Просмотр кода страницы Английская Википедия:Conservative People's Party of Estonia

{{Английская Википедия/Панель перехода}}
{{short description|Political party in Estonia}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox political party
| country          = Estonia
| native_name      = Eesti Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond
| logo             = Conservative People's Party of Estonia logo.svg
| logo_size        = 
| colorcode        = {{party color|Conservative People's Party of Estonia}}
| chairman         = [[Martin Helme]]
| leader1_title    = Deputy chairmen
| leader1_name     = [[Mart Helme]]<br>[[Henn Põlluaas]]<br>[[Jaak Madison]]
| merger           = {{ubl|[[People's Union of Estonia]]|[[Estonian Patriotic Movement]]}}
| foundation       = {{start date and age|2012|03|24|df=y}}
| ideology         = {{ubl|class=nowrap| <!-- Sources are listed in the introduction, sources are not needed here -->
 |[[Estonian nationalism]]
 |[[National conservatism]]
 |[[Right-wing populism]]
 |[[Anti-immigration]]
 |[[Euroscepticism]]
}}
| position         = [[Right-wing politics|Right-wing]] to [[Far-right politics|far-right]]
| european         = [[Identity and Democracy Party]]
| europarl         = [[Identity and Democracy]]
| youth_wing       = [[Blue Awakening]]
| newspaper        = Konservatiivide Vaba Sõna
| colours          = {{color box|{{party color|Conservative People's Party of Estonia}}|border=silver}} Blue
| headquarters     = Toompuiestee 27, [[Tallinn]]
| membership_year  = 2021
| membership       = {{increase}} 10,026<ref name="register">{{cite web |url=https://ariregister.rik.ee/est/political_party/members/80040344 |title=Äriregistri teabesüsteem |access-date=6 October 2021 |language=et}}</ref>
| seats1_title     = [[Riigikogu]]
| seats1           = {{composition bar|16|101|{{party color|Conservative People's Party of Estonia}}}}
| seats2_title     = [[Municipalities of Estonia|Municipalities]]
| seats2           = {{composition bar|244|1717|{{party color|Conservative People's Party of Estonia}}}}
| seats3_title     = [[European Parliament]]
| seats3           = {{composition bar|1|7|{{party color|Conservative People's Party of Estonia}}}}
| flag             = Conservative People's Party of Estonia flag.svg{{!}}border
| flag_alt         = Flag of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia
| website          = {{URL|ekre.ee}}
}}

The '''Conservative People's Party of Estonia''' ({{lang-et|Eesti Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond}}, '''EKRE''') is a [[Estonian nationalism|nationalist]] and [[right-wing populist]] political party in [[Estonia]], currently led by [[Martin Helme]]. It was founded in March 2012, with the merger of [[People's Union of Estonia]] and [[Estonian Patriotic Movement]]. Its first leader, [[Margo Miljand]], served as the chairman until 2013 when he was succeeded by [[Mart Helme]]. Its popularity remained low until late 2014, when the party began to draw supporters from the right; further, in the [[2015 Estonian parliamentary election]], it passed the electoral threshold and won seats in parliament for the first time. Since then its support has grown, turning it into one of the largest parties in Estonia. In the [[2019 Estonian parliamentary election]], EKRE placed third, winning 19 seats in total. Mart was succeeded as party chairman by his son, Martin Helme, in July 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.err.ee/1109346/martin-helme-elected-chairman-of-ekre |title=Martin Helme elected chairman of EKRE |publisher=ERR}}</ref>

