New two-party liberal coalition in Estonia with narrow majority

Riga [Latvia], March 26: A government reshuffle in Estonia was completed on Tuesday with the swearing in of five new ministers under Prime Minister Kristen Michal.
The Baltic republic will be governed by a two-party coalition made up of Michal's Estonian Reform Party and Estonia 200, both described as economically liberal. It holds a narrow majority of 52 seats in the 101-member parliament in Tallinn.
The reshuffle was needed after Michal expelled the Social Democratic Party (SDE) earlier this month.
The new coalition deal focuses on defence and security, along with economic competitiveness and cutting back bureaucracy. Defence expenditure is to rise to 5% of economic output, and the domestic arms industry is to be promoted.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 is seen as a direct threat in Estonia, which shares a border with Russia. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune