Ülle Madise thanks Parliamentary Ombudsman for message following her election as President of Estonia

Ülle Madise thanks Parliamentary Ombudsman for message following her election as President of Estonia

Published September 07, 2026

The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon, has exchanged letters with Professor Ülle Madise, Chancellor of Justice of Estonia and President-elect of the Republic of Estonia, following her election to the country’s highest constitutional office.

In his letter of 3 September 2026, the Parliamentary Ombudsman conveyed his warmest congratulations to Professor Madise, describing her election as both a significant personal achievement and a source of satisfaction for the wider Ombudsman community. He paid tribute to her years of service as Chancellor of Justice and to her commitment to constitutional democracy, good administration, the protection of fundamental rights and the independence of oversight institutions.

Judge Zammit McKeon also referred to the exchanges they had shared through their respective international commitments and participation in Ombudsman fora, noting Professor Madise’s clarity of thought, practical approach and understanding of the role of independent institutions in safeguarding rights and strengthening public trust.

He recalled in particular Professor Madise’s participation as a guest speaker at the International Ombudsman Conference held in Malta in October 2025. Her intervention on digitalisation and artificial intelligence focused on the need to ensure that technological innovation remains firmly anchored in human rights, democracy and meaningful human control. Judge Zammit McKeon noted that her contribution had left a lasting impression and enriched the wider discussion among participating institutions.

In her reply, Professor Madise thanked the Parliamentary Ombudsman for his “warm and generous congratulations” and expressed her appreciation for the many years of cooperation within the international Ombudsman community. She referred to the meaningful exchanges that had taken place over the years and to their shared commitment to safeguarding fundamental rights, the rule of law and the independence of institutions entrusted with their protection.

As she prepares to assume the Presidency of the Republic of Estonia, Professor Madise said that she is conscious of both the honour and responsibility that come with serving the people of Estonia. She added that the experience gained during her years as Chancellor of Justice, together with the friendships and professional exchanges within the international Ombudsman community, would remain of great value to her.

Professor Madise also expressed the hope that the close relationship with the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta would continue, stating that she looked forward to maintaining the warm relations developed over the years.

The exchange reflects the longstanding professional relationship between the two institutions and the wider cooperation that has developed through the international Ombudsman community, particularly in the areas of human rights, the rule of law, good administration and the independence of oversight institutions.