Since its inception, EKRE has been described as a [[right-wing]],<ref>[http://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/bitstream/handle/document/45635/ssoar-proceedingseass-2015-liivik-Right-wing_extremism_and_its_possible.pdf?sequence=1 Right-wing extremism and its possible impact to the internal security of the Republic of Estonia]</ref> [[Radical right (Europe)|radical right]],<ref>{{cite journal|last=Petsinis|first=Vassilis|date=3 April 2019|title=Identity Politics and Right-Wing Populism in Estonia: The Case of EKRE|url=https://doi.org/10.1080/13537113.2019.1602374|journal=Nationalism and Ethnic Politics|volume=25|issue=2|pages=211–230|doi=10.1080/13537113.2019.1602374|issn=1353-7113|hdl=10062/64605|s2cid=197712394|hdl-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=21 January 2021|title=Liberal Estonia is Back—With Some Lessons Learned About Engaging with Radical Right-wing Populists|url=https://icds.ee/en/liberal-estonia-is-back-with-some-lessons-learned-about-engaging-with-radical-right-wing-populists/|access-date=10 September 2021|website=ICDS|language=en-US}}</ref> or a [[far-right]] party.<ref>{{bulleted list|{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/8ce513cec1e14ba98990d14dfd05d38c|title=Far right gains in Estonia eyed for clues to EU-wide vote|first=Jari|last=Tanner|date=4 March 2019|work=AP NEWS}}|{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48264637|title=Estonia: How boom-time Baltic republic embraced far right|last=Mackenzie|first=Jean|publisher=BBC News|date=14 May 2019}}|{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/21/racism-sexism-nazi-economics-estonia-far-right-in-power-ekre|title=Racism, sexism, Nazi economics: Estonia's far right in power|last=Walker|first=Shaun|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=21 May 2019}}|{{cite web|date=3 March 2019|title=Estonie: les libéraux remportent les législatives, nette percée de l'extrême droite|url=https://www.capital.fr/economie-politique/estonie-lextreme-droite-defie-les-centristes-aux-legislatives-1329928|access-date=3 March 2019|website=Capital.fr|language=fr}}|{{cite web|title=Estonia: why the far-right in power is the best case scenario for the Kremlin|url=https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/estonia-why-far-right-power-best-case-scenario-kremlin/|access-date=10 September 2021|website=openDemocracy}}}}</ref> The party's leadership rejects the [[left–right political spectrum]].<ref name="postimees" /> Widely described as a [[nationalist]],<ref>{{cite news |date=16 July 2019 |title=Estonia's golden image threatened by rise of far-right nationalists |newspaper=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/9c90cbe6-9d8d-11e9-9c06-a4640c9feebb |access-date=10 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Nationalist Party Enters Estonia's Government |url=https://www.voanews.com/europe/nationalist-party-enters-estonias-government|access-date=10 September 2021|website=www.voanews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=12 October 2022 |title=Far-Right Estonian Party Closes in on Kallas Before March Vote |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-12/far-right-estonian-party-closes-in-on-kallas-before-march-vote |access-date=5 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=21 May 2019 |title=Racism, sexism, Nazi economics: Estonia's far right in power |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/21/racism-sexism-nazi-economics-estonia-far-right-in-power-ekre |access-date=5 December 2022 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> [[ultranationalist]],<ref>{{cite web|title=In Liberal Estonia, Right-Wing Populists Are Making Their Mark|url=https://freedomhouse.org/article/liberal-estonia-right-wing-populists-are-making-their-mark|access-date=10 September 2021|website=Freedom House}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title="The East-Europeanization of Estonian Politics" {{!}} Baltic Rim Economies|url=https://sites.utu.fi/bre/the-east-europeanization-of-estonian-politics/|access-date=10 September 2021|website=sites.utu.fi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=31 December 2019|title=Europe's far right has stalled|url=https://www.afr.com/world/europe/europes-far-right-has-stalled-20200101-p53nzr|access-date=10 September 2021|website=Australian Financial Review}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=11 March 2019 |title=Estonian PM invites far-right to join cabinet |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-estonia-election-nationalists-idUSKBN1QS287 |access-date=5 December 2022}}</ref> and national-conservative party,<ref name="Nordsieck2">{{cite web |last=Nordsieck |first=Wolfram |title=Estonia |url=http://parties-and-elections.eu/estonia.html |website=Parties and Elections in Europe |date=2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Boros |first1=Tamás |last2=Freitas |first2=Maria |last3=Kadlot |first3=Tibor |last4=Stetter |first4=Ernst |title=The State of Populism in Europe |publisher=Foundation for European Progressive Studies |year=2016 |pages=27}}</ref> it opposes immigration, including Russian immigration, into Estonia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Estonia Turns the Page on Its Flirtation With the Far-Right EKRE|url=https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/29448/after-its-flirtation-with-the-far-right-ekre-estonia-turns-the-page|access-date=10 September 2021|website=www.worldpoliticsreview.com|date=24 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=1 February 2021|title=Estonia's far-right leader is down but not out|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/estonia-martin-helme-far-right-leader-ekre/|access-date=10 September 2021|website=POLITICO|language=en-US}}</ref> The party supports the transition of the public school education, which until now has been provided in [[Russian language|Russian]] to the Russian-speaking Soviet immigrant minority in Estonia, into Estonian-language education,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ekre.ee/ekre-taunib-ida-virumaal-toimuvat-venestamispoliitikat/|title=EKRE taunib Ida-Virumaal toimuvat venestamispoliitikat - EKRE – Eesti Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond}}</ref> and wishes to implement Swiss-style [[direct democracy]], e.g. [[Popular initiative (Switzerland)|popular initiatives]].<ref name="TL">Tom Lansford (2017) ''Political Handbook of the World 2016–2017'', CQ Press</ref><ref name="objektiiv2">{{cite web|date=1 March 2016|title=Martin Helme: demokraatia on Euroopas löögi all, Eesti lohiseb kaasa|url=http://objektiiv.ee/martin-helme-demokraatia-on-euroopas-loogi-all-eesti-lohiseb-kaasa/|access-date=9 September 2016|website=Objektiiv|language=et|quote=Helme sõnul toetab EKRE otsedemokraatia kõiki meetodeid, mitte ainult rahvaalgatust, mis on selle võti.}}</ref> Due to its right-wing populist and anti-Russian rhetoric,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/estonians-head-polls-populist-party-rising-61438647|title=Center-right party tops Estonia vote, but populists win, too|date=7 March 2019|website=ABC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Zulianello|first=Mattia|title=Varieties of Populist Parties and Party Systems in Europe: From State-of-the-Art to the Application of a Novel Classification Scheme to 66 Parties in 33 Countries|journal=Government and Opposition|year=2020|volume=55|issue=2|pages=327–347|doi=10.1017/gov.2019.21|s2cid=200013354|doi-access=free|hdl=11368/3001222|hdl-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=11 March 2016|title=As refugees pour into Europe, far-right populists gain ground|work=[[The Times of Israel]]|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-refugees-pour-into-europe-far-right-populists-gain-ground/}}</ref> it has been described by critics as [[xenophobic]] and [[racist]].<ref>{{bulleted list|{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/0e231a1618774541964fae0b226ec11e|title=Center-right party tops Estonia vote, but populists win, too|first=Jari|last=Tanner|date=3 March 2019|website=AP News}}|{{cite web|url=http://yanatoom.ee/brusseli-paevik/brusseli-paevik-yana-toomiga-miks-tegelikult-koik-nii-ullatunud-on/|title="Brüsseli päevik Yana Toomiga": miks tegelikult kõik nii üllatunud on? - Yana Toom|access-date=16 March 2019|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327101223/http://yanatoom.ee/brusseli-paevik/brusseli-paevik-yana-toomiga-miks-tegelikult-koik-nii-ullatunud-on/|url-status=dead}}|{{cite web|url=http://kesknadal.ee/2019/01/06/raimond-kaljulaid-ekre-programm-on-ootusparaselt-utoopiline/|title=Raimond Kaljulaid: EKRE programm on ootuspäraselt utoopiline – Kesknädal|date=6 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sotsid.ee/jevgeni-ossinovski-ma-tahan-eestit-kus-iga-meie-inimene-on-vaartus-kus-iga-meie-inimene-on-oma/|title=Jevgeni Ossinovski: Ma tahan Eestit, kus iga meie inimene on väärtus, kus iga meie inimene on oma|date=15 May 2016|website=Sotsiaaldemokraadid}}|{{cite web|url=https://thebulwark.com/no-not-all-nationalists-are-inspired-by-trump/|title=No, Not All Nationalists Are 'Inspired By Trump'|date=10 May 2019|website=The Bulwark}}|{{cite web|url=https://www.delfi.ee/a/82522277|title=Mart Helme vihakõne koosolekul: Tallinnas on plahvatuslikult kasvanud neegrite hulk. Kui neile vastu pead koputada, siis see on õõnespuit!|website=Delfi}}}}</ref> On social issues, it is traditionalist,<ref>{{bulleted list|{{cite web|url=https://www.ohtuleht.ee/815681/mart-helme-tanasest-geiparaadist-meie-juhitavates-omavalitsustes-ei-antaks-kindlasti-geidele-marssideks-voi-paraadideks-luba-|title=Mart Helme tänasest geiparaadist: ''Meie juhitavates omavalitsustes ei antaks kindlasti geidele marssideks või paraadideks luba.'' - Õhtuleht|website=www.ohtuleht.ee}}|{{cite web|url=https://ekre.ee/ekre-10-kasku/|title=EKRE 10 käsku - EKRE – Eesti Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond}}|{{cite web|url=https://www.delfi.ee/a/83168797|title=EKRE ning Saaremaa vallavolikogu liige nimetab seksuaalvähemusi invaliidideks ning kutsub üles neilt valimisõigust ära võtma|website=Delfi}}|{{cite web|url=https://uueduudised.ee/uudis/eesti/mart-helme-pervertide-paraadide-turvamine-ei-ole-politsei-rida/|title=Mart Helme: pervertide paraadide turvamine ei ole politsei rida|first=Uued|last=Uudised|date=8 July 2017|website=Uued Uudised}}|{{cite book|last=Hoffmann|first=Thomas|title=Russia and the EU|publisher=Routledge|year=2018|quote=in Estonia the social conservatism and EU/NATO skepticism of a party named EKRE}}}}</ref> while its foreign views are orientated towards [[Euroscepticism]].<ref name="tiido">{{cite journal |last=Tiido |first=Anna |year=2015 |title=The Russian minority issue in Estonia: host state policies and the attitudes of the population |url=http://yadda.icm.edu.pl/yadda/element/bwmeta1.element.desklight-4feb7905-4ca2-4b13-97fe-831b62856971/c/PJPS_04_02.pdf |journal=Polish Journal of Political Science |issue=4 |access-date=2 August 2016}}</ref>

== History ==
{{See also|People's Union of Estonia|Estonian Patriotic Movement}}
The party is a descendant of several earlier Estonian nationalist movements and political groups.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sarastuslehti.com/2016/05/02/kansallinen-herattaja-haastattelussa-ruuben-kaalep/ |title=Kansallinen herättäjä – haastattelussa Ruuben Kaalep |date=2 May 2016 |website=Sarastus |access-date=9 September 2016 |language=fi}}</ref> The [[Estonian Patriotic Movement]] (ERL) was a political [[pressure group]] founded in 2006.<ref name="erakond">[http://www.ekre.ee/erakond/ EKRE: Erakond] {{in lang|et}}</ref> From 2008, the movement was led by Martin Helme.{{efn|Mart Helme had formerly been a member of the [[People's Union of Estonia]] but was forced to leave the party in 2004 because of his opposition to the relocation of [[Monument of Lihula]] and the suppression of protests.<ref>[http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/rahvaliit-viskas-mart-helme-valja?id=8577928 Delfi: Rahvaliit viskas Mart Helme välja] {{in lang|et}}</ref>}} ERL was set up in the middle of 2006 to promote the removal of the "[[Bronze Soldier of Tallinn]]", a [[Stalinist]] war monument, from the centre of capital city [[Tallinn]]. After 2007, the main political positions of the ERL were opposition to the building of the Russian-German [[Nord Stream 1]] pipeline through the [[Baltic Sea]], criticism of the loss of Estonian sovereignty due to membership in the [[European Union]], support for a [[NATO]] military base being installed in Estonia, and active opposition to the [[Estonian Centre Party]]'s pro-Russia policies and other perceived improper acts.<ref name=ehala>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurozine.com/the-birth-of-the-russian-speaking-minority-in-estonia/ | title = The birth of the Russian-speaking minority in Estonia | last = Ehala | first = Martin | date = 11 September 2008 | publisher = Eurozine | access-date = 17 March 2019}}</ref> The movement repeatedly expressed displeasure for the [[Russian Federation]]'s covert interference in Estonia's internal affairs. In June 2007, ERL issued a press release demanding the declaration of the Russian Ambassador to Estonia, Nikolai Uspenski, a ''[[persona non grata]]'' based on his repeated attempts at such interference. 

