TALLINN - Res Publica and the Reform Party, two leading right-wing parties, could merge this spring, according to a memorandum that was made public this week.
According to the memorandum, which has been kept confidential since Jan.13 of this year when Res Publica Chairman and Prime Minister Juhan Parts and Reform Party Chairman Siim Kallas signed the document, the two parties could combine forces as early as March 31.
Kallas and Parts expressed their readiness to unite the two parties, saying that they would strive to strengthen a free-market economy, family values, public order and an ecologically friendly state, among other goals.
According to the letter, should the merger be approved, the two parties would formally carry on independently until 2007, even though their Parliament factions will unite into one subgroup.
The current ruling coalition consists of Res Publica, the Reform Party and the People's Union.
A key point slated in the document is the intention to form a Reform-Res Publica ruling coalition in municipal councils. The Reformists joined forces with Res Publica in October to squeeze the Center Party out of power in the Tallinn City Council.
According to political analysts, a possible reason for the merger could be the desire to maintain power after the 2007 parliamentary elections - something that is impossible at present due to the Center Party's high rating.
Res Publica spokesman Siim Mannik said it was difficult to say whether the confidential memorandum was leaked to the press or was deliberately released.
"Either way, I did not release it. The chairmen of both parties today [Nov.2] informed members about the memorandum's existence by e-mail," said Mannik.
He added that the Reform Party should make a decision on the merger at the party congress on Nov.21, given that it's the appropriate place to discuss such matters and that it's held only once a year.
According to Mannik, the memorandum gives Res Publica the right to name the chairman of the new party, while the Reformists will appoint the secretary general, should the merger take place.
"The process of negotiations will begin if the Reform Party approves the merger. From there we will see what further steps should be taken. Nothing will happen overnight," he said.
In a letter to his fellow party members sent on Nov. 2, Reform Party Chairman and European Commissioner designate Siim Kallas wrote that the right-wing parties must improve relations.
"I still believe that a closer convergence of the right-wing parties is desperately required in order to protect the reforms we have carried out and to keep our country from sliding to the left," wrote Kallas.
He added that Reformist skepticism regarding the merger has recently increased due to the latter's deteriorating image.
Referring to anonymous sources, local media reported this week that Reform Party members were generally unexcited about the possible merger with Res Publica.
In a similar address to Res Publica members, Parts wrote that a right-wing party merger is "a strategic idea that cannot be dumped on the basis of topical considerations."
Margus Tsahkna, spokesman for Pro Patria Union, a conservative right-wing party currently in opposition, said that neither the Reform Party nor Res Publica have invited Pro Patria Union to join the possible coalition.
"We would seriously consider such an offer, but there has been none yet. What we have at the moment is a document signed by the chairmen of two parties," said Tsahkna.
Meanwhile Tonis Lukas, deputy chairman of Pro Patria Union, said that his party welcomes the idea. Yet the approach that Res Publica and the Reform Party is taking to the merger is raising many questions.
"Agreements signed only by the party leaders - without informing party members - reveal a level of panic within the party," said Lukas.
He further explained that Pro Patria Union is unsure whether Res Publica is more of a liberal party - like the Reformists - or closer to the conservative Pro Patria Union.
"The fully liberal Reform Party's wish to become a conservative right-wing party also suggests an identity crisis," said Lukas, adding that Pro Patria Union is ready for cooperation with other parties.
According to Lukas, Pro Patria Union will participate in the next municipal elections independently.
