Reports
Estonia Weekly: Government Faces Backlash Over IShowSpeed Tourism Promo
IShowSpeed’s visit to Estonia, which was partially funded by a government agency to promote tourism, sparked a public backlash amid economic hardship due to the perceived misuse of taxpayer money. The controversy intensified alongside revelations of significant errors in Estonian economic data, fuelling conspiracy theories about government transparency and competence.
Read moreEstonia Weekly: Kremlin-Aligned Narratives Target Ukraine Aid
Pro-Kremlin commentators strongly criticized Estonia’s decision to host the 2027 Ukraine reconstruction conference, calling it premature and politically driven, while rising public frustration over economic issues — including a petition to reduce VAT on food and calls for protests — reflected broader discontent that echoed Kremlin narratives about economic decline due to defence spending and support for Ukraine.
Read moreEstonia Weekly: VAT Hike and Church Bill Fuel Disinformation
Estonia’s VAT hike and some new laws have become lightning rods for pro-Kremlin critics, who frame them as evidence of elitist governance and cultural oppression, especially targeting the Russian-speaking minority.
Read moreEstonia Monthly: The Return of the ‘Russian Card’ Ahead of Municipal Elections
By June 2025, Estonia’s ruling coalition faced mounting internal tensions over cultural and social policy, with a proposal to abolish kindergarten fees exposing deeper divisions among the governing parties. As pressure mounted, opposition forces reignited debates around the treatment of Russian-speaking residents, accusing the government of pursuing de-Russification and cultural exclusion. With municipal elections looming, the ‘Russian card’ re-emerged as both a political weapon and a reflection of unresolved questions about identity, inclusion, and national cohesion.
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