The party (EKRE) was formally founded in March 2012 when an agrarian centrist party [[People's Union of Estonia]] and the Estonian Patriotic Movement (ERL) merged.<ref name="balticworlds">{{cite web |url=http://balticworlds.com/rewarding-the-squirrels/ |title=The 2015 parliamentary elections in Estonia. Rewarding the squirrels |date=9 March 2015 |website=Baltic Worlds |access-date=9 September 2016}}</ref> The People's Union had started to look for a possible merging partner already in 2010. The talks then with the [[Social Democratic Party (Estonia)|Social Democratic Party]] were concluded and a special congress was convened to approve the merger agreement. However, at the party congress, only 172 delegates out of 412 supported the deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://balticreports.com/?p=18082 |title=People's Union rebuffs Soc Dem merger |publisher=Baltic Reports}}</ref> Following the failed merger attempt, many leading members (MPs) left the party and joined the Social Democrats.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://balticreports.com/?p=18457 |title=People's Union board resigns, joins Soc Dems |publisher=Baltic Reports}}</ref> In the [[2011 Estonian parliamentary election|2011 parliamentary election]], the People's Union did not pass the 5% threshold.

Mart Helme and several of his close allies ran at the election as independent candidates, none of whom passed the threshold necessary for an independent to enter the parliament. After the election, the leader of the People's Union, Margo Miljand, met with Helme. To save the party, Helme advised him to change the party name and alter the program. With links to the nationalist Estonian Patriotic Movement, Helme advised a deal between the two. The movement promised it would help redo the party programme and elect new leaders.<ref name="postimees">{{cite web|url=http://news.postimees.ee/3127159/ekre-from-club-status-to-parliament-rank|title=EKRE – from club status to parliament rank|date=18 March 2015|access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref>

In March 2012, the Estonian Patriotic Movement merged into the People's Union and the latter changed its name to the Conservative People's Party of Estonia.<ref name="peoplesunion">{{cite news|url=http://news.err.ee/politics/7009cdac-34ff-4caa-8fbd-60505dc10351 |title=People's Union Becomes 'Conservative People's Party' |publisher=ERR}}</ref> At the assembly in [[Põltsamaa]], where the party was founded, EKRE made its first political statement: "No political party in the [[Riigikogu]] represents the Estonian people, our national interest or traditional values. The government acts on right- and left liberal, also socialist ideas that our countrymen are simply statistical units or taxpayers, consumers at best. It is not far right or far left, just ultra-liberalism. The Conservative People's Party gives a solution to the voters who are sick of forced choice between [[Andrus Ansip|Ansip]] and [[Edgar Savisaar|Savisaar]], East and West, left and right."<ref>[http://www.delfi.ee/archive/print.php?id=64124549 Delfi: Uue nime saanud Rahvaliit: parlamendierakonnad tegelevad manduva ja kõlbeliselt hukutava euroliidu väärtuste propageerimisega] {{in lang|et}}</ref> For the first three months, EKRE's support according to the polls was zero, then it began to gradually rise.<ref name="postimees"/>

Representatives of EKRE have taken part in the yearly gatherings of the veterans of the [[Estonian Legion]] at the [[Sinimäed Hills]]. In 2013, the attendance of [[Mart Helme]] was praised in [[Mass media in Estonia|Estonian media]] while the abstention of other parties' leaders was frown upon and seen as a result of [[Propaganda in Russia|Russian anti-fascist propaganda]].<ref>[http://www.ohtuleht.ee/535205/juhtkiri-sinimaed-kui-poliitikute-konnasilm Õhtuleht: Sinimäed kui poliitikute konnasilm] {{in lang|et}}</ref>

During the local elections in October 2013, the party gained representation in several smaller municipalities, such as the parishes of [[Tudulinna Parish|Tudulinna]]<ref>[http://pr.pohjarannik.ee/?p=8884 Põhjarannik: Tudulinnas tegi ilma EKRE] {{in lang|et}}</ref> and [[Häädemeeste Parish|Häädemeeste]].<ref>[http://haademeeste.kovtp.ee/et/uudised-ja-teated/-/asset_publisher/9KYb/content/vallavanemaks-valiti-ants-jarvesaar Vallavanemaks valiti Ants Järvesaar] {{in lang|et}}</ref> A member of the party also became mayor of the town of [[Saue]];<ref>[http://uudised.err.ee/index.php?06290838 ERR: Saue linnapeana jätkab Henn Põlluaas] {{in lang|et}}</ref> however, he was set up independently of EKRE in a local party's list.

The first party since the 1990s to politically organise [[Estonians in Finland|Estonian diaspora]], EKRE founded its [[Finland]] branch in October 2014.<ref>[http://www.ekre.ee/konservatiivne-rahvaerakond-asutas-soome-osakonna/ Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond asutas Soome osakonna] {{in lang|et}}</ref>

In the run-up to the [[2015 Estonian parliamentary election|2015 parliamentary election]], EKRE managed to draw supporters from the mainstream right, including defectors mainly from the [[Pro Patria and Res Publica Union|IRL]], but also from the liberal [[Estonian Reform Party|Reform Party]] and the [[Estonian Free Party|Free Party]]'s initiative group.<ref>[http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/ekre-nimekirjas-kandideerivad-reformierakonna-rahastamisskandaali-tegelane-ja-sopradega-tulli-lainud-kodanikuaktivist?id=70487573 Delfi: EKRE nimekirjas kandideerivad Reformierakonna rahastamisskandaali tegelane ja sõpradega tülli läinud kodanikuaktivist] {{in lang|et}}</ref> In the election, EKRE won 8.1% of the vote and seven seats in the [[Riigikogu]].<ref>[http://rk2015.vvk.ee/ Vabariigi Valimiskomisjon] {{in lang|et}}</ref> Soon after, the winning Reform Party excluded EKRE from the coalition talks, citing as a reason a blog post by EKRE's MP [[Jaak Madison]], written in January 2012. In the blog post, Madison, commented on the economic policies in [[Nazi Germany]] in the 1930s: "There is no perfect form of government, not even democracy. I consider that (German) fascism was a (negative) ideology that also included several positive nuances that could be needed in order to preserve the nation-state."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.err.ee/v/politics/f70ecc5b-1e50-4011-9a53-6c87d89012d0|title=EKRE could join Center as second 'pariah' after party defends new MP's controversial 2012 blog post|last=ERR|date=3 March 2015|access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref>

The former [[president of Estonia]] [[Arnold Rüütel]] voiced his support for Mart Helme in the [[2016 Estonian presidential election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.delfi.ee/a/75702647|title=Arnold Rüütel toetab presidendiks Mart Helmet|website=Delfi|access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ohtuleht.ee/760858/arnold-ruutel-peab-parimaks-presidendikandidaadiks-mart-helmet|title=Arnold Rüütel peab parimaks presidendikandidaadiks Mart Helmet|website=www.ohtuleht.ee|access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref>

As of 2018, EKRE was the only [[List of political parties in Estonia|political party in Estonia]] with growing membership numbers. While all other parties were losing members, EKRE was gaining a few hundred members on a yearly basis.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 August 2018 |title=EKRE only party to increase membership this year |url=https://news.err.ee/855356/ekre-only-party-to-increase-membership-this-year |access-date=7 September 2018 }}</ref>

In March 2019 Mart Helme said to the press that he wishes that one day his party would be the sole ruling party of Estonia.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ohtuleht.ee/944959/mart-helme-meie-eesmark-on-teha-uhel-paeval-ainuvalitsus-|title=Mart Helme: "Meie eesmärk on teha ühel päeval ainuvalitsus." {{!}} Õhtuleht|website=www.ohtuleht.ee|language=et|access-date=9 March 2019}}</ref>

After gaining 17.8% of the votes in the [[2019 Estonian parliamentary election|2019 parliamentary election]], EKRE joined [[Jüri Ratas' second cabinet]] with five out of fifteen cabinet positions.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Olsen | first1=Jan M. | last2=Tanner | first2=Jari | title=Nationalist party enters Estonia's government | url=https://www.apnews.com/dca46a8c0dae43d9b5e253d89a1b6c0d | date=29 April 2019 | publisher=[[Associated Press]] | access-date=30 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Gershkovich | first1=Evan | title=Estonia joins the far-right club | url=https://www.politico.eu/article/estonia-tallinn-joins-the-far-right-club-martin-helme-mart-helme-kersti-kaljulaid-populism/ | date=30 April 2019 | publisher=[[Politico]] | access-date=1 May 2019}}</ref> In 2021, Jüri Ratas resigned and the [[Kaja Kallas' first cabinet|new government]] was formed without EKRE.

