Estonia’s center-right Reform party, led by Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, celebrated a big win in the parliamentary elections held on Sunday, March 6th. With over 40% of the votes, the Reform party surpassed all expectations and consolidated its position as the leading political force in the country.

The elections were marked by high voter turnout and a diverse range of concerns. While some voters were primarily focused on issues such as inflation and the economy, others were more concerned with foreign policy and international relations.

One major point of contention for voters was Ukraine, with the Reform party being seen as a strong supporter of the neighboring country in its conflict with Russia. Some voters saw this as a positive, appreciating Estonia’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Others, however, expressed concerns about the potential risks of such a stance, including the possibility of worsening relations with Russia.

Despite these concerns, the Reform party’s resounding victory suggests that the majority of Estonian voters are comfortable with Kallas’s leadership and her vision for the country’s future. In her victory speech, Kallas expressed gratitude for the people’s trust and emphasized her commitment to building a strong, prosperous, and inclusive Estonia.

The elections also saw a surge in support for the far-right EKRE party, although they ultimately finished a distant second with just over 17% of the votes. Some observers have expressed concerns about the implications of this rise in far-right sentiment, particularly as it relates to issues of immigration and multiculturalism.

Overall, however, the elections were seen as a largely successful exercise in democracy, with Estonians demonstrating their commitment to civic engagement and their belief in the power of their votes to shape the future of their country.