This has been claimed by Henn Põlluaas, who recently left the party. Political enthusiasts are likely critical enough not to take such arguments too seriously. Moreover, it should be clear that if anyone was responsible for shaping and communicating this worldview, it was none other than Henn Põlluaas himself, a member of the party’s program committee and a figure often referred to by the media as one of the party’s leaders.
Our party’s program is open to amendments, which we emphasized during the last executive board meeting attended by Henn Põlluaas, where he also criticized the program. However, he did not propose any amendments.
We have written about the party’s programmatic positions in several articles. This critique does not deserve a response. Yet, since some outlets have started to amplify this claim, we address the topic once again.
Worldview and Program
First, for those interested, visit the party’s website, where you’ll find a section titled “Worldview,” which includes 40 theses adopted during the party congress on August 18, 2024. Let us summarize the key points here, particularly in comparison with the two major nationalist conservative parties in Estonia—Isamaa and EKRE.
It has been claimed that ERK stands between these two parties on Estonia’s political spectrum. This is not entirely accurate. Unlike these parties, we view society as a whole and do not consider other parties or their voters as adversaries, either in thought or speech. Our approach is based on the concept of national unity, which we consider essential in today’s polarized society.
On the spectrum of liberalism versus conservatism, we are undoubtedly conservatives, and on the scale of nationalism versus multiculturalism, we are unequivocally nationalists. However, on the social axis, we are more moderate than Isamaa and EKRE, who identify as right-wing. Our stance arises from Estonia’s situation, as economic inequality here is now greater than at any point in the past century. Our program suggests considering the need for progressive taxation, and we may even hold a party referendum on the topic, which distinguishes us from not only Isamaa and EKRE but all other parties.
Immigration and Economy
ERK views mass immigration as Estonia’s number one threat, both from the perspective of promoting the Estonian language and culture and from a socio-economic standpoint: the influx of cheap labor suppresses local wages and hinders innovation. We believe the migration balance should be zero, meaning the number of arrivals should equal the number of departures. EKRE also opposes large-scale immigration without compromise. In contrast, Isamaa’s stance is softer, opposing uncontrolled immigration, though the exact meaning of this is unclear. In any case, Isamaa has not prioritized immigration in its political actions.
Environmental Protection
Unlike EKRE and Isamaa, we strongly advocate for the protection of biodiversity and cultural landscapes. We do not support phosphate mining in Virumaa under current conditions. We believe that Estonian forests should not be used to feed the growing mass consumption of other parts of the world.
EU Skepticism and Direct Democracy
ERK is more Eurosceptic than Isamaa. Our program states that if EU membership proves even more detrimental to Estonia’s national interests, we will demand a referendum on EU membership. We also value direct democracy—the right of citizens to initiate referendums and decide significant issues through public votes. ERK and EKRE share this principle formally, though Isamaa does not. However, the seriousness of EKRE’s commitment to direct democracy is debatable. In our case, the concept is rooted in the idea of national unity: within our community, decisions are made collectively, and the minority accepts the majority’s decision.
Responses to Criticism
Henn Põlluaas has made several serious accusations against our party, despite a joint press release by four departing members stating that no one is to blame for the current situation. Most of Põlluaas’s criticisms concern leadership, but as someone uninvolved in party leadership, he lacks an understanding of how it operates.
Additionally, Põlluaas has criticized ERK for not being confrontational enough. However, anyone familiar with our members’ articles and press releases will see that we have clearly expressed our positions. Põlluaas, who demands right-wing aggressiveness and opposition while attacking his former party without facts or arguments, should perhaps reflect on why our small nation has been driven to such division. Seeking conflict in everything may be convenient, but the people need solutions and unity.
Looking Ahead
ERK plans to hold a regular general meeting at the beginning of the year, where leadership will be elected, activities critically reviewed, and foundational documents adjusted. With 31 local branches and 5 regions, we see no reason to write ourselves off. We have only been active for four months. Building and establishing a new party in an already rigid political landscape is not a sprint but a marathon.
Estonia Needs Unifying Politics!
Silver Kuusik
Chairman of the Estonian Nationalists and Conservatives (ERK)