In 2021, pundits noticed that since 2019 EKRE support grew in the [[Russians in Estonia|Russian community]] (notably in [[Ida-Viru County]]) This might be attributed to party's social conservative stance on social policy matters (e. g. opposition to the same-sex marriage).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.err.ee/1608087400/party-ratings-change-in-coalition-followed-by-reform-ekre-rise-in-support|title = Party ratings: Change in coalition followed by Reform, EKRE rise in support|date = 27 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.err.ee/1608089029/err-news-broadcast-greening-of-ida-viru-county-costing-center-support|title = ERR News broadcast: Greening of Ida-Viru County costing Center support|date = 28 January 2021}}</ref>

The leadership of dissolved [[Estonian Independence Party]] joined EKRE in October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2022 |title=Erakonnad koguvad valimisteks musklit |url=https://www.postimees.ee/7622157/erakonnad-koguvad-valimisteks-musklit |access-date=8 October 2022 |website=Poliitika |language=et}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ERR |date=4 October 2022 |title=EKRE-sse astunud (:)kivisildnik: see on enesekaitse |url=https://www.err.ee/1608738199/ekre-sse-astunud-kivisildnik-see-on-enesekaitse |access-date=8 October 2022 |website=ERR |language=et}}</ref>

In the March 2023 [[2023 Estonian parliamentary election|general election]], EKRE received 16,05% of the vote and won 17 seats.<ref>{{cite web |title=Success for liberal parties, and populists lose in Estonian parliamentary elections |url=https://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/eem/2034-success-for-liberal-parties-and-populists-lose-in-estonian-parliamentary-elections |website=www.robert-schuman.eu}}</ref> The party remained in opposition.<ref>{{cite news |title=Estonia's Parliament approves PM Kaja Kallas' 3rd Cabinet |url=https://apnews.com/article/estonia-parliament-coalition-government-kallas-303c3e68d2f6128ad6e3d7b7835f4543 |work=AP NEWS |date=12 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

== Ideology and political positions ==
EKRE describes itself as "a principled and bravely patriotic Estonian party with an unshakable mission to protect Estonian national values and interests".<ref name="erakond"/>

The Estonian Conservative People's Party program states that it is founded on the continuity of the Republic of Estonia and its [[Constitution of Estonia|Constitution]], and it unites people who fight for the nation state, [[social cohesion]] and [[Democracy|democratic principles]].<ref name="riigikogu.ee">{{cite web |url=http://www.riigikogu.ee/en/parliament-of-estonia/factions/conservative-peoples-party-estonia-faction// |title=Parliament of Estonia, Conservative People's Party of Estonia|website=Riigikogu|access-date=11 October 2016}}</ref>

EKRE states that the activities of the party are based on three fundamental values:
* Endurance of the Estonian values, based on support for the language, culture, education, family, traditions and national economy
* Participation society of equal opportunities, where open, honest and democratic governance allows all citizens to reach fulfilment and get involved in politics
* Socially and regionally balanced development and well-being that are guaranteed by a fair and strong state by implementing caring and knowledge-based policies and by developing an ecologically sustainable living environment.<ref name="riigikogu.ee"/>

It has also been labelled "far-right" by Kari Käsper, the Executive Director of Estonian Human Rights Centre,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.karijournal.com/2015/03/07/the-danger-posed-by-the-far-right-in-the-estonian-parliament/|title=The danger posed by the far right in the Estonian Parliament|date=7 March 2015|access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref> and in foreign media by [[BBC News]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-eu-27103706|title=Black Briton aims to be Estonian MEP|first=Damien|last=McGuinness|work=BBC News|date=22 April 2014|access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref> and [[the Christian Science Monitor]].<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2013/1026/A-first-for-Estonia-an-elected-black-politician|title=A first for Estonia: an elected black politician|date=26 October 2013|access-date=30 November 2017|journal=Christian Science Monitor}}</ref> According to [[Fox News Channel]], EKRE is a far-right party, "considered by some to have Fascist-Neo-Nazi sympathies similar to many other flourishing nationalist parties in the Baltics and Eastern Europe".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/03/12/jews-in-baltics-fear-creep-anti-semitism/|title=Jews in Baltics fear creep of anti-Semitism|first=Paul|last=Alster|website=[[Fox News]]|date=12 March 2015|access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref> The [[Simon Wiesenthal Center]] has called EKRE youth organisation's annual torchlight procession an "extreme right march".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wiesenthal.com/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=lsKWLbPJLnF&b=8776547&ct=14533113|title=Wiesenthal Center Criticizes Extreme Right March to Mark Estonian Independence Day - Simon Wiesenthal Center|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917213654/http://www.wiesenthal.com/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=lsKWLbPJLnF&b=8776547&ct=14533113|archive-date=17 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Martin Helme]], the party leader, has said that the accusations of extremism simply reflect the unfamiliarity and discomfort of the ruling class and media with the new political rhetoric of EKRE: "The mainstream has become so orthodox, so narrow, that whatever is not immaculately, diligently, fervently more-catholic-than-pope mainstream is immediately labelled extremism."<ref name="postimees"/>

The programme of EKRE states that the citizens must actively guard against the external as well as the internal enemy in order to secure the Estonian nation, the survival of its independence and its status as an ethno-state. It also states as its objectives the creation of the environment needed for the survival of the Estonian language and culture.<ref name="tiido"/> The party calls for implementation of [[direct democracy]],<ref name="objektiiv">{{cite web |url=http://objektiiv.ee/martin-helme-demokraatia-on-euroopas-loogi-all-eesti-lohiseb-kaasa/ |title=Martin Helme: demokraatia on Euroopas löögi all, Eesti lohiseb kaasa |date=1 March 2016 |website=Objektiiv |access-date=9 September 2016 |quote=Helme sõnul toetab EKRE otsedemokraatia kõiki meetodeid, mitte ainult rahvaalgatust, mis on selle võti. |language=et}}</ref> [[balanced budget|balanced state budget]],<ref name="programm">[https://ekre.ee/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/EKRE-PROGRAMM-KONSERVATIIVNE-PROGRAMM.pdf EKRE programme] {{in lang|et}}</ref> and strict control over immigration to Estonia.<ref name="programm"/> Mart Helme has also expressed wishes for EKRE to gain the parliamentary majority and become the sole governing party (in contrast with Estonia's usual [[coalition government]]s).<ref name=":0" />

=== Social policies ===
==== Education and health care ====
The EKRE strongly opposes the widespread closure of schools in the countryside. Its program requires the teachers to speak high-level Estonian and be loyal to the Estonian state. To raise the quality of education, EKRE desires to raise the wages of teachers.<ref name="programm"/>

According to the program of the party, the importance of health care is linked to the preservation of the Estonian nation. The party stands for free dental treatment,<ref name="onaeg"/> wants to limit the availability of tobacco, alcohol and narcotics, and opposes abortion.<ref name="programm"/>

==== Demography and immigration ====
According to EKRE, demography is one of the most crucial aspects in the survival of the Estonian state. According to Mart Helme, Estonia is in a "demographic crisis", characterised by low birth rate and emigration of more than 100,000 Estonians in recent years.<ref>{{cite speech
 |title=Meie olemegi uus jõud!
 |first=Mart
 |last=Helme
 |author-link=Mart Helme
 |event=EKRE Congress
 |location=Tallinn
 |date=13 April 2013
|url=http://www.ekre.ee/mart-helme-kongressil-meie-olemegi-uus-joud/
 |quote=Neist haigustest kõige fataalsema lõpuga ähvardav on kahtlemata meie demograafiline kriis. Kui võtta lähtepunktiks Laulva revolutsiooni periood, mil Eestis sündis aastas 25 000 last, siis on meil 90. aastate algul järsult langenud sündivuse tulemusena järgneva kahekümne aasta vältel sündimata jäänud umbes 200 000 last – seda on kahe Tartu linna jagu. Kui lisada siia 100 000 piiri ületanud massiline riigist lahkumine, saamegi kokku hirmuäratava rahvastikukao, mis on kõrvutatav koguni stalinlike repressioonide läbi kantud inimkaotustega.
 |access-date=4 April 2015
|language=et
}}</ref> To counter the falling birth rate, the party has proposed family welfare programs such as paying back a quarter of a married couple's [[mortgage loan]] with every child's birth and lowering a parent's income tax by 5% rate for every child being raised in the family.<ref name="onaeg"/><ref>[http://valimised.err.ee/v/riigikogu_valimised_2015/kandidaadid/kandidaatide_teated/f1ead547-9add-4ef8-ad8f-e0d41b218cdd Ruuben Kaalep: Konservatiivide lahendus iibeprobleemile] {{in lang|et}}</ref>

