Estonian Opposition Files No-Confidence Motion Against Economy Minister

The Estonian opposition parties, the Center Party and the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE), have submitted a motion of no confidence against Minister of IT and Economic Affairs Tiit Riisalo (Eesti 200). The parties cite several reasons for the motion, including Riisalo's alleged failure to curb the economic downturn, links to Eesti 200 backers, and controversies surrounding data leaks and m-voting development.

Why this matters: The economic downturn in Estonia has broader implications for the European Union, and the government's response to it can set a precedent for other member states. The controversy surrounding Riisalo's leadership also raises questions about the role of political influence in economic decision-making.

Estonia has been experiencing economic recession for the third year, with exports falling by a fifth last year and no economic growth this year despite rising prices. Center Party MP Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart stated, "Estonia has been experiencing economic recession for the third year running, and has seen the deepest decline among the EU27." She added, "The minister has prepared a presentation on Estonia's economic growth plans, but has not taken any steps to support this economic growth plan."

The opposition also alleges that Riisalo's decision-making is influenced by Eesti 200 backers, such as mobility app firm Bolt. EKRE chair Martin Helme stated, "The country's economic policy, for which Minister Tiit Riisalo is responsible, does not lean on an economic scientific approach; instead, there is only political reaction to individual situations." Helme added, "During a period of inflation, economic downturn, business closures, and layoffs, the minister has announced the abolition of unemployment benefits."

Riisalo has also faced criticism for serious data leaks from gene testing company Asper Biogene and pharmacy chain Apotheka, as well as the termination of a collaboration with Ukraine on developing the national mobile application mRiik, resulting in a loss of over €800,000.

The motion of no confidence requires the signatures of at least 21 MPs to be heard. Center and EKRE have 25 MPs combined. The motion itself is a straight binary pass-fail vote. The third opposition party, Isamaa, has not joined in with the motion.

Key Takeaways

• Estonian opposition parties submit no-confidence motion against Minister Tiit Riisalo.
• Riisalo accused of failing to address economic downturn and having links to party backers.
• Estonia experiences 3rd year of economic recession, with exports falling by 20%.
• Riisalo criticized for data leaks and termination of Ukraine collaboration on m-voting app.
• Motion requires 21 MP signatures; Center and EKRE parties have 25 MPs combined.