Estonia’s new defence minister pick faces scrutiny over industry ties and procurement plans

Martin Herem, who led the Estonian Defence Forces, has been chosen to head the Ministry of Defence, a move that has drawn criticism from retired Maj. Gen. Neeme Väli, who says the selection process lacked openness and highlights Herem’s direct connections to the defence contractor Frankenburg. Väli warned that former permanent secretary Kusti Salm, now CEO of Frankenburg Technologies, could also re-enter government, raising conflict-of-interest questions.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal defended the appointment, stating he trusts Herem’s experience and suggests an external partner to rebuild public confidence. Security expert Rainer Saks cautioned that, despite the EDF’s accounting issues being manageable, the larger risk lies in a rapidly expanding defence budget and a surge of procurements without sufficient seasoned personnel. Väli further argued that defence-preparation speed should be based on intelligence assessments, not personal judgment, and cautioned against hastily granting special powers or altering laws. Herem, who is not joining a political party, returns from vacation on Sunday to assume the role.