Parties take campaigns to streets as major platforms ban political ads

With parliamentary elections five months away, Estonian parties have begun putting up campaign tents and flags as they turn to face-to-face campaigning, ERR reports. Political advertising is banned on major social media platforms, and the larger parties are preparing to spend millions of euros to reach voters.

Social Democratic Party campaign manager Karmo Kuri said his party had started campaigning early because voters often complain that politicians only meet them shortly before an election.

Campaign budgets are still being calculated, but one party could spend several million euros. Candidates are also contributing their own money. Isamaa deputy chair Riina Solman said she had set aside 10,000 euros from her salary, in addition to the party’s campaign spending.

Center Party members are expected to contribute more of their own money because the party’s finances are weak. The party is focusing on direct contact with voters. Kaido Saarniit, a Center Party member and head of Pirita district, said a large roadside poster on Pirita Road had cost 3,500 euros for two weeks during the previous local elections.

Campaign discussions reflect the season and current concerns. Kuri said the Social Democrats were focusing on home heating and family policy as winter approaches. Solman said Isamaa was asking voters about fuel excise increases and collecting signatures against them.

The most intense campaigning is expected to begin early next year, when streets fill with politicians’ posters and their advertisements appear on television. The Reform Party’s campaign is due to start in the second half of October. Eesti 200 is also expected to clarify whether it will join the Greens, while EKRE is currently focusing on attending events.