Reform Party Weighs In on Coalition Partner's Drama
Speaking to Parliament, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip called for the public to remain in good faith towards earnest applicants as the residence permits scandal unravels.
"But it must be admitted that supervision has not been sufficient," said Ansip.
That said, Ansip conceded that residency issue is a complex one, complicated, for instance, by an inaccessibility to criminal records of third country nationals.
Ansip's vice chair in the Reform Party, Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, also expressed support for the coalition partner, IRL, but had some more critical feedback as well.
“The affair is revolting, but not surprising for those who remember the history of Res Publica [which merged with Pro Patria to form IRL in 2006],” Ligi told uudised.err.ee, refering to earlier setbacks.
Nevertheless, the ruling government may be spared disgrace, if IRL acts quickly, said Ligi.
“During tough times and due to unclarity, it is just and dignified to give our coalition partner time to recuperate [...] We are keeping our fingers crossed for them [...] After all, we are dealing with specific individuals and early reactions,” said Ligi.
The interior and economics ministers - who are facing a vote of confidence by their party council this weekend - do not necessarily have to step down, Ligi said, but they should definitely search their consciences.
Ott Tammik