Main narratives:
- Anti-government sentiments;
- Russophobia in Estonia.
Overview:
One of the main topics of discussion this week was an emotional post by Riigikogu (Parliament) member and Social Democrat Züleyxa Izmailova, in which she used the derogatory term “tibla” in reference to Russian-speaking residents of Estonia. The post prompted a strong reaction from both her party colleagues and the public. She later issued an apology. As a result, the term “tibla”, long considered taboo in public discourse, re-entered usage.
Riina Solman, a representative of the conservative Isamaa party, suggested in a Postimees column that the insult could apply to representatives of any nationality. ERR’s Ida-Virumaa correspondent Rene Kundla wrote a column reflecting on the historical background of the term. The outlet Rus.Delfi condemned such a discussion.
However, in Russian-speaking social media groups, commentators interpreted these publications unambiguously – as an expression of nationalism. This once again fueled the spread of the pro-Kremlin narrative about “Russophobia” and the “glorification of Nazism” in the Baltic states.
Pro-Kremlin online commentators seized on the widespread outrage in Estonia over the scandal involving the Health Board – in which officials reportedly spent large sums of public money on a luxury retreat at a castle-spa hotel – to fuel anti-government sentiment. They presented the incident as evidence that Estonia is a corrupt state, with an elitist ruling class misusing taxpayers’ money for their own comfort while neglecting wider societal needs. This narrative was reinforced by highlighting the secrecy surrounding the event, with some alleging that details had been deliberately concealed, governance had been deceptive, and transparency had been suppressed. In their posts and discussions, pro-Kremlin commentators often used emotionally charged language, sarcasm, and indignation to amplify public anger. This tactic not only intensified existing distrust in state institutions but also neatly aligned with the broader pro-Kremlin goal of weakening confidence in Estonia’s democratic governance and sowing divisions within its society.
