Estonian president appoints center-left leader for prime minister

Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid on Sunday appointed Estonian Centre Party Chairman Juri Ratas as candidate for prime minister with the task of forming a new coalition government.

After meeting with the chairpersons of all the parliamentary political parties, Kaljulaid met with Ratas here and was convinced that Ratas has the capability to form a strong and energetic government, according to a press release of the president's office.

"The foreign and security policy directions that Estonia has followed must continue, and this is what the chairpersons of all the three parties have confirmed to me," the press release quoted Ratas as saying.

The new coalition government is expected to be formed by the Estonian Centre Party, Pro Patria and Res Publica Union, and the Social Democratic Party.

In the coming week, the candidate for prime minister will elaborate on the grounds for the formation of the new government at the parliament, which will then decide whether he will be granted the authority to form a government.

After receiving the authority from the parliament, Ratas will present a list of cabinet members to the president for appointment.

Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Roivas, leader of Reform Party, was forced to resign after he lost a no confidence vote at the parliament on Nov. 9 following a motion initiated by the opposition Centre Party. Endi