New centre-left government formed following resignation of right-wing government
On 13th January 2021, Estonia's Prime Minister Jüri Ratas resigned from his position, triggering the resignation of the entire government. His resignation comes after corruption allegations, related to a €39-million loan to the Porto Franco real estate development in Tallinn, were made public the day before. The new government, sworn in on 26th January 2021, has been formed by the two largest parliamentary parties - the Reform Party and the Centre Party - and has a total of 59 Riigikogu seats out of a possible 101, giving it a majority. Notably, Chairperson of the Reform Party, Kaja Kallas, has become Estonia’s first female Prime Minister. The new government also has seven female and eight male ministers; it is the first time Estonia has had so many women in government. Upon wishing the new government good luck, the Estonian Human Rights Centre commented that:
“Women must be able to reach every level of society and Estonia has taken a leap forward into more diverse leadership of the country with the new government. We hope that after the last two reactionary years the new ministers will bring a more inclusionary and humane approach to the culture of governing.”
With the formation of the new centre-left government, CSOs are hoping for a more open and enabling environment for civil society.
New ministers support LGBTI+ communities, women and equality issues
On the initiation of the new government, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eva-Maria Liimets, stated that Estonia’s foreign policy will focus on promoting European values. This includes no longer barring diplomats or foreign missions from supporting LGBTI issues. Liimets commented that “Estonia has made the protection of same-sex rights a priority in its foreign policy in the past, and also when we were a candidate for the Human Rights Council. We will certainly return to these principles." The new Minister of Social Affairs, Signe Riisalo, has expressed support for LGBTI persons, women and feminism and expressed the intention to reduce unequal treatment of LGBTI people, violence against women and the gender pay gap. The new Minister of Justice, Maris Lauri, has committed to tabling a law to criminalise hate speech.
These positive commitments are particularly welcome following political persecution of the LGBTI community by members of the former far-right governing party, who proposed holding a referendum on the definition of marriage in 2020.
Association
CSOs present human rights shadow report to policy makers
CSOs working on LGBTI rights, disabilities, youth, child welfare and the Estonian Human Rights Centre have put together a joint UN submission to the third universal periodic review (UPR) of Estonia. CSOs will meet with policy makers and foreign states with the aim to change laws. Their meetings include appointments with Minister Lauri and Minister Riisalo.
The submission advocates for changes to laws in several areas, including the development of a law on hate speech, discrimination and legislation to ensure polling stations and information about elections are accessible. They also recommend assurance of sustainable funding mechanisms for human rights NGOs and an increase in domestic funding for gender equality and equal treatment programmes. The report also includes key recommendations for women, children and youth, people with disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers, LGBTI communities and vegans.
Peaceful Assembly
Protests against COVID-19 restrictions dispersed by police
Estonia has one of the highest rates of new COVID-19 cases in Europe. People who are unhappy with current measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, including the requirement to wear facial masks, have staged weekend protests, which have been dispersed by police. On 20th March 2021, protests took place in Tallinn and other large cities such as Tartu and Pärnu. In Tallinn, protestors blocked two of the three lanes of the Langa tee road, causing traffic violations and congestion. Police have brought misdemeanor proceedings against one of the organisers. On the same day, around 100 protestors without masks gathered at the Song Festival Grounds but were soon dispersed by police and reminded of COVID-19 rules.
Government green-lights legislation granting police greater COVID-19 powers
The government has approved legislation granting greater powers to police to curb violations of coronavirus restrictions. This includes the issuing of fines to violators of COVID-19 restrictions, with fines ranging up to €32,000 in the case of businesses and other organisations. The same legislation also grants the national government and Health Board greater leeway in temporarily limiting schools, nurseries and other educational establishments’ activities, as well as most venues where public gatherings may take place. The legislation also proposes provisions to ease barriers to implementing fuller lockdowns, including restrictions on movement.
CSOs have reported additional challenges with restrictions, which have resulted in the suspension of extracurricular activities.
Expression
Estonians value freedom of speech more than European average
Results from a recent Eurobarometer study show that, unlike most Europeans, Estonians (alongside residents in Finland and the Netherlands) consider protecting freedom of speech one of the main tasks of the European Parliament. This contrasts with most other EU residents who consider the main task of the EU parliament to protect human rights. The study also revealed that 52% of Estonians think it is important for the European Parliament to improve solidarity between member states, and 49% said it is important to protect human rights around the world.