Kris Kärner left Isamaa of his own volition. He spoke with various party leaders. Kaspar Kokk, the head of Isamaa's Tartu region, said that Kärner was advised to either leave the party or withdraw his candidacy.
Kärner wrote on social media that he left the party because old memes about him resurfaced. He said his name is now tainted, but he does not want to give up politics. He believes Isamaa is not responsible for his past actions.
Kärner still wants to run in the local elections in Tartu on Isamaa's list. Kaspar Kokk said the party recommends Kärner withdraw his candidacy. Kärner can no longer be removed from the list.
Kärner has a YouTube channel called Istoprocent. There he wrote offensive and violent messages. For example, he wrote that Social Democrats should be shot. Tõnis Lukas, a member of Isamaa's board, advised Kärner to withdraw his candidacy.
Kärner apologized on social media. He said his words were offensive and deserved criticism. He promised to be more careful with his words and actions in the future.
Tartu deputy mayor Elo Kiivet filed a complaint with the police about Kärner. Kiivet said Kärner's words are dangerous and incite violence. She emphasized that people in Estonia should feel safe. Kiivet argued that democracy needs protection so that extremism does not grow.