Estonia's President Names Three New Ministers as Government Faces Scandal

Estonia's president has appointed three new ministers to lead the country's defense, economy and energy portfolios, according to China.org.cn. The appointments, reported on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, come amid a government scandal, the outlet UA.NEWS reported.

A former army chief has been named Estonia's new defense minister, according to yahoo.com. The incoming minister is identified as Herem, based on a report from the broadcaster ERR. Estonia's prime minister said Herem "knows where he has more work to do" as defense minister, ERR reported.

Separately, Estonia's government dismissed the Ministry of Defense's permanent secretary, ERR reported. That dismissal was reported alongside the ministerial appointments.

The three appointments cover defense, economy and energy, though the reporting available did not name the incoming economy or energy ministers. The president's office made the appointments as the government contended with the scandal referenced by UA.NEWS.

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The reshuffle places a former military commander in charge of the defense ministry at a time when the permanent secretary post at the same ministry has been vacated. The prime minister's comment, as reported by ERR, suggests the new defense minister faces outstanding tasks in the role.

What to watch next: whether the incoming economy and energy ministers are named, and how the government addresses the scandal that prompted the reshuffle.