Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas vowed higher defense spending after finalizing a deal for a new governing coalition following her victory in last month’s elections, extending her tenure as one of Europe’s most ardent backers of Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
The alliance, to be sworn in next week, will swap out one of the three parties in Kallas’s outgoing Cabinet for a new administration focused on reigning in fiscal deficits and promoting socially progressive policies as well as boosting the Baltic nation’s defense.
Members of Kallas’s center-right Reform Party will dominate ministerial posts after their commanding win in the March 5 vote.
