Lauri Läänemets is the chairman of the Social Democratic Party. He said that the Reform Party and Eesti 200 decided to continue governing without the Social Democrats. Läänemets believes that the new State Secretary Keit Kasemets played a significant role in pushing the Social Democrats aside.
Läänemets spoke to journalists upon leaving Stenbock House. He said that two sentences were the reason why the coalition ended. Those sentences were that the Reform Party and Eesti 200 could pursue right-wing politics. Läänemets added that another reason was the Reform Party's low rating.
Läänemets said that the Reform Party had to do something. He said that this was the only plan that Kristen Michal came up with. Läänemets added that if this is the solution for Estonia, then we have to live with it.
Läänemets repeatedly emphasized that in addition to Kristen Michal, Keit Kasemets was also involved in the plan to remove the Social Democrats from the government. He said that the decision to remove the Social Democrats from the government was made by Kristen Michal and Keit Kasemets together. Eesti 200 said that they made this decision about three weeks ago.
Läänemets said that the Social Democrats spoke with members of the Reform Party's board over the weekend. Those members suggested talking to Michal and Kasemets. Läänemets said that the State Secretary should be neutral. The State Secretary should not decide who is in the government and who is not.
Läänemets added that Keit Kasemets is Kristen Michal's best friend and most trusted confidant. He said that the removal of the Social Democrats from the government was like a stab in the back. Läänemets recalled that Kaja Kallas supported her government partners even in difficult times. Kristen Michal, however, acted differently.