EKRE has actively stood against [[European migrant crisis|immigration from the Middle East and Africa]], especially regarding the quota system proposed by EU Commission in 2015 to resettle the immigrants to all EU member states.<ref name="tiido"/> Citing a large number of Russians already imported during the Soviet occupation, the party has repeatedly ruled out supporting any further mass immigration into Estonia. The party upholds that the Estonian migration policies must advance the aim of "expanding the amount and percentage of Estonians in Estonia" and if the liberal government allows immigration to "alter the ethnic makeup of Estonia", it is "scandalous and undemocratic".<ref>[http://www.ekre.ee/volikogu-avaldus-valitsuse-plaanitud-massiimmigratsioon-eestisse-ohustab-meie-rahvuslikku-pusimist/ Volikogu avaldus: Valitsuse plaanitud massiimmigratsioon Eestisse ohustab meie rahvuslikku püsimist] {{in lang|et}}</ref>

Commenting on riots in socially segregated suburbs in Sweden, [[Martin Helme]], then board member and the party leader's son said in a TV talk show in May 2013: "Estonia shouldn't allow things to go as far as in England, France and Sweden. Our immigration policy should have one simple rule: if you're black, go back. As simple as that. We shouldn't allow this problem to emerge in the first place."<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=https://news.err.ee/107416/conservative-politician-if-you-re-black-go-back|title=Conservative Politician: If You're Black, Go Back|last=ERR|date=29 May 2013|website=ERR}}</ref>

According to the political scientist Tõnis Saarts, the will to show the Russian minority "their proper place" by making the language and citizenship laws more strict seems to be the "ancient urge of this party".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sirp.ee/s1-artiklid/c9-sotsiaalia/ekre-laaneuroopalik-vorm-ja-idaeuroopalik-suda/|title=EKRE lääneuroopalik vorm ja idaeuroopalik süda|last=OKIA}}</ref>

In response to the arrest of [[Estonian Defence Forces]] Major Deniss Metsavas, who has ethnic Russian background, for giving classified information to the [[GRU (Russian Federation)|GRU]], Blue Awakening has proposed [[Racial profiling|ethnic profiling]] when giving non-ethnic Estonian officers access to government secrets. EKRE representative Ruuben Kaalep reasoned: "The only logical explanation for his actions is that blood is thicker than water. Loyalty is not guaranteed by Estonian citizenship or even a soldier's oath given to the Estonian state. Loyalty is based on a feeling of ethnic belonging and a bond with one's ancestors."<ref>{{cite news |date=6 September 2018 |title=Blue Awakening wants ethnic profiling of those with access to state secrets |url=https://news.err.ee/859222/blue-awakening-wants-ethnic-profiling-of-those-with-access-to-state-secrets |access-date=7 September 2018 }}</ref>

Prior to the [[2019 Estonian parliamentary election]], Mart Helme said that there was an "overlap" between the party's "very conservative" attitudes towards immigration and "homosexual propaganda" and those of Russians in Estonia.<ref name="err">{{cite news|work=[[Eesti Rahvusringhääling]]|title=EKRE leader on education, Russian votes and possible coalition partners|date=26 September 2019|url=https://news.err.ee/864400/ekre-leader-on-education-russian-votes-and-possible-coalition-partners}}</ref> Mart Helme has criticised Ukrainian immigration to Estonia, on the basis that both Estonian and Russian residents would "lose their jobs" to lower-wage Ukrainian migrants.<ref name="dw"/>

==== Same-sex unions ====
The party strictly opposed the civil partnership law on registered partnership for same-sex couples that was adopted by [[Riigikogu]] in October 2014. Arguing the law grants adoption rights to homosexual couples, the party believes it essentially establishes same-sex marriage. Instead, the party proposes laws that would help to raise the birth rate and strengthen the societal attitudes towards having children, including the need to strengthen the traditional family model.<ref>[http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/7b88fde5-ae2c-45c8-9b64-7f22fee78113 EKRE: kooseluseadus on vastuolus eesti rahva huvidega] {{in lang|et}}</ref>

EKRE also says that pushing through the law while opinion polls showed that the majority of Estonian people opposed it was undemocratic. The party platform proposes a referendum on the civil partnership law.<ref name="onaeg"/>

The party's chairman Mart Helme has characterised the Baltic Pride as "some kind of a parade of [[pervert]]s".<ref>[https://www.ohtuleht.ee/815681/mart-helme-tanasest-geiparaadist-meie-juhitavates-omavalitsustes-ei-antaks-kindlasti-geidele-marssideks-voi-paraadideks-luba- Mart Helme tänasest geiparaadist: ''Meie juhitavates omavalitsustes ei antaks kindlasti geidele marssideks või paraadideks luba.'']</ref>

{{Blockquote
|text=The safeguarding of a parade of perverts is not the job of the police.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://uueduudised.ee/uudis/eesti/mart-helme-pervertide-paraadide-turvamine-ei-ole-politsei-rida/|title=Mart Helme: pervertide paraadide turvamine ei ole politsei rida|first=Uued|last=Uudised|date=8 July 2017|website=Uued Uudised}}</ref>
|author=[[Mart Helme]], chairman of EKRE, talking about the LGBT Pride march in Tallinn, in Uued Uudised, 2017
}}

{{Blockquote
|text=Homosexual- and multicultural propaganda has to be taken out of schools. Children need to get the best education, an Estonian-minded upbringing and healthy values from school. We support giving children a patriotic education. We do not allow so-called tolerance propaganda in schools. Education should not be played with!<ref name="ekre.ee">{{cite web|url=https://ekre.ee/ekre-10-kasku/|title=EKRE 10 käsku - EKRE – Eesti Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond}}</ref>
|author=One of the "10 commandments" of EKRE
}}

=== Direct democracy ===
EKRE views Estonia's form of government as heavily biased towards [[representative democracy]], without means for the people to have an influence on politics other than elections. To change that, the party wants to return to more traditional ways of [[direct democracy]], such as provided by the earlier [[Constitution of Estonia|Estonian constitutions]] of 1920 and 1934.<ref name="otsedemokraatia">[http://www.ekre.ee/aeg-on-kups-otsedemokraatiaks/ Aeg on küps otsedemokraatiaks] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012183809/http://www.ekre.ee/aeg-on-kups-otsedemokraatiaks/ |date=12 October 2014}} {{in lang|et}}</ref>

The party program includes support of the right of citizens to create [[initiative]]s if at least 25,000 registered voters sign a petition to put a bill on referendum. EKRE supports public presidential elections, [[recall election]]s and public elections of judges, prosecutors and local police prefects. The party wants to abolish [[D'Hondt method]] from the parliamentary elections.<ref name="otsedemokraatia"/>

=== Economic policies ===
The party program states that the development of the market must serve the national interest.<ref name="programm"/> The party calls for creation of a national [[public bank]].<ref>[http://www.e24.ee/1076264/konservatiivne-rahvaerakond-nouab-riiklikku-kommertspanka E24: Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond nõuab riiklikku kommertspanka] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919144521/http://www.e24.ee/1076264/konservatiivne-rahvaerakond-nouab-riiklikku-kommertspanka |date=19 September 2016}} {{in lang|et}}</ref> It has also supported [[cooperative banking]] in [[Tartu]], including in its program the establishment of an alternative interest-free currency.<ref>[http://www.ekre.ee/kov-2013/tartu/tartu-valimisplatvorm/ Platvorm Tartu valitsemiseks 2013–2017] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019174026/http://www.ekre.ee/kov-2013/tartu/tartu-valimisplatvorm/ |date=19 October 2013}} {{in lang|et}}</ref>

