The Social Democratic Party (Estonian: Sotsiaaldemokraatlik Erakond), or SDE, is a socialdemocratic party of Estonia, led by Ivari Padar . It is a member of the Party of European Socialists since 2003 16th May and a member of the Socialist International since November 1990.

It was formerly known as the Moderate People's Party (Rahvaerakond Mõõdukad), and as such secured 6 seats in the State Council in 2003. It was the most successful party in the 2004 European Parliamentary Election, obtaining 36.8% of the national vote and returning 3 MEPs.

History

Socialdemocracy in Estonia during 1917-1940

Socialdemocracy in Estonia was born at the beginning of the 20th century. Estonian socialdemocracy was influnced by West-European ideas of socialdemocracy and Russian ideals too. During 1905. revolution socialdemocratic ideas spread. Socialdemocrats formed their party in 1917. Their name was in the beginning Estonian Socialdemocratic Association. Their views were patriotic and they fought for Estonian independence and social justice. They changed their name into Estonian Socialdemocratic Workers Party and they won the elections of Estonian constitutive body (1/3 votes and 41/120 mandates). They wrote the first Estonian constitution and solved the rural problem in the democratic way. Their Party changed their name again: Estonian Socialist Workers Party (below). They were in the power in 1924-1925 and 1928-1929. In 1925 they joined with Estonian Independent Socialist Workers Party to Estonia Socialist Workers Party. They won the elections in 1926 (24/100) and in 1929 (25/100). Their party was well known in Estonian, they were one of the biggest party in Estonia. They had contacts with other socialdemocrats in Europe, the party was a member of the Labour and Socialist International. They made a cultural autonomy law and gave their chance of the promotions in cultural and educational life. Their party was closed in 1935 because of the end of democratic era in Estonia. After the beginning of occupation they escaped to free world and they continuned their work in emigration in Sweden in Stockholm.

In 1989-today

In perestroika era was formed Estonian Socialdemocratic Party from socialdemocratic movements. The movements were: Estonian Democratic Labour Party, Estonian Socialdemoratic Indedependence Party, Russian Socialdemocratic Party in Estonia and Estonian Socialist Party Foreign Association (successor of Estonian Socialist Workers Party in exile). ESDP’s first leader was Marju Lauristin. They restored their contacts with Socialist International in 1990. They formed an electoral alliance with centrist-agarain Estonian Rural Centre Party in 1992 and 1995. In 1996, after electoral defeat they joined and named themselves as Moderates. This was their electoral cartel name. In 1999 they joined People’s Party (centrist-agrarian). Their contacts with People’s Party predecessors started in 1998. In 2003 they joined the PSE (Party of the European Socialists). And in 2004. 7th February they named themselves Estonian Socialdemocratic Party. Their values are: social market model which values work, equality, social justice, solidarity, welfare state. Their leader is Ivari Padar.

Leaders of ESDP

• Marju Lauristin 1990-1995
• Eiki Nestor 1995-1996
• Andres Tarand 1996-2001
• Toomas Hendrik Ilves 2001-2002
• Ivari Padar 2002-

Riiigkogu election results

1992. 12 out of 101
1995. 6 out of 101
1999. 17 out of 101
2003. 6 out of 101

The periods in Goverment

1992-1994, 1994-1995, 1999-2001.

Members of Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu)

Ivari Padar (a fraction chairman)
Eiki Nestor (a fraction vice-chairman)
Kadi Pärnits
Katrin Saks
Jarno Laur
Jüri Tamm

Members of European Parliament

Toomas Hendrik Ilves
Marianne Mikko
Andres Tarand

See also: List of political parties in Estonia - Social Democratic Party

External link

Official web site
Social Democaratic Youth in Estonia