Estonian Left Party (Eesti Vasakpartei - EVP) is a left socialist political party in Estonia.

History

In June 1988 Estonian Communist Party (EKP) chief Karl Vaino was replaced by the reform-minded Soviet Ambassador to Nicaragua Vaino Väljas, the former ideological secretary of the EKP. Some of the Estonian members declared that they were fighting for Estonian national interests and tried to contribute to the solving of Estonian problems. Others (mostly Russians) openly sided with imperial-minded forces in Moscow. Yet others used the opportunity to leave the Party without facing repressions.

1990 was registred the independent Estonian Communist Party (EKP)

1992 the congress of EKP renamed party to the Estonian Democratic Labour Party (EDLP).

1997 the party was renamed the Estonian Social Democratic Labour Party (ESDTP).

2004 EVP is a founding member of European Left party.

December 2004 Estonian Social Democratic Labour Party changed the name to Estonian Left Party (EVP).

According to the statutes of party the party congress elects the Party Chairman and Executive board as well as nominates a consultative Central Council representing all regional organizations. The statutes stipulate the right of fractions. Local policies are developed by local organizations, while central bodies formulate national policies.

The party has been chaired by

• Vaino Väljas (1992-1995),
• Hillar Eller (1995-1996) and
• Tiit Toomsalu (1996-2004)
• Sirje Kingsepp (2004 ..

External links

• Homepage of Estonian Left Party