Survey: Ratas still most popular choice as premier, Kallas closes gap
Support for Jüri Ratas as head of the government remains stable at 36 percent, according to a recent poll, ERR's Russian-language portal reports. The prime minister, who was also legally-defined head of the emergency situation which ran from March 12 to May 17 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, first saw the same level of support in March, after which it has remained unchanged.
The survey was conducted by pollsters Turu-uuringute on behalf of daily Eesti Päevaleht, and is held on a monthly basis, with the key question posed being "Who would you prefer to see as prime minister," from among the current roster of party leaders.
The gap between Ratas and Reform leader Kaja Kallas has narrowed since March, however, with the latter's support rising from 24 percent to 26 percent. Reform is in opposition but has the highest number of Riigikogu seats (34 to Center's 25).
At the same time the gap has widened on the also-rans in the poll. Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE) leader Mart Helme's popularity as potential prime minister fell from 8 to 6 percent between March and May, Social Democratic Party (SDE) leader Indrek Saar saw a one percent drop in support to 3 percent, with Isamaa leader Helir-Valdor Seeder remaining at 3 percent support as prime minister, among respondents.
The latest survey by Turu-uuringute covered the period May 7-17 and polled around 866 people.
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Editor: Andrew Whyte