EKRE turned down the coalition invitation from Isamaa, which won the elections in Pärnu. This coalition would have included the Reform Party. The Center Party announced that it has initiated coalition talks with EKRE, the electoral alliances "Südamega Pärnu" and "Pärnu Ühendab," and the Right-wingers. In this coalition, EKRE will get the mayor's position.
Valmar Veste, the head of EKRE in Pärnu County, said that there are too many disagreements with the Reform Party. Therefore, they cannot join a coalition of three parties. Isamaa won 10 seats in the city council, EKRE and the Reform Party secured 7 seats each. The Center Party got 5 seats, the electoral alliances "Südamega Pärnu" and "Pärnu Ühendab" 4 seats each, and the Right-wingers 2 seats.
Isamaa waited until Tuesday noon for a response to the coalition proposal. EKRE's board discussed for several hours and decided to accept the offer. Veste said that cooperation with the Reform Party seems complicated.
Veste stated that EKRE voters are upset with the Reform Party's actions. Although the local level is different, the worldviews of the parties are too divergent. Therefore, the coalition is not suitable for EKRE.
Siim Suursild, Isamaa's leading figure, said that the party will gather on Tuesday evening to discuss what to do next. The Center Party made a proposal for a coalition with EKRE, the electoral alliances, and the Right-wingers. All parties agreed to it.
Andrei Korobeinik, the head of the Center Party, said that the new coalition has the potential to fix the mistakes of Isamaa and the Reform Party. Issues such as kindergarten catering, land tax increases, and parking problems require quick solutions. Pärnu also needs investments and the title of a cultural capital.
Kristel Voltenberg, the leader of the electoral alliance "Südamega Pärnu," said that the new coalition is strong. Its members have received many votes. According to the coalition agreement, the mayor's position in Pärnu will go to EKRE. Valmar Veste said he is ready to become mayor if the city council entrusts him with the position.