No. 28

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Local Coalitions – Synchronism with the Government Coalition

19 December 2013

Politics

RiTo No. 28, 2013

  • Rein Toomla

    Rein Toomla

    Teacher, Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, University of Tartu

From time to time, our political press asks whether it makes sense that the government coalition in Toompea is formed by one set of political parties, while the local power is in the hands of a completely different set. Sometimes this difference can be presented as an almost tragic opposition, as a couple of parties did at the last, 2013 local elections in Tallinn.

The article brings out data on the political differences of the local power compared to the government coalitions. This comparison gives rise to certain superficial conclusions that absolutely warrant a deep analysis of this field – be it in connection with political culture, party structures or local particularities. An international comparison would definitely be of use and would allow an exploration of correspondence to theoretical constructions. We have been organising local government elections for twenty years. During this time, some two thousand city and rural municipality councils have been formed across the country as a result of the seven elections held. The analysis is limited in time as well as space. The time limit leaves out the earlier elections; we start with 2002 and end up with the last, the 2013 elections. The timeline includes the local governments formed immediately after the elections, as well as the changes they have undergone between two consecutive elections.

Full article in Estonian

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