Estonia: Opposition parties end obstruction in parliament for now

Estonia’s opposition Fatherland (Isamaa) party and Estonian Centre Party (Keskerakond) have decided to end their filibustering in the parliament, the Riigikogu, for now, ERR reports. The two parties withdrew their numerous submitted amendments, saying that they were against obstructing parliamentary work. The opposition’s filibustering practically halted the Riigikogu’s spring and autumn sessions in 2023. In response, the ruling coalition tied its legislative proposals to motions of confidence, thus impeding substantial debate. President Alar Karis decided to referred the issue to the Supreme Court. The opposition Conservative People’s Party of Estonia (EKRE) has not withdrawn its amendments but is waiting for the Supreme Court ruling. EKRE chairman Martin Helme warned that “the less policy can be made in parliament, the more policy goes to the streets.”