Center Party board predicts SDE, IRL, Center Party government in fall
According to the board of the Center Party, Parliament's largest opposition force, the current Reform Party-IRL-Social Democrat (SDE) coalition will crumble in the fall and they will form the next government along with IRL and SDE.
The current coalition is facing new talks on the coalition agreement, after the Social Democrats made a number of new proposals, despite the government only taking office in April. SDE board member Helmen Kütt said all will depend on how IRL and the Reform Party leaders will evaluate the proposals.
Jaanus Karilaid, a Center Party board member, disclosed that they have met Social Democrats on a number of occasions, adding that if the Reform Party is unwilling to change the coalition agreement, the fall could see a new government.
But Reform Party Deputy Chairman Hanno Pevkur said the Center Party has been in opposition for a long time (since 2007), and they are seeking attention.
In a piece in Eesti Päevaleht last week, SDE Parliament faction leader Andres Anvelt said the Reform Party could be suffering from an internal conflict with older party members pressuring the younger generation, including PM Taavi Rõivas. He said he is not sure the Reform Party wants to help people struggling to survive on meager wages.
Kütt said her party is very serious about the proposals, which include increasing the tax-free monthly minimum to 400 euros, that would cost the state in 400 million euros in missed tax each year.
Political scientist Tõnis Saarts said all could depend on Edgar Savisaar, and whether he will continue as the head of the party. Many in the Social Democrat ranks would not have any problems working with the Center Party, but would do without Savisaar. He said Jevgeni Ossinovski, the new SDE head, and the man behind the proposals, is out in full force. The Reform Party does not have many other options other than a coalition with the Social Democrats.
Editor: J.M. Laats