Editorial: the six slices of cake

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Photo: Internet, montaaž

As humbly admitted by soc dem chief Sven Mikser, on elections day voter is king. And, should the king wish two new parties in parliament, the seats cannot obviously be added to the existing 101. Some will have to make way.

Thus, for four years we now have a six faction parliament. Historically, the slices handed out have not always remained exactly the same. Anyway, politics in Estonia are set to become a bit less predictable. Meanwhile, the main power-lines changed not. Reform Party, in government since 1999, as the winner in high likelihood will keep on governing. With major blunders avoided, next elections might mean 20 years of squirrel era – enough for a generation to grow up. Unwaveringly, Reform remains a constant in steering Estonia. 

Centre Party role remained unchanged as well. The last time they won an election was 2003, but Juhan Parts was propelled to be prime minister. Edgar Savisaar keeps growing his personal votes tally, this time clearing the 25,000 threshold. Among top popular, one finds lots of Centre politicians. Centre Party improved its result – the only one to do so among the current quartet. Yet, placed second, they probably missed opportunity to govern. Will that equal four years polishing the opposition bench, too early to say – with the unknowns added. Even so, Edgar Savisaar towers on as a pillar of support for dedicated followers – and an obstacle unmovable to open up for fresh combinations.

Soc dems and especially IRL are devastated at the moment, yet by no means out of the game. As the things stand, a government can be a trio only – all but Centre can yet play their cards right while admitting the trumps are in the hand of Taavi Rõivas.

As things stand, both stability and turbulence are an option. Doubtless, colour and spice has been added. We’ll see new ambitious personas arise, such as will not consent to idle their time away at Toompea. One wonders, though: what about all the goodies gleefully promised to voters just some few days ago ...

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