Estonian opposition party to join PM’s no-confidence motion

The opposition Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE) has opted to join Isamaa in a motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform), having initially demurred on the matter.

The decision was made by the party's board, and EKRE says it wants to have input into the motion's content, given it is the largest opposition party by seats, according to ERR.

EKRE MP Henn Põlluaas told ERR that: "Kaja Kallas cannot continue in office, and we will of course give our signatures to this motion of no confidence."

More than that, the party wishes to specify in its own words, in the text of the motion, the main criticisms of Kallas as prime minister.

The motion was initiated by Isamaa on November 14, while the opposition Centre Party has indicated that it is likely to sign up to the motion also.

Henn Põlluaas says that the drafting of the motion's text will take some time; it may be discussed next week, or the week commencing December 4, since the Riigikogu is not in session in the intervening week (ie. week starting November 27).

For a no-confidence motion to be heard, it requires at least 21 signatures from sitting Riigikogu MPs, while it must obtain an overall majority at the 101-seat chamber to pass.