NordenBladet —
In his speech, President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar focused on today’s turbulent foreign policy situation. “You, who have felt the price of freedom through your own personal experience and passed a decision on the end of a totalitarian system, understand most clearly why it is so important today to continue to support Ukraine in every way possible. We know that Russia has not changed in its nature. It still does not accept the right of sovereign nations to decide their own path, be it towards the European Union or NATO,” Hussar said.
Hussar also expressed concern about the growing anxiety in Estonian society. However, he expressed hope that, instead of confrontation, everyone would be ready to think and act together. The President also thanked the members of the August 20 Club for their contribution to public debate.
“Our Constitution does not support populist convulsions or rating-based policymaking. On the contrary, it requires stability, transparency, and legal consistency,” the President of the Riigikogu underlined.
In his welcoming speech, Prime Minister Kristen Michal noted that it is not easy to recognise pivotal moments and decisions of great significance in everyday life. He also thanked the club members for their contribution and personal courage. “Your undoubtedly emotional, yet deeply principled decision to vote for the restoration of the constitutional order of the Republic of Estonia placed each of you personally at risk,” said Michal.
According to Michal, the events that took place 34 years ago remind us that law and justice cannot be destroyed. “Drawing on our own experience, we can extend a helping hand to our partners, first and foremost Ukraine, because no one can stand against the will of the people; with the mandate of the people, even a lightweight can overcome a giant. And no other nation or state can or should take upon itself the right to decide the future of a free and independent people,” the Prime Minister stressed.
Deputy Chairman of the Board of the August 20 Club Alar Maarend, in his presentation at the annual meeting, discussed the origins and future development of today’s climate policy. Maarend emphasized that carbon dioxide was not the root cause or sole cause of climate change. “The circulation of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere is a complex process involving all living matter, whether on land, in the sea or in the air. Everything that lives, breathes. Everything that breathes, emits CO2,” Alar Maarend said.
According to Maarend, economic and energy policy should not focus solely on the fight against CO2. “Saying that by making all our economic activities carbon neutral, we can change the climate, is an oversimplified and one-sided approach,” Maarend expressed his concern.
The festive meeting held today in the White Hall of the Riigikogu was presided over by the President of the August 20 Club Ants Veetõusme.
The August 20 Club, founded in 1994, unites the people who were elected to the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia in 1990, and voted for the resolution of the restoration of the independence of Estonia. Today, they work to preserve and uphold the significance of this historic decision.
On the occasion of the holiday, it is also possible to visit the Tall Hermann Tower. The blue, black and white flag flying at the top of the tower symbolises the independence of the Republic of Estonia. Tours to the tower start every full and half hour; the tower will be closed at 6 p.m.
Photos of the celebrations of the Restoration of Independence Day at Toompea (photographer Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu). Please note that the Photos will be uploaded with a delay.
Riigikogu Press Service
Maiki Vaikla
+372 631 6456, +372 5666 9508
maiki.vaikla@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: President of the Riigikogu and Prime Minister thanked the members of the August 20 Club for their contribution
Source: Parliament of Estonia