EKRE has voiced criticism over the execution of the [[Rail Baltica]] project. According to the party, Rail Baltica could potentially bring great benefit to the economy of Estonia, but the current project has a questionable impact on the environment and local communities, as well as a doubtful economic viability.<ref>[http://www.vnl.ee/artikkel.php?id=8617 EKRE: Rail Baltica peab teenima eesti rahva huve] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019011829/http://www.vnl.ee/artikkel.php?id=8617 |date=19 October 2016}} {{in lang|et}}</ref> In 2016, both Mart Helme and Henn Põlluaas proposed that the current project should be replaced with a [[vactrain]] or [[Hyperloop]] connecting Estonia to Central Europe.<ref>[http://www.ohtuleht.ee/764683/henn-polluaas-rail-baltic-kui-19-sajandi-relikt Henn Põlluaas: Rail Baltic kui 19. sajandi relikt] {{in lang|et}}</ref><ref>[http://tv3play.tv3.ee/sisu/kolmeraudne/776847 Kolmeraudne: Mart Helme (October 13, 2016)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704134948/http://tv3play.tv3.ee/sisu/kolmeraudne/776847 |date=4 July 2018}} {{in lang|et}}</ref> The party has supported limiting the sale of land to foreigners.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uueduudised.ee/majandus/ekre-eelnou-seada-maamuugipiirangud-valismaalastele-jattis-valdava-osa-riigikogust-kulmaks/|title=EKRE eelnõu seada maamüügipiirangud välismaalastele jättis valdava osa riigikogust külmaks|first=Uued|last=Uudised|date=7 November 2017|website=Uued Uudised}}</ref>

=== Environment ===
According to EKRE, the "untouched natural beauty" of Estonia must be preserved more effectively. Therefore, the party supports alternative and environment-friendly sources of energy. EKRE wants to intensify the fight against littering and says the offenders must be punished at least with a sum necessary to compensate for the harm created to nature.<ref name="programm"/> The party's program includes a ban on all [[genetically modified food]]s and their import.<ref name="programm"/> EKRE has been described as being [[Climate change denial|skeptical of climate change]].<ref name="Mediapart1218">{{cite web|language=fr|author1=Annika Joeres|author2=Susanne Götze|title=La menace climatosceptique pèse aussi sur l'Europe|url=https://www.mediapart.fr/journal/international/121218/la-menace-climatosceptique-pese-aussi-sur-l-europe|date=12 December 2018|website=[[Mediapart]]|access-date=27 December 2018}}</ref>

=== Foreign and defence policies ===
The Conservative People's Party of Estonia often calls to protect Estonia's independence and sovereignty from [[supranational union]]s. They say that the [[European Union]] is moving towards a federal state and Estonia should veto any legislation that centralises more power to the hands of EU.<ref>[http://www.ekre.ee/eesti-peab-panema-veto-euroopa-uhendriikidele/ Eesti peab panema veto Euroopa Ühendriikidele] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020092412/http://www.ekre.ee/eesti-peab-panema-veto-euroopa-uhendriikidele/ |date=20 October 2013 }} {{in lang|et}}</ref> On 30 August 2012, EKRE organised a protest at [[Toompea]] against the ratification of [[European Stability Mechanism]] treaty.<ref>[http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/fotod-ja-video-esm-i-vastane-meeleavaldus-meid-seotakse-rahvusvahelise-puramiidskeemiga.d?id=64894702 Delfi: ESM-i vastane meeleavaldus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905213251/http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/fotod-ja-video-esm-i-vastane-meeleavaldus-meid-seotakse-rahvusvahelise-puramiidskeemiga.d?id=64894702 |date=5 September 2012 }} {{in lang|et}}</ref>

While the party does not advocate Estonia's exit from the EU, it believes that the union has to undergo a drastic change. According to EKRE, the EU has to become a military alliance that would defend all European ethnicities based on the concept of [[ethnopluralism]]. EKRE wants to strongly limit the amount of bureaucracy in the EU.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ekre.ee/eurovalimiste-platvorm/|title=Eurovalimiste platvorm - EKRE – Eesti Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond|website=ekre.ee|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723030220/https://ekre.ee/eurovalimiste-platvorm/|archive-date=23 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

EKRE strongly opposes a proposed border treaty between Estonia and Russia, which, according to the party, would cede 5.2% of Estonia's territory{{when|date=March 2023}} to the latter permanently and without compromise or compensation to Estonia. The party has called the possible signing of the treaty "treason" and the Estonian politicians who would sign it "traitors to the state".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.postimees.ee/1240490/estonia-s-conservative-people-s-party-criticizes-border-treaty-with-russia|title=Estonia's Conservative People's Party criticizes border treaty with Russia|date=19 May 2013|access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref> However, EKRE more recently{{when|date=March 2023}} has expressed support for the eventual normalisation of relations with Russia, urging a similar policy towards Russia as that of Finland, and to "not parlay up every minor incident into a drama".<ref name="err"/> Although Mart Helme supports existing sanctions imposed against Russia, he has criticised American and EU sanctions policies towards Russia, warning that tougher sanctions would not "make Russia become a democracy", and believes "diplomatic negotiations" are the only way to resolve Estonia's disputes with Russia.<ref name="dw"/> He has also rejected suggestions that Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] is an enemy of Estonia, describing Putin as a "pragmatist" who is "pretty neutral" towards Estonia.<ref name="dw">{{cite news|work=[[Deutsche Welle]]|title=Глава МВД Эстонии: Санкции не сделают Россию демократической страной|date=15 October 2020|url=https://www.dw.com/ru/helme-sankcii-ne-sdelajut-rossiju-demokraticheskoj-stranoj/a-55277490}}</ref> These mildly pro-Russian positions were abruptly reversed after the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]]: after the invasion started, the EKRE proposed a ban on the ownership of weapons by [[Russians in Estonia]] and supported the proposal of stopping gas importations from Russia to Estonia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EKRE tahab Eestis elavatel Vene kodanikel keelata relva omamise {{!}} EKRE – Eesti Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond |url=https://ekre.ee/ekre-tahab-eestis-elavatel-vene-kodanikel-keelata-relva-omamise/ |access-date=7 April 2022 |website=ekre.ee}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=9 March 2022 |title=Social Democrats and EKRE support dropping Russian gas |url=https://news.err.ee/1608525452/social-democrats-and-ekre-support-dropping-russian-gas |access-date= |website=[[Eesti Rahvusringhääling]]}}</ref> However, Martin Helme later expressed criticism of Estonian aid to Ukraine, citing the need to prioritize infrastructure investment,<ref>{{cite news|work=ERR|title=Helme: EKRE's popularity diminished by its criticism of Ukraine support|date=24 January 2024|url=https://news.err.ee/1609231839/helme-ekre-s-popularity-diminished-by-its-criticism-of-ukraine-support}}</ref> and suggested that Estonia "concentrate on striving for peace".<ref>{{cite news|work=ERR|url=https://news.err.ee/1608767626/jaak-madison-martin-helme-ekre-pro-peace-but-also-pro-ukraine|title=Jaak Madison, Martin Helme: EKRE pro-peace, but also pro-Ukraine|date=27 October 2022}}</ref>

The party opposes the [[accession of Turkey to the European Union]] and has called for reconsidering Turkey's membership in NATO. After the [[2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt]], EKRE expressed regret over its defeat and called Turkey "no more democratic country than Russia".<ref>[http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/b8cc7c11-5e4c-4caf-a83e-01e7daacfb9c/helme-turgis-toimuv-meenutab-natsiaega Helme: Türgis toimuv meenutab natsiaega] {{in lang|et}}</ref><ref>[http://uueduudised.ee/sinine-aratus-erdogani-toetamiseks-puudub-igasugune-pohjus/ Sinine Äratus: Erdoğani toetamiseks puudub igasugune põhjus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720181253/http://uueduudised.ee/sinine-aratus-erdogani-toetamiseks-puudub-igasugune-pohjus/ |date=20 July 2016 }} {{in lang|et}}</ref>

The EKRE proposes a national defence policy based on self-reliance of Estonia. The security of the country would be safeguarded by the existence of initial defence, compulsory military service, total defence, international cooperation and the membership of [[NATO]].<ref name="programm"/> The platform of the party includes formation of two tank battalions and acquisition of medium-range anti-aircraft systems.<ref name="onaeg">[http://www.ekre.ee/ekreprogramm/on-aeg/ Riigikogu valimiste platvorm 2015. On aeg!] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205000732/http://www.ekre.ee/ekreprogramm/on-aeg/ |date=5 December 2014 }} {{in lang|et}}</ref>

