The Estonian government will resign following the decision of Prime Minister Jüri Rathas to resign.
“This morning I will take my letter of resignation to President [Kersti Kaljulaid]. With my resignation, the current government coalition ceases to exist,” Ratas told reporters Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the ruling Center Party, which Rathas heads, as well as five citizens were indicted on suspicion of corruption. Specifically, party secretary general Michael Korb, adviser to Finance Minister Kersti Kracht, and businessman Hillar Teder fell under suspicion. The names of two other suspects have not yet been announced.
According to the investigation, Teder and Korb agreed in 2020 that the businessman would donate up to one million euros to the party before the local elections. In return, Teder-affiliated company Porto Franco would receive a loan of 40 million euros through the KredEx fund, created by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
Teder donated 30,000 euros each to the Center Party on July 1 and September 9. The Kredex board discussed the Porto Franco loan in early July, and the government approved the loan on Sept. 3.
Teder and Kracht are also suspected of a money-laundering agreement made to conceal the transfer of the bribe.
