Estonian Parties Reveal Finances: EKRE Has Reserves, Social Democrats Carry Debt Ahead of Elections

Estonian political parties have begun publishing their financial indicators for the second quarter, showing how they are preparing for the next parliamentary campaign with varying funding sources and fiscal health. EKRE claims it is financially ready for the elections, with quarterly revenues of around €200,000, primarily from state support and membership fees. Despite a loss of €47,000 last year, EKRE insists it holds a financial reserve and has built up significant capital.

The Social Democratic Party (SDE) ended last year with a deficit of nearly €300,000 but maintains its financial situation remains stable. The party repays over €20,000 per month on previous loans taken for local elections, reducing the debt by almost half. In the second quarter, SDE received about €60,000 in donations, emphasizing a broad base of small donors rather than large individual contributors.

Both parties acknowledge that the upcoming campaign will be more expensive than the previous one. Eduard Odinets, chairman of the SDE trustees, estimates the party's election budget could rise from last year's €1 million to €1.1–1.2 million. EKRE's Siim Pohlak also cites rising prices and taxes as factors that will likely increase campaign spending. Active campaigning for both EKRE and the Social Democrats is set to begin in the autumn.