Res Publica seeks new partners before local elections

Res Publica, the party of prime minister Juhan Parts, has been looking for ways to increase cooperation with opposition parties such as Centre Party.

Eesti Päevaleht reported today that Res Publica’s objective is to make ensure that it can beat its coalition partner Reform Party in local elections.

Res Publica has been negotiating possible local cooperation with opposition Pro Patria Union and Centre Party.

The prime minister’s party that has been suffering from low public rating is believed to focus on strengthening its position in towns such as Tartu, Pärnu, Paide, Rapla and Võru.

“This cooperation is aimed at making sure that Reform Party that has dominated local councils for years cannot remain in place,” says an anonymous Res Publica member.

He added that because of local elections this year was likely to become politically overcharged which could affect state government.

Also Indrek Raudne, one of the leaders of Res Publica, admitted that the party had switched in a new gear in preparation for local elections.

Since the electorate of Res Publica and Reform Party largely overlaps, political analysts expect the relations between the two parties to deteriorate rapidly as the election approaches.

Source : BBN – EPL