Kaja Kallas will lead European foreign policy as EU foreign policy representative. A move to Brussels could come in handy as he has lost his appeal in domestic politics.
Kaja Kallas did not allow himself to be misled. In a radio interview with Estonian public broadcaster EER, he was repeatedly asked if this was his last interview as Estonia’s prime minister and if he had already packed his bags for a new job in Brussels.
“Let me make it clear that the first issue is who will be nominated for the post of EU foreign policy representative,” Gallas said. That is what has happened now.
A clear stance against Putin
Gallas is well versed in European politics. Estonia’s prime minister is a much-loved politician, not just at EU summits. He continues to push Europe to help Ukraine faster and more efficiently. He frequently calls for a clear anti-Putin stance in clear words.
His putting her on the wanted list didn’t impress her. “He wants us to be afraid. But that would mean giving him what he needs. That’s why we shouldn’t be afraid,” the 47-year-old said in an interview in February. ARD Daily Topics. She didn’t want to mince her words just yet.
Putin is using this as a weapon to spread fear and show that we are not a real country. He actually blames me for internal Russian affairs. But we are a free country.
This shows that Putin has imperial dreams and thoughts, Kalas said. When it was announced that he was on the list, many said it was a medal of honour. “I must have done something right if the Russians were so angry with me,” he later said.
It made an impact. Also on European leaders and government.
Family history As an incentive
She would not be the first in her family to pursue a career in Brussels. After Estonia gained independence in 1991, her father Sim became Minister of Foreign Affairs and Finance. As Prime Minister, he negotiated Estonia’s path to the EU and NATO, and later became EU Commissioner.
Perhaps that is why daughter Gaja initially chose a different path and pursued a career as a lawyer. In the economically liberal Reform Party, Callas also made rapid progress in politics: becoming a member of the European Parliament and then the first woman to lead her party.
Since 2021, he has been prime minister of a country with a direct border with Russia – and home to a large minority of Russian descent. Your view of Moscow is always influenced by your own family history.
“When Russia occupied Estonia, they deported Estonians to Siberia and brought Russians into the country. My own family was also deported to Siberia. At the end of the occupation, the Russian minority was 30 percent.”
Her personal family history is also her motivation. This reflects what many Estonians have experienced, Kallas says. The Russian attack on Ukraine has changed many Balts’ sense of security and opened old wounds. With his open words, Gallas inspires his comrades.
Domestic politics lost its appeal
There may also be domestic political reasons on the way to Brussels. In Estonia it has lost its appeal. His government’s austerity measures were deeply unpopular. Her reputation also suffered when it became known that her husband, Arvo Halyk, was involved in a transport company that continued to transport goods to Russia despite sanctions.
In European elections, his reform party came third with 17.9 percent. The new mission in Brussels comes at a time that, in Callas’ view, is very convenient.
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