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The President of the Republic on the Day of Restoration of Independence on 20 August 2004 at Kadriorg20.08.2004
Dear fellow countrymen,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let me congratulate all those present, the whole people of Estonia and our friends abroad on the Day of Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Estonia.
The situation in which we today celebrate this holiday differs quite a lot from what it was in the previous years. By now, our erstwhile dreams of Estonia as a free and equal European nation have come true. We mark the Day of Restoration of Independence for the first time as a Member State of the European Union and NATO whose international standing is higher than ever before.
It was the result of joint efforts by our people and many political forces that our country from historical viewpoint within such a short period became a member of these two powerful alliances. Yet, to ensure secure future for our people, we need unanimity henceforth as well. The Estonians' ability to efficiently and selflessly stick together should manifest itself not only in times of crisis.
To make in our country all inhabitants feel socially secure, we also today, just like in those memorable August days 13 years ago, need like-mindedness, togetherness and solidarity. Therefore, I do not agree with opinions sometimes expressed as if solidarity were illusory and redundant in contemporary society. This kind of thinking nurtures selfishness and high-handedness, as well as indifference towards those in need who can be found among every people but who also are helped in every democratic country.
Solidarity and awareness of social dimension form the basis for functioning of the EU and the rest of the democratic world. They provide society with cohesion, which keeps it from falling apart.
Today's Estonia does not need confrontation. What we need is more empathy, responsibility and social sensibility in conducting state affairs. It is not enough, if there is agreement only among like-minded companions and fellow party members. What proves society's inner strength and stability, though, is broader solidarity, capability to understand and respect the needs and possibilities of all people.
It was just this kind of approach, out of which nearly a year ago our National Agreement was born. Today it is appropriate to stress that this agreement is founded on principles, to which the Republic of Estonia attached importance already in the first years of its existence, and which already then included humanism, respect and appreciation of human dignity and civil liberties. Let me remind you that out of respect to the small ethnic groups living here our Law on Cultural Autonomy for National Minorities was passed as early as in 1925, and then again immediately after regaining independence.
Thanks to observing principles indicative of democratic states and cooperation between various forces we were able to restore our independence without violence and casualties. That was indisputably a remarkable achievement we can be proud of both today and in future.
We also today can reassure that the Republic of Estonia respects and observes the principles and standards of democracy, and applies them to all residents of Estonia. Thus, the unfounded accusations from time to time brought against our nationalities policy are nothing but deplorable.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The history did not end for us with full membership of the EU and NATO. Also in Brussels and Strasbourg we have to stand up for the interests of our people, and to explain not only our present policies but also our history. This concerns first and foremost those chapters of our past and present, which have caused dissenting judgements.
One of those chapters contains events, which took place more than half a century ago. Estonia's actual choices both 65 and 60 years ago were determined by the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, pursuant to which none of the two totalitarian regimes intended to allow independence of our small country. At the same time, sons of this small nation dressed in foreign uniforms did not fight for the interests of either occupying powers, but to defend their families and people, and hoping to restore their own state.
One-sided approach to history inevitably engenders myths, and then, time after time, efforts are undertaken to crush them in a campaign-like manner. Setting one against another and pointing out wounds is not the best way to deal with history. We should rather learn from the past! I call for carefully looking into our recent history too, for researching into and analysing the 13-year-old events in order to bequeath to the posterity of them an overview as correct as possible.
What occurred 13 years ago, accelerated immensely Estonia's development, and it is self-evident that we don't want the speed to slow down. But we also would like to see a people-friendly country, where the wealth would be divided more and more equally. In this kind of a country we should markedly more effectively than hitherto support bringing up and educating next generations as an investment in the future of our nation.
In the days of restoring the independence, our aspiration was to decentralize the power, to promote participatory democracy and to devolve more decision-making to local authorities. The administrative reform, which began in Estonia fifteen years ago, was based on the principle of subsidiarity and in the European Union this principle is held in honour up to this day. But in Estonia, politicians later on have attempted to increasingly concentrate power in Tallinn-based government agencies and to bind the officials working there to political parties. In this way, the power has but become estranged from the people.
We are facing a lot of urgent work for the benefit of Estonia. What we need for this work is sense of solidarity and responsibility. This would enhance our sense of community and pride in our country - a country, which cares for each of its residents.
Success and happiness to all of you!
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