The Reform Party of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on Saturday nominated Climate Minister Kristen Michal to take over from Kallas if her appointment as European Union foreign policy chief goes through.
The executive committee of the liberal-conservative party took the decision unanimously. Michal thanked the party for the confidence shown in him and pledged to fill the post with dignity. He stressed that Estonian national security would be a priority.
The Kallas government has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in fighting off the Russian invasion and backs a firm policy towards Moscow. Earlier this year, her name was added to the Russian Interior Ministry's list of those wanted on criminal charges.
The Reform Party executive also decided to check the current coalition agreement, which draws in the Social Democratic Party (SDE) and the liberal Estonia 200 as junior partners.
On Thursday, Kallas was selected as the next EU foreign and security policy head at a summit in Brussels. Confirmation depends on a vote in the new European Parliament.
Kallas, the first woman to hold the post of prime minister in Estonia, plans to represent her country at the NATO summit being held in Washington between July 9 and 11 before resigning.
