President: no power vacuum as premier vacates post

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Photo: Mihkel Maripuu / Postimees

Yesterday in Kadriorg, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves thanked the resigning Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and assured no power vacuum would be created in Estonia – as the old government continues till the new steps into office.

«In my estimation, Andrus Ansip’s coalition has done a good job, especially when it comes to navigating Estonia through the global financial crisis, and also our successful entry into the eurozone. For that, I would like to say a big thank you to Andrus Ansip,» the head of state told reporters. «Should anyone doubt that, look at how other [countries] have managed that.»

According to Mr Ilves, yesterday heading for a week-long visit to Japan, a change of government is nothing extraordinary in a democratic country.

«The resigned government will continue its activities till the new government has come into office. The government has all powers to continue and I see no problems here whatsoever. We have no power vacuum and I assure you that Estonia is well governed and securely protected,» said he.

According to Mr Ilves, consultations will commence in Kadriorg, for the creation of the new government, on March 10th.

«It is my great hope that as the representatives of parliamentary parties arrive, they will have their proposals and a vision with whom to have cooperation. I know anyway that during that time people will be consulting; even so, I hope by Monday they will come here with definite ideas. Pursuant to our constitution, a minority government is almost an absolute impossibility.»

According to the President, he had heard that parliamentary parties were already having serious discussions regarding the new coalition. Therefore, he did not think it likely that, next Monday, anybody would come to Kadriorg without definite proposals.

«I just think it would be better to already have some kind of a vision, not that «let’s see now». Probably, there will be some definite vision, as rumours tell me people are doing a whole lot of talking,» said Mr Ilves.

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