Times are more tense than ever before, and unfortunately we are not only against anti-human politics, but also against each other, said Jüri Ratas, chairman of the Estonian Center Party, in a speech at the party’s emergency council meeting in Põltsamaa.
“The fire has continued to glow under the ashes, and it can be felt both in words and actions,” stated Jüri Ratas. “We will even collect signatures so that the party’s chairman, vice-chairman Tanel Kiik and general secretary Andre Hanimägi leave the Tallinn City Council. Such, perhaps even small at first glance, but significant things kept piling up. I have to admit that I have never felt such an internal climate and pressure from party members before.”
According to Jüri Ratas, the world-view donation of 300,000 euros made by the entrepreneur Parvel Pruunsilla was the reason for convening the extraordinary congress, which was returned by the majority decision of the board. “It was no longer such a petty game, hissing or pulling the blanket towards you more. It was a decision that broke the camel’s back for me. It was a decision that really hurt the party. We could have reduced the election debt, supported the regions, published a newspaper, prepared for the next elections… When evaluating the explanations given to the public, I have to admit that it was not the entrepreneur, the donation or the possible uses of my proposed donation that were wrong, but apparently today’s chairman instead,” he said.
According to Jüri Ratas, the criticism that the Center Party has distanced itself from its worldview by forming various coalitions is unfounded. He added that in three successive governments, in two of which the Center Party held the position of prime minister, they stood for programmatic positions and promises made to voters.
“Increasing the tax-free income of people earning up to the average salary, introducing free public transport at the county level, extraordinary pension increases, allocating additional money for health care, initiating funding for Tallinna Hospital, building the Rohuküla railway and building football halls,” listed Jüri Ratas, who is not running for chairman at the extraordinary congress.
In conclusion, Jüri Ratas said that the main question is whether the Center Party lasts and becomes stronger and is necessary for our society. “Hopefully, together, we will move forward stronger and more united, looking to the future, not the past. Standing still will not move us forward. As one, we can do a lot, we are heard, we have to be taken into account. Today’s decisions made by the government coalition and now the new car tax plan clearly show that a strong Central Party is very much needed,” said the chairman of the party.
