The EU’s New Presidency Is Already in Trouble
- Estonian political tensions raise prospect of minority rule
- Baltic nation set to host EU leaders, finance ministers
The Estonian and the European flag are pictured during the opening concert at the Freedom Square in Tallinn to celebrate Estonia's six month EU Presidency on June 29, 2017. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker heads a visit of the 28-member EU body kicking off Estonia's six month stint as rotating president of the bloc facing Brexit. / AFP PHOTO / Petras Malukas (Photo credit should read PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP/Getty Images)
Photographer: Petras Malukas/AFP via Getty ImagesDays into Estonia’s rotating presidency of the European Union, the Baltic nation’s government is showing signs it may not see out the full six months.
The ruling coalition, in power since November, is at risk of losing its grip on parliament as a group of rebel lawmakers threatens to form a rival bloc for local elections in October. They could be expelled from the dominant Center Party if they do, creating a minority government that would be more vulnerable to opposition challenges. A decision is due this week.