Eesti 200 rejects merger talks with Estonian Greens

Estonian governing party Eesti 200 has ruled out merger talks with the Estonian Greens, ERR reported, ending consideration of a joint run in next spring’s parliamentary election.

At a party council meeting on Sunday, Eesti 200 decided not to begin negotiations with the Greens, communications director Johannes Merilai said. He said the parties had different policies and that a merger would not strengthen Eesti 200’s progressive and liberal outlook.

The council did not discuss whether Eesti 200 would take part in the election. The party is preparing for the vote and wants to field a full list of candidates, but has not made a final decision, Merilai said.

Eesti 200 parliamentary group leader Toomas Uibo said on Thursday that he did not plan to run again. Party colleague Irja Lutsar announced the same intention in July. A weekly poll conducted by the Institute of Societal Research and Norstat Estonia put Eesti 200’s support at 1.2 per cent.