Estonian opposition files no-confidence motion against Mihal government; vote expected on 19 October
Estonia's opposition parties have filed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Kristen Michal's government in the Riigikogu. Reform Party caucus chair Õnne Pillak denies any deal with the Social Democrats, who did not join the move.
Opposition parties in Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, have submitted a motion of no confidence in the government of Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform Party). The Centre Party, Isamaa (Fatherland) and the Conservative People's Party (EKRE) are behind it. The vote is scheduled for next week, most likely on 19 October. The motion was signed by 34 MPs, including some who do not belong to any parliamentary group.
Opposition arguments
EKRE leader Martin Helme said the motion targets the whole government, not only Michal. He named corruption linked to defence procurement as the most scandalous issue and claimed that every ministry has serious problems. Isamaa leader Urmas Reinsalu said public trust in the government is extremely low, and that the vote should show voters which political forces consider its policy a failure and which are helping it.
The Social Democrats' position
The Social Democratic Party group did not join the initiative. Party chair Lauri Läänemets said the three opposition parties do not know who would run the country if Michal resigned, and that sowing chaos is a bad plan. Some non-affiliated MPs also chose to stay out. MP Tõnis Mölder said that with Social Democratic backing they would have taken the move more seriously, but that its chances are now close to zero and it looks like a pre-election show.
Accusations and response
Centre Party caucus chair Lauri Laats and Helme claim the Social Democrats are quietly backing the government, including next year's budget. Helme cited budget allocations of 100 million, though the source does not specify the currency. Reform Party caucus chair Õnne Pillak denied any agreement with the Social Democrats and said the planned expression of no confidence may turn into an expression of support for the government. In her view, the opposition was divided from the start. Although the ruling coalition formally lacks a majority in parliament, it can currently feel secure.
