Lõpparutelu

Lõpparutelu is a term in Estonian political discourse that refers to the final public debate of an election campaign. The event is typically held in the days or week before Election Day and brings together the leaders or spokespersons of the main political parties or coalitions. It is usually broadcast by major media outlets, often with the participation of a moderator from the national public broadcaster or another network. The format commonly includes a moderated question-and-answer segment, time-limited statements by each participant, a period for cross-questioning or rebuttals, and closing remarks.

Purpose and significance: Lõpparutelu serves to summarize campaign positions and test candidates' readiness to handle pressure and respond to unexpected questions. For voters, it provides a shakeout of policy differences and communication skills. Media coverage tends to be extensive, and polling or commentary after the event may influence late-deciding voters.

Variations and notes: The exact format and participants can vary by election. Some debates feature only party leaders, while others invite departmental spokespersons or representatives of smaller parties; local elections may have separate events. Although highly anticipated, there is no universal legal requirement to hold a lõpparutelu, and some campaigns may skip it.

Etymology and usage: The term combines lõpp (end, final) and arutelu (debate, discussion). It is widely used in Estonian news coverage and political commentary to describe the culmination of campaign debates.