According to Reuters, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas resigned on Monday to assume her new role as the European Union's foreign policy chief, according to the president's office. Since becoming prime minister in early 2021, Kallas, 47, has been a vocal critic of Russia, condemning its expansionist ambitions. She has consistently urged Estonia's NATO and EU allies to offer unwavering support to Ukraine in its efforts to repel Russian forces.
During her tenure, Estonia, a Baltic nation with a population of 1.4 million, has become one of the largest per capita contributors of military aid to Ukraine. Kallas led the liberal Reform Party to parliamentary election victories in 2019 and 2023 and has served as the head of government since 2021.
The Reform Party has nominated Climate Minister Kristen Michal as Estonia's next prime minister, pending cabinet reconfiguration talks with coalition partners, the liberal Estonia 200 and the Social Democrats. Kallas will continue as Estonia's caretaker prime minister until the new government is established by early August, according to Estonia's public broadcaster ERR. The Reform Party is set to elect its new leader on September 8.