News - Estonia PM to not run for European Parliament

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform Party) said Thursday that she will not accept any offer as lead candidate for Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party (ALDE)/Renew Europe at this June's European Parliament elections, laying to rest speculation of her being in the running as next European Commission president, ERR reports. "I have considered this proposal very thoroughly, and it has both pros and cons. But I have informed the ALDE leadership of my decision not to take up the role," Kallas said at the government's regular Thursday press conference. Underlying Kallas' decision, she said, was a desire to continue in office as prime minister of Estonia. "Running for a half-win would be unfair," Kallas went on. In any case, the offer of the lead candidate role was already a victory of sorts, and certainly a great recognition for Estonia as a whole, as well as for herself and the government she heads up, Kallas added. While taking up the offer would have led to a wider audience for Estonia, given the round of pan-European debates being a lead candidate entails, Kallas said, there are other ways of accomplishing that goal. Polling day in Estonia in the European Parliament elections is June 9.