Our Constitution lays the foundation, declaring that the Estonian state is founded on liberty, justice, and the rule of law. The word order is not incidental. Freedom comes first; it is the basis for everything. It is the Estonian state’s character and strength.
Freedom is a value worthy of enduring protection. Yet, freedom may feel bothersome or dangerous to some. If it does, then one must think hard and look back into history. For there, we see the dangers of any attempt to curb freedoms in the name of avoiding peril.
I am nonplussed when I read opinion pieces on whether and how the media and freedom of expression should be controlled. State supervision of journalistic content is a bad idea.
Politics focused simply on staying in power is not politics. Democracy requires transparency. I invite everyone to discuss and put forth honest questions on topics like taxes, the green transition, demography, and many others ranging from foreign- and security policy to the fate of tiny rural schools. And to talk about the sense of security that people need, for when that is in place, then they will also feel secure to have children.
When I observe the struggle going on between the coalition and the opposition, where one side’s triumph over the other and vice-versa seems to be at stake, then I’d like to ask whether something greater isn’t actually at stake. If a political struggle takes place in accordance with the rules of democracy, then the free state benefits. But we stand at a point where we must specify what those rules are, exactly.
I’d like to appeal to all politicians, both those serving in the Riigikogu and elsewhere: when choosing your words and statements, remember that you are responsible for the dignity of the Estonian state. The dignity of the Estonian state requires you to show dignity as well.
We cannot avoid Estonians’ innate stubbornness. But let us not hate one another. The freedoms of thought and speech are greatest when practiced with dignity.
Right here in Europe, Ukraine is defending itself against Russian aggression on the battlefield. There is presently no military threat to Estonia’s independence – we have the capability and the opportunity to assess that with precision. I also want to assert that Estonia is using its freedom and its duty to help Ukraine in every way we can. The balance of the Free World is on our side.
Maintaining unity among allies, finding new friends, and providing Estonia with a sense of security is difficult and costly work. It is work that I do as well, and I’m disappointed that its funding has been a topic of contention in Estonia. I’m especially disappointed that doubt has been cast over the independence of the Office of the President during these arguments.
I guard the independence of the Office of the President. This includes the opportunity to take a critical look at the activities of the parliament and the government.
We have all taken part in building the Estonian state. Each has contributed their ideas and accomplishments to the best of their abilities and desires. Everyone who calls Estonia home.
Culture helps us to manage very human questions and difficulties in an ever-more-complicated world. It brings us back to our most crucial values and gives us vital breath when the economy and standards are increasingly in focus. It holds us together as a people.
Science and research accomplish similar tasks. And mistakes made by individual researchers should not lead to a witch hunt against knowledge and its acquisition. Protecting the free Estonian state also means caring for society’s intellect, ethics, and pure thought. All without arrogance.
Thirty-two years of unbroken freedom stretch behind us. The first generation born in a free Estonia has grown up and formed its own notion of freedom. Perhaps some believe that things have gone wrong; that whereas people had the right idea of freedom three decades ago, now is an era of distortion and exaggeration.
Our political credo – freedom and the preservation of the Estonian nation, language, and culture – was reasserted during the Singing Revolution. But for Estonia to remain free, we must acknowledge that the nature of freedom is to perpetually expand horizons.
It is up to us whether our decisions are merely rooted in the present day, or if we strive to peer beyond the horizon. We truly do need a long-term plan – Estonia and Europe as a whole.
Looking into Estonia’s future, I would like to see an educated and wise populace, a competitive economy, innovative industry, first-rate research, vibrant rural life, rapid connections, and digital solutions – not just the glorification of speed and efficiency, but self-sacrifice in the name of something greater, respect for nature, trust for one another, and an understanding of the world.
We are a tenacious people. And what might a tenacious people wish for on this, the day of our restoration of independence?
More self-confidence, and belief in ourselves and in our state. More politeness. More thought that yields clarity. More talking and discussion, less noise. More inner freedom. Then, we will endure.
(Redacted by editor.)
