Business daily endorses Free Party at national elections
The daily Äripäev has come out supporting the Free Party, instead of IRL as at previous elections. The newspaper is the only media publication to endorse a political party ahead of elections.
In an editorial today, the paper said the Free Party is the only opportunity to break up current power relationships without compromising national security and the foundation of the economic policy in the country.
“The most important reason for backing the Free Party is to create competition between parties. We want fresh blood in Parliament and in the government. Our vote for the Free Party can be considered a protest vote,” the paper said.
Äripäev said the Reform Party would find it more difficult to just swap out coalition partners, as others can cooperate to bring the party out of power.
Both right-wing parties - the Reform Party and IRL - need internal cleaning-up, the daily said, adding that the Reform Party especially needs changes having been in power for 15 years and has turned from a bearer of the liberal ideology into a professional power keeper.
“Äripäev has in previous years endorsed IRL. The main reason for not backing now is IRL's intolerance, which is also hampering economic growth. Many IRL members are vocal against foreigners and those dissimilar,” the daily said, adding that IRL is more adventurous in opposition than in government.
Editor: J.M. Laats