järvi, Paavo Järvi, and Hirvo Surva, poet Doris Kareva, composers Erkki-Sven Tüür and Alisson Kruusmaa, former CIO of the Estonian government Taavi Kotka, Tallink Grupp board member Piret Mürk-Dubout, and businessman Ain Hanschmidt.

The signatories say Laul's track record demonstrates broad-mindedness, balance, and dedication to Estonia's development.

"We are convinced that he has both the willingness and the ability to fulfill the demanding role of President of the Republic, unite the people of Estonia, and stand up wisely in times of peace and resolutely in difficult moments for Estonia's constitutional values and long-term interests. We believe that his candidacy deserves substantive, dignified and unbiased discussion both in public and in the Riigikogu. The election of Estonia's president will determine what values we wish to present to the world through the face of our country. We hope that the parliamentary parties and those participating in the presidential election will consider Indrek Laul's candidacy with an open mind and the utmost seriousness," the letter concluded.

Laul's name was floated as a possible candidate during the later stages of the 2016 presidential elections, which ultimately installed Kersti Kaljulaid as head of state.

At the last elections, in 2021, Laul himself sent a letter to the prime minister and members of the Riigikogu discussing the role of the presidency and its possibilities, which was interpreted as a sign that he was putting himself forward as a candidate, though again he never formally ran. Alar Karis was elected unopposed at the second Riigikogu ballot in August 2021.

Nomination opens on August 21

The window to officially nominate candidates is open August 21–24 inclusive, ahead of the first round of voting at the Riigikogu on September 2. Candidates are required to give their consent to run before registry and after being proposed.

Estonia's presidents are elected by the Riigikogu and not elected directly by the public. A candidate needs to win a two-thirds majority (68 votes or more in favor) to become president.

Other public figures proposed ahead of the August registration process include Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise and former Riho Ühtegi. Incumbent Alar Karis announced during the midsummer break that he would not be seeking a second term.

Opposition parties cautious

The most popular and biggest opposition party, Isamaa, said it plans to meet with Laul on Thursday afternoon. Chairman Urmas Reinsalu said the party is open to Laul's possible candidacy. 

"Our fundamental position is that we are open to all candidates and all names that have been put forward. Naturally, it is also important to hear Indrek Laul's views on how he intends to fulfil the office of president and how he sees Estonia's current situation, prospects and challenges," he said.

"I think it is a very welcome and symbolic sign of the times that citizens are putting forward candidates for parliament to consider. It is also a very serious step on Indrek Laul's part to be prepared to take on this responsibility, so I view it very positively," Reinsalu said.

On Wednesday, the party met with retired Maj. Gen Riho Ühtegi, who has also put himself forward for the role.

SDE Chairman Lauri Läanemets said the party has no position on Indrek Laul, but it prefers Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise as the candidate.

"We have said that Ülle Madise seems to have the greatest potential for this common ground. The Social Democrats will not start discussing it until Ülle Madise has expressed her final position," he said.

"The Social Democrats have no reason today to abandon their fundamental support for Ülle Madis," the former interior minister confirmed.

However, the chairman said he was pleased that other groups were putting forward their own nominees. "There are worthy people in Estonia, and this is yet another example," he said.

SDE MP Raimond Kaljualid said Laul may struggle to find support as a so-called non-system candidate, not proposed by a party.

The MP said Laul's strength is his successful experience in managing international business, but his weakness is his lack of political background.

"Supporting business diplomacy goes hand in hand with the office of president, but it is not the central issue or core of the president's role. Which is why the main argument in favor of Laul is somewhat weaker than that of those with a background in state institutions," Kaljulaid wrote on social media.

However, this does not rule him out completely, he added.

Kaljulaid advised Laul to begin his campaign and meet with members of the Riigikogu and local government leaders. "Whoever starts their campaign earlier and runs it better may ultimately emerge as the winner," he stressed.

This story was updated to add comments from Raimond Kaljulaid, Urmas Reinsalu and Lauri Läänemets

--

Follow ERR News on Facebook and Twitter and never miss an update!