Kaja Kalla's rough style fits better in NATO

Leader  

 

Kaja Called 

 

Kaja Kalla's rough style fits better in NATO  

 

Business with Russia and arrogant towards teachers 

 

Jonna Sima  

 

Aftonbladet's editorial page is independent social democratic.

  

Published at 05.00 

 

Maybe Kaja Kallas is already looking towards a career in the EU? Photo: Ludovic Marin / AP  

 

TALLINN Today, the second part of Danish author Solveig Balle's novel suite about Tara Selter is published in Swedish. The book is about a woman who wakes up every day to November 18.  

 

Every day is the same, but only the main character notices it.  

 

"Om utträkning av omfang" was awarded the Nordic Council's literature prize in 2022 and is as curious as the author's last name. There will be five more parts in the book series, with the plot set for November 18.  

 

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is probably grateful that Saturday 18 November 2023 is temporary. Her party, the Reform Party, gathers today for a party congress and it will blow hard around her. 

Political crisis 

 

The formerly popular party leader is experiencing the worst political crisis of his life. 

 

This week, the main opposition party, conservative Isamaa, moved a vote of no confidence against Kallas. They demand the Prime Minister's immediate resignation.  

 

There are several reasons for the growing dissatisfaction with Kallas. The main one is caused by her husband, the entrepreneur Arvo Hallik. Wherever you go in Estonia, this is a topic of conversation. The disappointment at Kaja Kallas is palpable. 

 

The husband is a partner in a company that imported goods from Russia. This has been going on at the same time as his wife has been one of Europe's clearest voices for tougher sanctions against Russia and for increased support for Ukraine.  

Can't pass the budget 

 

Kaja Kalla's poor handling of the scandal may now be her downfall.  

 

Despite a successful election result of 31,2 percent as recently as March, the Reform Party has had a difficult year. 

 

The coalition government, which includes the Social Democrats and the new culture war party Estonia 200, has stalled. The right-wing populist EKRE is constantly trying to put a damper on the government's budget. 

 

Insulting teachers 

 

The government wants to raise income tax and VAT to deal with the budget deficits that both the crisis and the war in Ukraine contributed to. The proposals have sparked major protests, and in the government S would rather see higher taxes for the richest.  

 

Kallas has also spoken arrogantly towards teachers who have gone on strike against withdrawn promises of salary increases. 

 

They should work instead and advocate for the government's increased taxes so they can get higher wages, has been Kalla's answer. Now the teachers are gathering for an even bigger strike.  

 

Kaja Kallas is smoked at home, but already seems to be looking ahead to a career as Jens Stoltenberg's successor in NATO.  

 

The big question is which political forces are taking over in Estonia. Kalla's status is clearly pushed to the brink, but she leaves a void, with no obvious successor.