Main narratives:
- General anti-government sentiments;
- Big powers rule the world;
- Cancellation of the Green Agenda.
Overview:
Last week, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal proposed increasing defence spending to 5% of the country’s GDP. The proposal was initially criticised by Kristen Michal’s Reform Party coalition partners, in particular Eesti 200, whose leader Kristina Kallas said that the proposal had not been discussed within the ruling coalition. She added that finding out about such initiatives through the media and the social network X was not indicative of a high political culture. Meanwhile, the third coalition partner, the Social Democrats, expressed support for Michal’s proposal. Party leader Lauri Läänemets said that the decision to increase defence spending was a logical step. At the same time, the idea of increasing defence spending was predictably criticised by pro-Russian social media users. Their main narratives remained unchanged: the government was recklessly wasting money on armaments when it should instead be maintaining friendly relations with Moscow. They also claimed that Russia had never threatened anyone.
Trump’s inauguration and statements, as well as his first executive orders, have prompted a flurry of activity on social media in Estonia. Pro-Kremlin commentators have posted ironic messages about a new global order of powerful states, including Russia. Other comments have praised Trump’s policies, suggesting that small states like Estonia may lose influence as major decisions are made between Washington, Moscow and Beijing in a more pragmatic manner. Additionally, some commentators have expressed their hope that Trump will cancel the so-called Green Deal, a move that could have an impact on Europe, particularly Estonia, by restoring its oil-shale-based energy production and potentially leading to a reduction in electricity prices amid the current economic crisis.
