eesti keeles

Speeches
Open in print mode

Address by the President of the Republic to the Prime Minister and the Government of the Republic of Estonia on October 8, 2001
08.10.2001


Dear Prime Minister and Members of the Government!

The Estonian Constitution, which has proved its efficiency in the last ten years, defines our state as a parliamentary one. Among other things, this means the full liability and responsibility of the executive power to the Parliament and the people that have elected it.

In this chain of decision and responsibility, the President has a minor and rather symbolic role, but this does not mean that the President should sit back and see whether and how the chain really functions.

As I put it earlier today in my speech to the Riigikogu, I wish to hold regular consultations with the Prime Minister and other constitutional institutions. My aim is to avoid unexpected situations in the co-operation between the President and other constitutional institutions.

My long experience of life and politics will hopefully enable me to act as an adviser and an initiator of the dialogue between the political powers. In this, I will certainly rely on the advice of a wide circle of professional advisers.

Soon we will be faced with the discussion of the budget of the year 2002 in the Riigikogu. The economic and political situation in the world is facing a crisis. This also obliges the Estonian Government to pay attention to Estonia's resources and the division of labour within the state. Probably we must focus more on the efficiency of the local governments and on enhancing the administrative capability of the Estonian State. It is certainly high time to adopt broad-based decisions in regional and population policy and the education reform. As the President, I wish to assume an active role working for consensus in these areas.

I wish the Government of the Republic responsibility in their actions.


© 2006 Office of the President l tel: + 372 631 6202 l fax: + 372 631 6250 l sekretarvpk.ee