Estonia in Political Turmoil After Newcomer Matches Ruling Party

With six months to a referendum on European Union membership Estonia was plunged into political turmoil on Monday when a newcomer matched the ruling party at a weekend general election. The new party, Res Publica, which entered the election as an unknown political force, won as many seats - 28 - as the ruling center-party which, nevertheless, held a slight lead in percentage terms at 25.4 percent to Res Publica's 24.6 percent. Both parties immediately laid claim to the Baltic country's leadership, signaling tough coalition talks ahead as the former Soviet republic prepares for membership of the European Union and NATO. "We have to fulfil our obligation to lead the formation of the new government," Res Publica leader Juhan Parts told AFP early on Monday. Asked whether he expected to be Estonia's next prime minister, he said: "That's not my decision, but the party has that position." Meanwhile center party leader Edgar Savisaar, currently the mayor of Tallinn, told Estonian television that President Arnold Ruutel should nominate the leading party in the poll: His own. Daily newspaper **Sl Ohtuleht** said in an editorial that Res Publica's good result showed the elections' protest spirit. "Those disappointed in the old guard were ready to make a blind bargain," it said. "Res Publica now has to sit down and ponder what to do with the prize it won overnight." The daily **Eesti Paevaleht** on the other hand said that Res Publica benefited from the young vote.