Tanel Kiik's previous positions as the head of the prime minister's office, minister of social affairs, minister of health and labor, deputy mayor of Tallinn and leader of the Center Party parliamentary group in the Riigikogu attest to his readiness and qualifications for the position of Center Party chair, the press release states.

Tarmo Tammiste, head of the party's Narva branch, said that whoever becomes party chair following the extraordinary congress, Center must move forward united and establish a common language despite disagreements.

"It is critical for Narva that Center regains power as the ruling party," said Andrus Tamm, Narva's regional vice-chair. "Only then can the city count on government support for growth and citizen welfare."

The party congress will be held on September 10 in Paide, where the new leadership will be elected. 

The two Center Party chair candidates, Tanel Kiik and Mihhail Kõlvart, highlighted earlier the difference between them — if elected, Kõlvart would steer the party in a more conservative, Kiik in a more liberal direction. In particular, Kõlvart, currently the mayor of Tallinn, said that unlike himself, Kiik is in favor of marriage equality.

At the same time, Jaanus Karilaid, a Kiik supporter, emphasized that there is a split in Center between the party's Estonian wing, represented by Ratas and Kiik, and its Russian wing, represented by Kõlvart and founded on the support of Russian-speakers in Ida-Virumaa and Tallinn.

--

Follow ERR News on Facebook and Twitter and never miss an update!