Tõnis Lukas is Isamaa's mayoral candidate in Tartu. He said on television that a coalition with any party is not ruled out. There are few disagreements with the parties. On Monday, Isamaa will start meeting with potential coalition partners. They will meet in the order of election results.
The current mayor of Tartu, Urmas Klaas (Reform Party), said that they are still a strong force in Tartu. A month ago, it was estimated that the Reform Party would get 10-11 mandates. In the elections held on Sunday, they received 15 mandates. Isamaa received 16 mandates.
Klaas said that the feelings are mixed. On one hand, they got more than the ratings showed. On the other hand, they gave away four mandates. This does not improve the mood. He said that the Reform Party's activities in the country and the capital influence the election results. At the same time, there is no need to look for a culprit elsewhere. Local matters are also important. Klaas believes that national protest votes went to Isamaa in Tartu.
Isamaa and the Reform Party could form a coalition with 31 votes. The city council has 49 members. Lukas said that the mandates of all voters must be respected. They will meet with the parties in the city council and think things through.
Lukas said that they do not rule out a coalition with any party. Meetings will begin in the order of election results. Lukas congratulated Klaas on his good personal result. He said that the Reform Party's overall result is not shameful.
In theory, a coalition can be formed in Tartu without Isamaa. Klaas said that he is open to cooperation. The next meetings are important. It is important that Tartu gets a functioning city government.
Lukas said that there are very few fundamental disagreements with the parties. They are probably surmountable.