On March 1st 2015, the Estonian people will elect 101 people to their unicameral parliament, known as the Riigikogu, via the D'Hondt method. Though I'm not Estonian, I do have a large interest in Estonian culture and politics, and figured "why not start an election thread, NSG loves their election threads." So, without further ado, I present to you the political parties running in the Next Estonian Parliamentary elections. And, of course I've provided a objective opinion, and my biased opinion.
History: Founded in 1994, their influence on Estonian politics is massive. They've participated in most governments since it's founding, and the current PM is a member of this party. They're also the senior coalition partner in the government coalition.
Ideology: Centre-Right, Classical Liberalism, Liberalism.
International Affiliation: Liberal International
My Biased Opinion on the Party: Vote for this party plz, Estonia.
History: Founded in 1991, they're currently the second largest party in Estonia. They have a large influence on Estonian politics. The party is heavily supported by Estonia's Russian minority. Because of this, amongst other things, they've received criticism for being Pro-Russia.
Ideology: Agrarianism, Centrism, Populism.
International Affiliation: Nein.
My Biased Opinion on the Party: Populist and Agrarian Pro-Putin politicians who will fuck up Estonia.
History: Founded in 2006, they've grown quite fast, and are the third largest party in Estonia. That's about it.
Ideology: National Conservatism, Christian Democracy, Social Conservatism, Centre-Right to Right-Wing.
International Affiliation: Centrist Democrat International
My Biased Opinion on the Party: National conservatism and social conservatism are silly, but the party isn't god awful...
History: Originally a labour movement during the perestroika era, it later evolved into a modern Social Democratic Party.
Ideology: Centre Left, Social Democracy, Third Way.
International Affiliation: Socialist International
My Biased Opinion: Just a medicore, run of the mill labour party.
History: Formed in 2012 as a nationalistic, eurosceptic party. They admire the Swiss People's Party, and wish for direct democracy, and other policies the Swiss People's Party advocates.
Ideology: Right-Wing to Far-Right, Estonian Nationalism, Direct Democracy, Euroscepticism, Populism, Anti Immigration.
International Affiliation: Nyet
My Biased Opinion: A bunch of racists and xenophobic populists.
Of course, there are other minor parties, but they likely won't make it into Parliament. Anyways, NSG, who do you support for the upcoming elections? Personally, I admire the Reform Party. And, while I don't agree with them on everything, I do think they've been able to get Estonia through the recession, and they've been integral in transforming Estonia into a modern, developed country over the last few decades. Four more years!