Photo: Estonian flag
The Estonian parliament has approved a law that deprives all EU non-residents, including tens of thousands of Russian citizens living in the country, of the right to vote in local elections. This decision, supported by 93 out of 101 deputies, was a response to threats to national security due to Russia’s war against Ukraine, France24 reports.
No voice for Russian citizens
The constitutional amendment, adopted on 20 March, received a standing ovation in parliament. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Mihal called it a “victory for everyone”, noting:
“Our local decisions will no longer depend on the citizens of the aggressor state. We will decide our own fate.”
According to official figures, there are about 80,000 Russian citizens with residence permits and 60,000 stateless persons living in Estonia.
The law will allow the latter to take part in another local election in October this year, after which they will be deprived of their voting rights.
Reaction of the Russian-speaking community
The Estonian parliament’s decision has sparked criticism among the Russian-speaking population, especially in the Russian-dominated border city of Narva. The city’s mayor, Katri Raik, criticised the law:
“The country is divided: you are Estonians, we are Russians, whom you do not trust. But neither citizenship nor nationality makes people a security threat.”
Local residents are also outraged by the new restrictions. Oleksandr, a student from Narva, said:
“My parents have Russian passports, they work here, they pay taxes. Why can’t they vote?”
Strengthening security and disengagement from Russia
In recent years, Estonia has been actively reducing Russian influence. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the government of the country:
- Strengthened the defence budget, increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP in 2025.
- Demolition of Soviet monuments, which caused outrage in Moscow.
- Reduced the use of the Russian language in public space.
Estonian authorities emphasise that the new law is not discrimination, but a necessary step. Political analyst Rein Toomla explained:
“Russian citizens living in Estonia have become victims of this situation. But this is a response to the Kremlin’s actions, not personal revenge.”
