Kiili leaves Reform Party, coalition loses parliamentary majority

Meelis Kiili has left the Reform Party and will continue serving in Estonia’s parliament as an unaffiliated lawmaker, ERR reported.

Kiili said his decision was not driven by a momentary emotion but followed a longer period of reflection. He said his views on Estonia’s national defence, security and their long-term development had increasingly diverged from the party’s political choices.

“I do not regret joining the Reform Party at the time, because I made that decision after a lengthy discussion with Johannes Kert,” Kiili said.

Kiili said he had been able to accomplish a great deal during his years in the party, particularly on issues related to national defence and security, drawing on his previous experience and knowledge. He added that much of this work had been done without substantive support from the party.

“In some cases, one could even say in hindsight that things were accomplished not because I was in the Reform Party, but despite it,” he said.

Kiili said his decision did not stem from bitterness or constitute a reproach against the people with whom he had worked.

“At some point in politics, you have to ask yourself whether belonging to a party helps you stand up for the principles that brought you into politics, or whether it begins to restrict you. For me, the answer to that question is now clear,” he said.

“I will continue in parliament as an unaffiliated lawmaker and keep working on issues where my knowledge and experience may benefit Estonia,” Kiili said.

Following Kiili’s departure from the Reform Party and its parliamentary faction, and Kalev Stoicescu’s departure announcement the previous day, the governing coalition now has 50 lawmakers in parliament, effectively making it a minority government.

Kiili joined the Reform Party on November 2, 2022, ahead of the previous parliamentary elections. He ran in Ida-Viru County, received 1,289 votes and was elected.