[[Martin Helme]] has expressed sympathy for American presidential candidate [[Donald Trump presidential campaign, 2016|Donald Trump]], including his argument the Baltic countries need to make a financial contribution in exchange for the military alliance with the United States. "He can see no reason why the United States should make the national defense of other countries its duty. And I believe this question is completely justified. It's namely our party that has been saying for a long time that making initial independent defense capability strong is the most important thing, allies being the next component," said Helme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltictimes.com/helme__trump_said_aloud_what_everyone_else_in_nato_thinks/|title=Helme: Trump said aloud what everyone else in NATO thinks|website=www.baltictimes.com|access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://uudised.err.ee/v/valismaa/fb2820a2-0d19-42ea-9fa3-c4864136068e/helme-ma-voin-kindel-olla-et-trump-on-tegude-mees Helme: ma võin kindel olla, et Trump on tegude mees] {{in lang|et}}</ref>

One of the party's members, Georg Kirsberg, running for election in 2017, supported "a correct teaching of the history of the Third Reich." However, party leader Martin Helme stated that was not the policy of the party, and only "the thought of one person."<ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/estonian-politician-vows-to-legalize-holocaust-denial/ "Estonian politician vows to legalize Holocaust denial"], ''The Times of Israel''</ref>

The party is supportive of the government of [[Israel]] and was the first party to support Estonian recognition of Jerusalem as its capital.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Eesti Rahvusringhääling]]|date=20 March 2019|title=Martin Helme: Estonian society to be patched together under new coalition|url=https://news.err.ee/921720/martin-helme-estonian-society-to-be-patched-together-under-new-coalition}}</ref> During the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Martin Helme proposed a weapon deal between Estonia and Israel to defend the country from Russia.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Joel C. |date=15 February 2022 |title=Estonian opposition leader Martin Helme: Would move embassy to Jerusalem |url=https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-696581 |access-date= |website=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

== The Blue Awakening youth movement ==
[[File:Tõrvikurongkäik 2018.jpg|thumb|A political demonstration in Tallinn on 24 February 2018 featured torchlights. The annual event has been organised by EKRE and the Blue Awakening to mark the [[Independence Day (Estonia)|Independence Day of Estonia]]]]
The party's affiliated nationalist youth movement, Blue Awakening, with links to the pan-European [[Identitarian movement]] and the [[alt-right]] in North America, states "a new national awakening of the Estonians" as its principal aim.<ref name="telegram">[http://www.telegram.ee/eesti/sinine-aratus-tahab-eestit-uueks-rahvuslikuks-arkamiseks-ette-valmistada Telegram: Sinine Äratus tahab Eestit uueks rahvuslikuks ärkamiseks ette valmistada] {{in lang|et}}</ref> This would come as a continuation to the [[Estonian national awakening|19th century Estonian national awakening]] and the [[Singing Revolution]], leading the way to the establishment of "an eternal Estonian ethno-state".<ref name="UU">[http://uueduudised.ee/sinine-aratus-tahistas-liikumise-sunnipaeva/ Uued Uudised: Sinine Äratus tähistas liikumise sünnipäeva] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006101439/http://uueduudised.ee/sinine-aratus-tahistas-liikumise-sunnipaeva/ |date=6 October 2016 }}, 1 December 2015 {{in lang|et}}</ref>

Blue Awakening was founded on 30 November 2012 by Ruuben Kaalep and other youth from the [[Estonian Patriotic Movement]].<ref name="UU"/> The young activists have been behind many of the party's protest marches. In addition to politics, the youth of Blue Awakening focus on art, music and right-wing philosophy such as the [[Traditionalist School]] of [[Julius Evola]] and [[René Guénon]].<ref name="sinised">[http://ekspress.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/sinised-aratajad?id=71659621 Eesti Ekspress. "Sinised Äratajad".] {{in lang|et}}</ref> The movement is disciplined and its activists have formed several squads.<ref>[http://poliitika.postimees.ee/3192553/ekre-noorteorganisatsioon-moodustas-kolm-eriulesannetega-salka Postimees: EKRE noorteorganisatsioon moodustas kolm eriülesannetega salka] {{in lang|et}}</ref> In 2019, it was reported that Kaalep had organised firearms training with pistols and assault rifles to youths from the Blue Awakening.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.ohtuleht.ee/976532/video-ekre-noored-kaivad-ruuben-kaalepiga-lasketiirus-kommutamas-ja-levitavad-endist-hairivaid-pilte-koos-relvadega | title=EKRE-noored käivad Ruuben Kaalepiga lasketiirus kõmmutamas ja levitavad endist häirivaid pilte koos relvadega (EKRE youth share disturbing pictures with guns at a shooting range with Ruuben Kaalep) | work=[[Õhtuleht]] | date=12 September 2019 | access-date=12 September 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418110411/https://www.ohtuleht.ee/976532/video-ekre-noored-kaivad-ruuben-kaalepiga-lasketiirus-kommutamas-ja-levitavad-endist-hairivaid-pilte-koos-relvadega | archive-date=18 April 2020 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://estonianworld.com/security/a-global-neo-nazi-organisation-led-by-a-13-year-old-estonian-schoolboy/ | title=A global neo-Nazi organisation led by a 13-year-old Estonian schoolboy | work=Estonian World | date=10 August 2020 | last=Silver | first=Tambur | access-date=10 April 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512122848/https://estonianworld.com/security/a-global-neo-nazi-organisation-led-by-a-13-year-old-estonian-schoolboy/ | archive-date=12 May 2020 | url-status=live }}</ref> Their activities have included rituals shaped after [[shamanism]],<ref name="UU"/> and celebrations of sunrise on ancient [[Tumulus|tumuli]].<ref>[http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/sinine-aratus-valis-uue-juhi?id=74974755 Delfi: Sinine Äratus valis uue juhi] {{in lang|et}}</ref>

Blue Awakening is the main organiser of the annual torchlight procession through Tallinn on 24 February to commemorate the 1918 [[Independence Day (Estonia)|Independence Day]] of Estonia. The first such Independence Day demonstration was held in 2014. According to Blue Awakening, "the event is meant to honor those who have fallen for the nation of Estonia and to signify that Estonian youth have not abandoned the patriotic principles."<ref>[http://www.ekre.ee/muljeid-torvikurongkaigust/ EKRE: Muljeid tõrvikurongkäigust] {{in lang|et}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pealinn.ee/koik-uudised/fotod-vabariigi-aastapaeva-tahistati-vaatemangulise-n163616|title=FOTOD! Vabariigi aastapäeva tähistati vaatemängulise|website=www.pealinn.ee|date=24 February 2016|access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eesti.ca/eesti-vabariigi-aastapaeva-tahistamine-tallinnas/article41545|title=Eesti Vabariigi aastapäeva tähistamine Tallinnas.|website= {{ill|Estonian World Review|et}}|access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref><ref>
{{Cite web |url=http://uueduudised.ee/tv3-video-mida-arvasid-torvikurongkaigust-sellel-osalenud-inimesed/ |title=TV3 VIDEO: Mida arvavad tõrvikurongkäigust sellel osalenud inimesed? |access-date=1 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002104122/http://uueduudised.ee/tv3-video-mida-arvasid-torvikurongkaigust-sellel-osalenud-inimesed/ |archive-date=2 October 2016 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> The event has been condemned by the [[Simon Wiesenthal Center]] who described it as "Nuremberg-esque" and likened the ideology of the participants to that of the Estonian collaborators with the Nazi German regime during World War II.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wiesenthal.com/about/news/wiesenthal-center-criticizes-6.html|title=Wiesenthal Center Criticizes Extreme Right March to Mark Estonian Independence Day|publisher=[[Simon Wiesenthal Center]]|date=5 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nazi-hunter-even-putin-would-condemn-nuremberg-esque-parades-estonia-1490259|title=Nazi Hunter: Nuremberg-esque march no way to celebrate Estonian independence|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=5 October 2020}}</ref>

