Centre Party leader Kõlvart backs Alar Karis for second presidential term

Centre Party chairman Mihhail Kõlvart has expressed support for President Alar Karis serving a second term. Speaking on the television programme 'Esimene stuudio', Kõlvart said he sees no reason why Karis should not continue in office if he has public support.

Centre Party leader Mihhail Kõlvart has publicly backed Alar Karis for a second term as President of Estonia, saying there is no compelling reason for change if both the candidate and the public are willing.

Appearing on the Estonian television programme "Esimene stuudio", Kõlvart posed a straightforward question: «If there is a person who can handle the job and who has the support of the people, why should he not continue?» The statement signals that the Centre Party would not stand in the way of Karis seeking re-election.

Karis has served as Estonia's head of state since 2021, when he was elected by the Riigikogu. His current term is set to expire in 2026, making the question of a potential second term an increasingly relevant topic in Estonian political circles. A second term would require fresh support from parliament or, failing that, a broader electoral college.