A recent survey commissioned by the Social Sciences Institute in Tallinn found that 81% of Estonians believe only citizens of Estonia and the European Union should be granted the right to vote in local elections. This effectively excludes Russian and Belarusian nationals from participating in elections.
The survey highlighted that 13% of Estonians oppose this proposition. Among respondents of other nationalities, 26% supported the idea, whereas 66% were against it.
Currently, all permanent residents of Estonia, regardless of citizenship, are eligible to vote in local elections. However, participation in parliamentary elections is restricted solely to Estonian citizens.
Martin Molder, a professor of political science at the University of Tartu, noted that Estonia is home to approximately 70,000 citizens of other countries, predominantly from Russia, with a population totaling around 1.3 million.
“For some time now, there has been a debate on whether (non-Estonian citizens) should participate in the political life of Estonia. The electorate and the majority of political parties strongly believe that in the current situation, citizens of third countries should not partake in the governance of the state,” Molder stated.
He further observed that the proposal enjoys support across all parliamentary factions except for the Centre Party and the Social Democratic Party, which together hold 19 seats. Consequently, even implementing such an amendment would require an urgent constitutional revision, necessitating the support of four-fifths of parliament members.
“The Social Democrats are the only ones in the government opposing this idea and are likely the main obstacle to its implementation. However, they have also signed a coalition agreement that includes suspending the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections,” the expert recalled.
This survey reflects a significant public sentiment in Estonia towards limiting the political influence of non-EU citizens, particularly in the wake of geopolitical tensions in the region. It also indicates a strong political will among most Estonian parties to pursue legislative changes that align with these public opinions.
Currently, all permanent residents of Estonia, regardless of citizenship, are eligible to vote in local elections. However, participation in parliamentary elections is restricted solely to Estonian citizens.
Martin Molder, a professor of political science at the University of Tartu, noted that Estonia is home to approximately 70,000 citizens of other countries, predominantly from Russia, with a population totaling around 1.3 million.
“For some time now, there has been a debate on whether (non-Estonian citizens) should participate in the political life of Estonia. The electorate and the majority of political parties strongly believe that in the current situation, citizens of third countries should not partake in the governance of the state,” Molder stated.
He further observed that the proposal enjoys support across all parliamentary factions except for the Centre Party and the Social Democratic Party, which together hold 19 seats. Consequently, even implementing such an amendment would require an urgent constitutional revision, necessitating the support of four-fifths of parliament members.
“The Social Democrats are the only ones in the government opposing this idea and are likely the main obstacle to its implementation. However, they have also signed a coalition agreement that includes suspending the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections,” the expert recalled.
This survey reflects a significant public sentiment in Estonia towards limiting the political influence of non-EU citizens, particularly in the wake of geopolitical tensions in the region. It also indicates a strong political will among most Estonian parties to pursue legislative changes that align with these public opinions.
Source:
More In Politics MORE...
