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The President of the Republic greeted the Union of Estonian Associations of Local Authorities21.03.2003
President Arnold Rüütel today at Viljandi attended the conference marking the 10th anniversary of the Union of Estonian Associations of Local Authorities and delivered an address there.
The Head of State emphasized that, whereas the European Union and NATO were to defend the external peace of our country, the stable and democratic order of life and fundamental values of our society, the internal peace and citizens sense of security were to be created by our own central and local authorities.
"At the same time, we have to ask ourselves whether the expectations of Estonia's residents with respect to a real local government have been met over the last decade, and whether our local government is ready to make use of all possibilities arising from our membership in the European Union," the President asked in his address.
He noted that the course of the administrative reform launched in 1989 over the last decade had been accompanied by discrepancies in our endeavours, and the reform plans had not been founded on concrete analyses of our needs and possibilities. Also the will to define a well-balanced relationship between the state and local government had been lacking. "This has resulted in an insufficient potential of local governments to help people, to support them if necessary, and to improve our human environment," the President observed.
He wound up by voicing hope that the Government to be formed soon would start off with the wish to strengthen, among other things, considerate co-operation between the national and local government.
Office of the President
Kadriorg, March 21, 2003
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