Editorial: «same old same old» for Centre Party

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Photo: Toomas Huik

This time, Kadri Simson’s path towards being prime minister was short indeed. Despite the massive media coverage, interviews and programme-articles in almost all the main news channels, the idea failed to grow wings in the place where Centre Party really Editorial: «same old same old» for Centre Party.

By the decision at Centre Party board (which also is nothing but a decision by Mr Savisaar, not to be opposed without consequences), Estonian domestic policy power lines stayed in place. With Edgar Savisaar as Centre Party prime ministerial candidate, the present coalition is forced to stand against him as one. Even IRL, playing against all this past week, can’t be left out. Recalling the recent utterances by IRL’s potential prime minister Juhan Parts regarding Mr Savisaar, one thing is certain: even the fundamental conflicts over sensitive legislation will take second place – if needed to avoid Mr Savisaar rising to determine Estonia’s future.  

By this, Mr Savisaar made life easier for those who stand against him. Meaning: nothing hazy over Centre Party in election campaigns. The opposition will be straightforward, as until now.

Nothing there to indicate, though, that Ms Simson would have made it better at elections than Mr Savisaar – having at local elections failed to rise to be Mayor of Pärnu. And at EU elections the votes went to Yana Toom. Still, Ms Simson at the forefront could have eased the Estonian doubts regarding the party’s Moscow-friendly image.

There will always be some surprises at elections campaigns, but obviously the main points will be economy and Estonia’s security. Interesting now to see who, in these issues, will carry the spokesperson yoke for Centre Party – Edgar Savisaar, traditionally, only addresses the nation at very rare and special occasions.

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