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Should nothing change in six months, Estonian central bank chairman Jaan Männik will be busy creating a new political party, once the local elections are over – in order to restore ethics to politics, and trust between people and politicians.
Jaan Männik considers creating new party
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«We have a problem in Estonian politics: ethics and credibility no longer seem to be on the agenda. Whether these are violated or not – no punishment follows, no consequences. It has been a surprise to me, and, I feel, to the media as well. A political party, as we know, has quite unanimously been accused of lying and beating about the bush, but this has been turned into a legal issue, claiming it can’t be proved,» said Mr Männik.
According to Mr Männik, more emphasis needs to be lain to trust, ethics and values. «I hope that the existing parties are dealing with this. But if they fail to do so, within half a year – I have drawn the line at about the local elections – then we still have a year and a half till general elections. I will not launch into creating a new party today, yet. But if everything stays the same, it must be seriously weighed after about six months.»
When it comes to the new party’s programme, Mr Männik cannot say much as yet. «It is not an issue of a programme. The new party must restore trust between politicians and people. The trust, which has received a severe blow, of late.»
«To create a party, three things are needed: money, a political programme, but the most difficult issue always being the people. Where do you get the people who would come alongside a new political movement? Well, I have half a year to consider that,» said Mr Männik.
Asked if he believes he’d find such people, Mr Männik replied: «I must take the risk. Maybe it all falls flat, that can’t be ruled out. But if we live in constant fear of failure, then we will end up doing nothing. I will launch into this with a goal to succeed.»
Mr Männik’s term of office in Eesti Pank ends on June 12th, this summer. «Then I’ll be talking to people. There are quite many in Estonia in opposition with the current situation. Who they are and where I’ll find them, I would set no limits on that, whatsoever. These may be people that have recently left politics,» said he.
In Mr Männik’s opinion, the new party’s programme need not be overly remarkable as compared to existing rightwing parties. What matters most are the people. «We would need money, for sure. The heavy issue, however, is the human resources.»
Mr Männik does not foresee a relationship with the association Free Patriotic Citizen (Vaba Isamaaline Kodanik). «Neither in Estonia nor abroad have I ever seen a movement like that, it’s a new thing. I wish them good luck.»
Tõnis Saarts, political scientist from Tallinn University, says Mr Männik’s idea of creating a new rightwing party is at a too early stage to try to forecast the outcome.