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Yesterday, they – Reform, Soc Dems and IRL – talked all day. After that, the latter two headed to their own to talk some more and ponder some compromises.
Parties push to shift talks into top gear
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At 7 pm, IRL leadership convened to think things through. A smaller circle of Soc Dems followed suit.
As told Postimees by Reform representative, based on talks thus far their chief Taavi Rõivas outlined compromise proposals considering priorities of the partners now discussed by IRL and SDE among the parties. «The goal is to reach common candidates for the Board of the Riigikogu tomorrow morning (today – edit) and during the week to put together a coalition of three,» he said.
According to press release by the party, the talks centred on coalition agreement priorities and costs. «On top of that, energy working group successfully concluded consultations today (yesterday); also, during the weekend, we continued consultation regarding foreign policy where main principles have by today been discussed and unity achieved,» declared Reform.
SDE chairman Sven Mikser said the compromise proposals are yet to be analysed by the soc dems. «Clearly, in some issues we were able to reach unity, but some questions are still open,» he said, desiring not to specify what was agreed and what not. «The contract is ready when all has been agreed. We do not want to reveal the cards too much here,» he said.
Asked if the risk existed that a coalition of three might not happen, Mr Mikser said he thought there was a considerable chance for it to happen. Even so, he said, the talks were to continue at the beginning of the new week. «Definitely, during the first half of the week, we have reasons to sit together some more,» he said.
This afternoon, the new Riigikogu holds its opening session, electing its new president and two vice-presidents. In earlier years, the posts of president and one deputy have been agreed as part of the coalition agreement.
At the session, to begin at 3 pm, the Riigikogu members will be sworn in. The text will be read from the pulpit by the eldest at the Riigikogu, Rein Ratas of Centre Party.