Estonian opposition splits over push for snap elections

Estonia’s opposition parties remain divided over both the dismissal of the Defence Ministry’s secretary general and whether to seek snap elections, ERR reported.

Social Democratic Party leader Lauri Läänemets has asked Estonia’s Chancellor of Justice to assess whether the secretary general’s dismissal was lawful and whether party political interests played a role.

“Party political interests mean that Martin Herem clearly would not have said yes if the Reform Party had not dismissed the secretary general,” Läänemets said.

The secretary general can be dismissed on the minister’s proposal if cooperation has failed for six months. Isamaa leader Urmas Reinsalu said it was unclear whether the alleged breakdown in cooperation concerned the departing minister or the new one.

“There is reason to examine the materials that legally motivated the government. Does it say that cooperation with Mr Pevkur failed, or were there other reasons?” Reinsalu said.

EKRE leader Martin Helme said the dismissal did not violate the law because Hanno Pevkur was in office as minister. He said the minister had the authority to submit the proposal to the government, which then decided to dismiss the secretary general.

Centre Party leader Mihhail Kõlvart said the opposition should decide whether to submit a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Kristen Michal and seek early elections.

“What matters first and foremost is a substantive agreement. If the opposition has the votes, then it will be done,” Kõlvart said.

The opposition will decide whether and when to begin collecting signatures at a meeting. Helme said opposition party leaders had held intensive discussions for several weeks and would meet again next Monday. He said the meeting would cover more than just the no-confidence motion.

The Social Democrats do not support early elections, saying there would not be enough time to hold an election debate. Without their support, the no-confidence motion would not pass.

Reinsalu urged the Social Democrats to reconsider, saying they should back their strong criticism of the government with action. Läänemets responded that Reinsalu had been discussing snap elections for two years without persuading any member of the governing coalition to join Isamaa.

The full Riigikogu, Estonia’s parliament, will convene next week.