Estonia: legislative dominated by defense issues

Posters of candidates are plastered near a shopping mall in Tallinn, Estonia, March 1, 2023. (Illustrative Image) REUTERS - INTS KALNINS

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The Estonians vote, this Saturday, March 4, to renew their Parliament which has 101 seats.

Online and advance voting has already started at the beginning of the week.

In this country bordering Russia, the campaign was dominated by defense issues.

The nationalist Ekre formation is hot on the heels of the Prime Minister's Reform party, which worries some. 

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Report in Tallinn, by

Marielle Vitureau

In the polling station installed in the aisles of a shopping center in Tallinn, voters parade.

Impossible for Karolin not to vote: “ 

There are parties that question democracy in Estonia 

”.

This voter has in mind the nationalist formation Ekre which denounces the excessive aid from Estonia to Ukraine.

The gaps are closing

The Reform Party, the Prime Minister's party which has dominated Estonian political life for decades should come out on top, but the gap with the nationalist party has narrowed.

Six parties should enter Parliament and for political scientist Martin Molder, nothing seems to be in advance: “ 

No coalition with a strong majority is really emerging for the moment.

The distribution of votes between different parties can really change the political landscape dramatically

 ”.

Defense and Security

One subject dominated the campaign: that of defense and security.

It is obvious for this candidate of a liberal party: “ 

If the country disappears, all the other problems become unimportant

 ”.

Economic and social issues will very quickly catch up with the next Parliament.

Economic growth was negative in 2022 and the education sector requires urgent reforms.

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