Estonian Centre Party

The Centre Party of Estonia (Eesti Keskerakond) is a centrist party in Estonia. Keskerakond is a member of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party. Its membership after joining with Estonian Pensioner's Party (Eesti Pensionäride Erakond) in 20 August 2005, among Estonian parties is second, having more than 9000 members.

Related Topics:
Estonia - European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party - 20 August - 2005

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The party was founded on 12 October 1991, on the basis of the Popular Front of Estonia after several parties had split from it. The party's chairman is Edgar Savisaar who is considered to be an authoritarian leader. Vice chairmen of the party are Mailis Reps and Enn Eesmaa.

Related Topics:
12 October - 1991 - Popular Front of Estonia - Edgar Savisaar - Mailis Reps - Enn Eesmaa

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The party claims that its goal is the formation of a strong middle class in Estonia. Keskerakond declares itself as "middle class liberal party". It supports small enterprises. However, the support of the party is largely gained from pensioners believing in Savisaar's charismatic personality. But at the same time, the 20 and 21 august 2005 party congress was attended by many young members.

Related Topics:
Middle class - 21 august - 2005

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In general elections in March 1995 CPE gained 14.2% of votes and 16 seats (the third result). It entered the coalition, Savisaar taking the position of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Peeter Kreitzberg that of the Minister of Education. After the "tape scandal" (secret taping of talks with other politicians) where Savisaar was involved, the party was forced to go to opposition. A new party was formed by those who were disappointed by their leader's behaviour. The Centre Party was left in nearby political isolation until 2001.

Related Topics:
1995 - Tape scandal - 2001

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In 1996, CPE candidate Siiri Oviir ran for the presidency of Estonia.

Related Topics:
1996 - Siiri Oviir

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In the general elections in March 1999 Keskerakond, whose main slogan was progressive income tax, gained 23.4% of votes (the first result) and 28 seats in the Riigikogu. CPE members are active in its 26 branches - 8 of them are promoting the centrist values in Tallinn, 18 in towns and counties.

Related Topics:
1999 - Progressive - Income tax - Riigikogu - Tallinn

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In 2001, Kreitzberg ran for the presidency of Estonia.

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In January 2002 Keskerakond and Reform Party formed a new governmental coalition where Mikser was the Minister of Defense. The coalition stayed until the new elections in 2003. Though the Centre Party won the greatest percent of votes, it was in opposition until March, 2005 when Juhan Parts' governement collapsed.

Related Topics:
2002 - Reform Party - 2003

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In 2003, the majority of the party's assembly did not support Estonia's joining the EU. Savisaar did not express clearly his position.

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A number of Keskerakond members left the party in fall 2004, mostly due to objections with Savisaar's autocratic tendencies and the party's anti-EU stance, forming the Social Liberal group. Some of them joined the Social Democratic Party, others the Reform Party. One of these MP's rejoined Keskerakond. Keskerakond Party is afflicated with European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party since in May, 2004.

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Savisaar was the mayor of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, from 2001 to fall 2004, when he was forced to step down after a vote of no confidence. He was replaced by Tõnis Palts of Res Publica.

Related Topics:
Tallinn - No confidence - Tõnis Palts - Res Publica

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Keskerakond has in European Parliament 1 member, Siiri Oviir, since 2004th European Parliament election. CPE gatherd 17.5% share of votes.

Related Topics:
European Parliament - Siiri Oviir

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Keskerakond is again in government with Estonian Reform Party and People's Union of Estonia since 12 April 2005. Having 19 members in parliament fraction and 5 minister portfolios.

Related Topics:
Estonian Reform Party - People's Union of Estonia - 12 April - 2005

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