Although there are differences of opinion with former Central Party chairman Jüri Ratas, and one might say there is a conflict, in reality there is no desire for him to leave the party, said Central Party chairman Mihhail Kõlvart, in the “First Study”.
Recently, Ratas has criticized the actions of the Center Party leadership, for example, he criticized Jana Toomi’s behavior in paying the court costs of pro-Kremlin activists and criticized Kõlvarti for not taking a clear position on Toomi’s actions. At the same time, the media has speculated that Ratas is preparing to leave the Center Party and join another party.
Kölvart admitted that there is a conflict with Ratas. “Although we have differences with Jüri, let’s say so; we can also honestly say that the conflict – but even today I would say that Jüri should not leave. If the center party continues to be a great value for him – and he has said this many times – then today is the time when he can contribute the most to help the party,” Kõlvart said.
“As far as I can understand his comments, the Center Party is still in his mind and in his heart. We have had quite a long period in which accusations were heard, his accusations are still being heard today. I don’t think he will draw from it benefit everyone, especially the center party,” he added. Veal.
According to Kõvart, the last time he spoke to Ratas about this topic was on Friday. “However, you have to admit that, looking at the overall situation, it is difficult to achieve something with just one message,” she said.
“We all have personal ambitions. I understand that the results of the (Center Party) congress were not what Jüri and some other party members expected. And we live our lives differently,” Kõlvart added.
According to Kõvart, it is difficult to reach agreements even if a party member who has already left or is thinking of leaving, negotiates with another party at the same time.
“It’s really difficult to reach an agreement with anyone, be it Jüri or a former party member, when negotiations are going on with one of your parties. It’s difficult to reach an agreement, it’s really difficult. But even in the current situation, until it’s says the last word, then there are all possibilities,” Kõlvart said.
After Kõvart’s election as party leader, nine prominent politicians left the Center Party and, according to them, no longer see a future in the party. The Riigikogu faction of the Central Party has been reduced to a minimum in parliament, and some seats in the Tallinn council have also been lost. Kölvart admitted that the situation is difficult.
“There are difficult moments. This is clear, of course. /…/ At the same time, the idea that there was a civil war in the Center Party after the Congress is not adequate. I have not seen it. It is Mi it seems like everything was done to create a common understanding, the possibility of an agreement. It was offered, it was discussed. Of course, those who left have a different understanding,” Kõlvart said.
At the same time, the crisis is nothing new for the Center Party, and Kõlvart does not see the expected marginalization of the party.
“This prediction has been made many and many times for the Center Party. There have also been crises when the party did not have a president and you can understand how it will end. Yes, this crisis is difficult for us. But I have met members in different regions who are still motivated and motivate me. It might be a story full of pathos, but I believe in it,” said Kõlvart.
Regarding the party’s rating, Kõlvart said that it will definitely start to fall, but this has already happened before the Riigikogu elections.
“A week ago support was at 15%. Before the Riigikogu elections it was at 13. Unfortunately the party’s crisis did not begin four months ago and not even with the Riigikogu elections. They have been difficult times for several years,” he said. observed.
2024-01-16 20:40:00
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