Social Democrats block Parts's bid for European Court of Auditors
The Social Democrats (SDE) decided not to support coalition partner IRL's proposal to name its MP and former prime minister Juhan Parts as a candidate to the European Court of Auditors (ECA).
SDE Chairman Jevgeni Ossinovski told Eesti Päevaleht the nomination of Parts by IRL and the Reform Party, two thirds of the government coalition, has received criticism from SDE from the beginning. Ossinovski said his party believes Parts, as economic minister from 2007 to 2014, made decisions which were damaging to Estonia.
“There has been much talk about the bankruptcy of Estonian Air in recent weeks and just today the failed investments of Eesti Energia have returned to public light,” he said.
Finance Minister Sven Sester (IRL) said the topic should have been discussed privately among the coalition partners and not through the media. “These kinds of categorical statements do not make everyday life easier,” Sester said, adding that Parts is very competent, looking at what he has done for the Estonian society.
IRL Chairman Margus Tsahkna said SDE has tied Parts's nomination to the Cohabitation Act, asking IRL to vote in favor of the implementing acts to the law. Tsahkna said IRL is not holding party dicipline on the matter. Of all IRL MPs, only Maire Aunaste supported the act.
The Court of Auditors has one seat from each EU member state. The aim of the court is to check EU funds are collected and used correctly, and to help improve EU's financial management.
Editor: J.M. Laats