Estonia elects new president

Estonia's parliament elected Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise as the country's next president on Wednesday after one round of voting.
In total, 71 votes were cast in favor of Madise in a secret ballot, and 68 were needed for her to become the head of state. There were seven unmarked ballots and none were judged to be invalid.

Seventy-eight members of the 101-seat Riigikogu received ballots, and all 78 took part in the vote.

After the results were read out, Madise told the MPs present: "I will do my best to be worthy of this trust. I hope that through mutual understanding, debating vigorously when necessary while still supporting one another, we can accomplish a great deal together for Estonia, so that life in Estonia is happy, good and safe."

Madise will become Estonia's seventh president and the second female head of state. She will be sworn into office on October 12.

Madise replaces one-term President Alar Karis, who said he would not stand again in June.

Karis congratulated his successor. "Serving as head of state is a great honour and an even greater responsibility. I wish you strength, wisdom and resolve," he wrote on social media.