Source: The Guardian [UK]
“The Reform party of Estonia’s prime minister, Kaja Kallas, secured first place in Sunday’s parliamentary election, a result that should ensure Tallinn remains one of Europe’s most staunchly pro-Ukraine governments. Results with 98% ballots counted showed the far-right EKRE party in second place, with 16.1% versus 31.5% for Kallas’[s] liberal group, reflecting concerns among some voters over the rising cost of living in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. If Kallas, 45, succeeds in crafting a functioning coalition, it would cement the Baltic nation’s pro-European direction. Estonia, a western neighbour of Russia with a population of 1.3 million, would also stay on course to adopt more green energy and continue to accept refugees from Ukraine. Kallas said the election left her party in a strong position to form a coalition government that would keep up calling for pressure on Russia.” (03/05/23)