The coalition in Estonia lost its majority in parliament after two lawmakers left
The coalition of the Estonian parties “Reform” and Eesti 200 has lost its parliamentary majority after two members of parliament left these political parties. The governing alliance now holds 50 seats in the 101-seat Riigikogu—Estonia’s parliament—according to ERR News.
Kalev Stoicescu, chair of the parliamentary committee on national defense, has left the Eesti 200 party, while Meelis Kiili has left the Reform Party. Stoicescu stated that he made the decision after lengthy deliberations about his political future. He plans to remain in politics and run in the next Riigikogu elections. Kiili attributed his departure to growing disagreements with the Reform Party’s policies on national defense and security. He will remain an independent member of the Riigikogu.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal acknowledged that the country has a minority government. According to him, the coalition has effectively operated in this format for a year and has made important decisions by seeking a broader consensus in the Riigikogu. Mihhal emphasized that to continue its work, the government must seek compromises and cooperate with other parliamentary forces.
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This situation has arisen on the eve of the presidential election: the vote in the Riigikogu is scheduled for September 2–3. Parliament will also consider the state budget this fall. At least 68 votes are required in the Riigikogu to elect a president; if this threshold is not met, the process will move to the Electoral College.
Social Democratic Party leader Lauri Läänemets stated that his party will not support the Reform Party during the fall vote on the budget. At the same time, he called the presidential election more important than a possible vote of no confidence in the government. Isamaa leader Urmas Reinsalu called the loss of the majority the beginning of the coalition’s collapse, while Center Party leader Mihhail Kilvart suggested that the government might negotiate with independent lawmakers to secure votes.
