Estonian Centre Party seeks inquiry into Minister Liina Vahtras

The Centre Party faction in the Riigikogu has submitted a request for inquiry to Prime Minister Kristen Michal regarding a potential conflict of interest involving Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry Liina Vahtras.

Lauri Laatsi, chairman of the Centre Party faction, raised concerns that Vahtras may have used her former position as a board member of the Enterprise and Innovation Foundation (EIS) to benefit private interests. Specifically, it is alleged that a Cyprus-registered company, Rochna Invest OÜ, of which Vahtras was the sole board member, invested in Estonian companies that subsequently received a total of 1.25 million euros in support from the EIS.

Additionally, the faction has questioned Vahtras's long-term business ties with Johanna-Maria Lehtme, a former member of the Riigikogu who is currently involved in legal proceedings regarding the alleged misuse of donations. The Centre Party is seeking clarity on the background checks performed prior to Vahtras's appointment and whether the Prime Minister was aware of these circumstances.