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Memorial plaque commemorating the Estonian government-in-exile in Oslo

Oct 9, 2015 Estonian Life No. 41 2015


A memorial plaque was unveiled on Friday October 2, on the wall of the Comfort Xpress Hotel at Møllergata 26 in the Norwegian capital of Oslo, where the Estonian government-in-exile began its work in 1953.
"About 50 people were present, including Norway's European Affairs Minister Vidar Helgesen," Peep Pillak, Chairman of the Estonian Heritage Society said. "It was a festive and high-level ceremony."
Estonia was represented at the event by Secretary of State Heiki Loot and Aino Lepik von Wirén, Director General of the Estonian Foreign Ministry's Department of Europe and Transatlantic Cooperation, who was Minister of Justice in the last government-in-exile until 1992.
Estonian Secretary of State Heiki Loot and Norwegian EU Affairs Minister Vidar Helgesen unveiling the plaque commemorating the building where the Estonian government-in-exile began meeting in Oslo in 1953. On the right are members of the last government-in-exile Ivar Paljak and Aino Lepik von Wirén. Photo: Peep Pillak

The first government-in-exile was led by August Rei in his capacity as Prime Minister and acting President, who appointed a five-member Cabinet in Oslo. The government-in-exile met in Norway, because in Sweden, refugees were banned from engaging in political activity. Members of the Estonian exile government could reside in Sweden, but not act in their capacity as members of the government-in-exile there.

The government-in-exile ended its activity on Oct. 7, 1992 after a legitimately elected parliament and President of Estonia had been sworn in.

Flowers and candles were placed on the grave of Estonian Honorary Consul General Richard Bjercke at Vår Frelsers gravlund (Our Saviour's Cemetery) in Oslo, as a token of remembrance and thanks. Photo: Peep Pillak
The unveiling of the memorial plaque was prepared by the Estonian Embassy in Norway, Hege Boman Grundekjon, the Norway-Estonia Association, Comfort Hotel Xpress and the Norwegian Embassy in Estonia. After the ceremony at the plaque, participants proceeded to the Oslo cemetery to light candles on the grave of Richard Bjereke, the Estonian Honorary Consul General in Norway before World War II.
Norwegian Embassy in Tallinn (www.norra.ee)

* For more historical background regarding the Estonian government-in-exile in Oslo, please see the article in the Estonian section.

Riina Kindlam
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