The “Valimisstuudio” local elections debate echoed the message that this year’s elections will be dominated by discontent with government decisions.
Representatives of all major parties took part in ETV’s first “Valimisstuudio” debate: Signe Riisalo (Reform Party), Lauri Laats (Center Party), Siim Pohlak (EKRE), Lauri Läänemets (Social Democrats), Helir-Valdor Seeder (Isamaa), Andres Kaarmann (Parempoolsed), Irja Lutsar (Eesti 200) and Evelyn Sepp (Greens).
In large part, participants voiced criticism of choices made by the government.
Reform Party’s Signe Riisalo stressed the importance of prioritizing local issues and setting aside matters that municipalities cannot decide. She also dismissed the idea that the elections would serve as revenge against her party.
“I think every party, including Reform, is entering the competition with its best ideas and best people. The debates must put local issues first. There’s no point in treating people as though they were naive and talking about issues that municipalities — or even the state — have no power to decide,” Riisalo said.
Read more: ERR.EE