== International relations ==
EKRE has close links with similar right-wing nationalist parties in Latvia and Lithuania. 
On 23 August 2013, EKRE signed the Declaration of Bauska together with political parties [[National Alliance (Latvia)|National Alliance]] and [[Lithuanian Nationalist and Republican Union|Lithuanian Nationalist Union]]. The declaration calls for a new national awakening of the Baltic countries and warns about threats posed by international [[globalism]], multiculturalism and Russian imperialist ambitions.<ref>[http://www.nacionalaapvieniba.lv/aktualitate/baltijas-nacionalisti-paraksta-sadarbibas-ligumu/ Nacionālā apvienība: Baltijas nacionālisti paraksta sadarbības līgumu, vēršoties pret globālajiem apdraudējumiem] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803214316/https://www.nacionalaapvieniba.lv/aktualitate/baltijas-nacionalisti-paraksta-sadarbibas-ligumu/ |date=3 August 2020 }} {{in lang|lv}}</ref><ref>[http://uudisvoog.postimees.ee/?DATE=20130826&ID=318889 Baltimaade konservatiivid: aeg on küps uueks rahvuslikuks ärkamiseks] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130826115542/http://uudisvoog.postimees.ee/?DATE=20130826&ID=318889 |date=26 August 2013 }} {{in lang|et}}</ref>

In 2014, the party's congress in Tallinn was visited by a delegation from the [[UK Independence Party]]. The delegation was led by [[Roger Helmer]] who gave a speech in support of Euroscepticism in Estonia.<ref>[http://www.ekre.ee/konservatiivne-rahvaerakond-peab-puhapaeval-tallinnas-kongressi/ Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond peab pühapäeval Tallinnas kongressi] {{in lang|et}}</ref>

Organisations with whom EKRE cooperates take regularly part of the annual torchlight march in Tallinn. They include all signatories of the Declaration of Bauska and the Scandinavian nationalist youth movement Nordisk Ungdom.<ref>[http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/eesti/foto-ekre-torvikumarsil-osales-ka-avalikult-natsismiga-seostatud-rootsi-noorteorganisatsioon?id=70880633 FOTO: EKRE tõrvikumarsil osales ka avalikult natsismiga seostatud Rootsi noorteorganisatsioon] {{in lang|et}}</ref>

The party also has contacts among Ukrainian nationalists. During [[Euromaidan]], Mart Helme sent an address to the protestors in Kyiv, urging the Ukrainian patriots not to succumb to Russian demands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.regnum.ru/news/polit/1745426.html|title=Национал-радикал Домбрава отправился на киевский "Евромайдан" (Латвия)|work=ИА REGNUM|access-date=23 October 2014}} {{in lang|ru}}</ref>

In July 2019, Mart Helme met with Hungarian Prime Minister and [[Fidesz]] leader [[Viktor Orbán]], and stressed that "Fidesz and EKRE are political parties based on Christian traditions and a desire to create a political Christian alliance-based alignment, in order to resist the liberal worldview throughout Europe".<ref>{{cite news|work=ERR|title=Interior minister on Hungary visit|date=8 July 2019|url=https://news.err.ee/959530/interior-minister-on-hungary-visit}}</ref>

In December 2021, the party participated in the Warsaw summit with Fidesz, [[Law and Justice]], the [[Finns Party]], the [[Christian Democratic National Peasants' Party]], [[Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania – Christian Families Alliance]], [[Vox (political party)|Vox]], [[National Rally]], [[JA21]] and [[Vlaams Belang]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.euractiv.pl/section/demokracja/news/warszawa-polska-le-pen-orban-kaczynski-salvini-lazienki-putin-rosja-unia-europejska-ecr-parlament-warszawa-warsaw-summit-pis-fidesz/|title=Marine le Pen i Viktor Orban w Warszawie. Europejska prawica dyskutuje o przyszłości UE|date=4 December 2021}}</ref> The party also has links with the [[National Party (Ireland, 2016)|National Party of Ireland]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-27 |title=Far-right National Party’s new leader James Reynolds says rural voters to be targeted in local elections |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/far-right-national-partys-new-leader-james-reynolds-says-rural-voters-to-be-targeted-in-local-elections/a75184170.html |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=www.independent.ie |language=en}}</ref>

== Support base ==
EKRE's support base has also attracted scholarly interest. Jokubas Salyga argues<ref>{{cite journal |last=Salyga |first=Jokubas |title=Monoliths of authoritarianism, cartographies of popular disenfranchisement and the ascendance of the far-right in Estonia |url=https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/view/journals/gpe/1/1/article-p129.xml |journal=Global Political Economy |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=129–154 |date=1 July 2022 |doi=10.1332/MDXM1896|s2cid=250232588 |doi-access=free }}</ref> that it should be understood as comprising various disenfranchised working-class and middle-class segments. Among the former one finds agricultural laborers, larger households who struggle financially, elderly individuals living in poverty, and disillusioned young people. 

In 2019, EKRE also attracted support from the middle-class segments in Estonia. Martin Helme described the electoral cartography of the 2019 polls by noting that while wealthier municipalities voted for the neoliberal Reform Party, and the poorer for the left-leaning Centre Party, those of Pro Patria and EKRE were distinctly middle-class. The districts in which the party came a close second (Laane-Viru, Jarva and Viljandi) are typified by the highest average standard output per agricultural holding. They also qualify as those hardest hit by the economic recession, which is indicative of the far-right’s ability to marshal support from relatively better-off electorate, disillusioned with their previous choice of the Reform Party.  

Additionally, some owners of small and large businesses who are unhappy with policies that benefit multinational corporations and the wealthy ruling class also support the far-right party. This support is particularly strong in the rural areas of the country. Interestingly, even some locally-owned companies based in Tallinn, such as the software consultancy multinational Helmes, showed support for the far-right party's economic agenda.

== Electoral results ==

=== Parliamentary elections ===
{| class=wikitable style="text-align: right;"
|-
! Election
! Votes
! %
! Seats
! +/−
! Government
|-
! [[2015 Estonian parliamentary election|2015]]
| 46,772
| 8.1 (#6)
| {{Composition bar|7|101|hex={{party color|Conservative People's Party of Estonia}}}}
| {{increase}} 7 
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
! rowspan="2" | [[2019 Estonian parliamentary election|2019]]
| rowspan="2" | 99,672
| rowspan="2" | 17.8 (#3)
| rowspan="2" | {{Composition bar|19|101|hex={{party color|Conservative People's Party of Estonia}}}}
| rowspan="2" | {{increase}} 12
| {{yes2|Coalition}} {{small|(2019–2021)}}
|-
| {{no2|Opposition}} {{small|(2021–2023)}}
|-
! [[2023 Estonian parliamentary election|2023]]
| 97,966
| 16.1 (#2)
| {{Composition bar|17|101|hex={{party color|Conservative People's Party of Estonia}}}}
| {{decrease}} 2
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|}

=== Municipal elections ===
{| class=wikitable style="text-align: right;"
|-
! Election
! Votes
! %
|-
! [[2013 Estonian municipal elections|2013]]
| 8,337
| 1.3% (#5)
|-
! [[2017 Estonian municipal elections|2017]]
| 39,003
| 6.7% (#5)
|-
! [[2021 Estonian municipal elections|2021]]
| 77,236
| 13.2% (#3)
|}

=== European Parliament elections ===
{| class=wikitable style="text-align: right;"
|-
! Election
! Votes
! %
! Seats
! +/−
|-
! [[2014 European Parliament election in Estonia|2014]]
| 13,247
| 4.0 (#6)
| {{Composition bar|0|6|hex={{party color|Conservative People's Party of Estonia}}}}
| 0
|-
! [[2019 European Parliament election in Estonia|2019]]
| 42,268
| 12.7 (#4)
| {{Composition bar|1|7|hex={{party color|Conservative People's Party of Estonia}}}}
| {{increase}} 1
|}

== See also ==
* [[List of political parties in Estonia]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* Hartleb, Florian (2021). [https://forum.eu/article/a-horror-without-an-ending/1039 ''Estland: Rechtsradikale im Mainstream'']. ''Blätter für deutsche und internationale Politik''. '''66''' (3): 33–36.

== External links ==
* [http://www.ekre.ee Official website] {{in lang|et}}

{{Political parties in Estonia}}
{{Identity and Democracy Party}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Political parties in Estonia]]
[[Category:Conservative parties in Estonia]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 2012]]
[[Category:2012 establishments in Estonia]]
[[Category:Anti-immigration politics in Europe]]
[[Category:Eurosceptic parties in Estonia]]
[[Category:Nationalist parties in Estonia]]
[[Category:National conservative parties]]
[[Category:Right-wing populist parties]]
[[Category:Member parties of the Identity and Democracy Party]]
[[Category:Social conservative parties]]
[[Category:Right-wing parties in Europe]]
[[Category:Utopian movements]]
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