Museum director elected as Estonian president

The 62-year-old received 72 out of 101 votes and passed the 68 votes hurdle.

The vote took place on Thursday September 2th as a secret ballot in the Riigikogu, the Estonian parliament.

Karis had an academic career and was formerly auditor general and rector of the University of Tartu and the Estonian University of Life Sciences. After the result was announced, Karis said, according to the English-language service of Estonian Public Broadcasting: “I would like to thank everyone who voted for me, as well as those who did not. I promise to be a good partner to the Riigikogu. Thank you very much.”

Karis failed to win enough support in a first round of voting Monday, falling five votes short of the 68 votes needed. According to Politico, he held talks with opposition parties before the second round.

The role of the Estonian president is mainly ceremonial, writes <a href=" Euronews." target="_blank">https://www.euronews.com/2021/08/31/estonian-mps-elect-alar-karis-as-president-at-second-attempt). He represents the nation abroad and acts as a domestic opinion leader, while the country’s prime minister holds the most power. However, the president has the authority to veto laws, formally appoints government ministers, and serve as supreme commander of Estonia’s armed forces.