Hussar in New Year Address: We need a secure development environment for confidence

Hussar said in his New Year Address, which was broadcast on the ETV, ETV2 and ETV+ channels, that the height of the Tall Hermann Tower or the girth of the Fat Margret Tower were not the indicators that give us peace of mind and security. “More important is our inner confidence, the conviction that our home, our culture and our way of life need protecting. Because we are on the right path,” he added.

Hussar underlined that confidence could be built on several components, and the key component was a secure development environment taking into account the needs of all of us. Political and economic stability, numerous friendship and allied relations, energy independence and effective educational life are the cornerstones for Estonia’s growth and prosperity.

“Last year we made the final transition to the Estonian-language education and eliminated the last big relict of the Soviet occupation in our society. This is how today we can build a united Estonian school where no one is left behind, where the talented are helped towards even greater heights, and where the average are given knowledge that ranks far above the global average,” Hussar said, and pointed out that this was the kind of system that could be at the heart of our self-confidence and inner peace.

According to Hussar, we still have the final step to take in achieving energy independence: we have to desynchronise ourselves from Russia’s power grids. “We are going to take this is a step in February to celebrate the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. Without any hesitation! And in spite of the fact that the vessels of Russia’s shadow fleet are once again trying to provoke us into submissiveness by dragging their anchors to cut the cables connecting us with our allies. This action will also be stopped this year by a resolute response,” Hussar said, and underlined that Finland was a good example and partner for us here.

The President of the Riigikogu expressed regret that the last year, too, our greatest hope had not been fulfilled, and Ukraine had not achieved victory against Russia, which was waging a war of aggression. “Therefore, it will also be our duty this year to stand beside Ukraine who is waging a war of liberation. To support them in every way we can, to persuade our partners to do the same, and to do all this until the victorious end of the war and the coming of peace. A peace that will be concluded on the terms formulated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” Hussar said. “Only such a solution will give us the confidence that Russia’s imperialist desire to dominate over other countries and peoples will come to a permanent end. Until this has happened, the shadow of war will be walking beside us.“

Hussar stated that Estonia was strong and confident today. “We know how to manage difficult situations, and we know how to make bold and forward-looking decisions. May our will, wisdom, wit and tactfulness be the keywords for us to follow as we are building our home this year, in 2025,” he said in the New Year Address.

The New Year Address by the President of the Riigikogu

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Hussar in New Year Address: We need a secure development environment for confidence

Source: Parliament of Estonia