NordenBladet —
In the speech delivered at Suurupi Lighthouse, Hussar said that the strength of a small nation lay in its belief in itself, and in its values. “We know how to protect our country, and we have the skills needed to navigate through stormy waters. The crises of recent years have put this knowledge to a serious test,” he said, and pointed out that precisely during those years, Estonia had been a beacon for the free world in its support for Ukraine. “We have stood by the principle that lasting peace can be achieved only on the terms set by Ukraine. And we will continue this work – firmly and consistently – for as long as necessary, even if there are some lights in Europe and around the world that are misleading and try to divert us from our course.“
The President of the Riigikogu underlined that Estonia’s security was solid, our defence spending this year would be the highest in our history, and the presence of our allies here in Estonia gave us the confidence that we would never be alone again. “We have had stable governments, and this stability is like a solid keel under a ship, helping us navigate even through dangerous waters. This year, people’s livelihoods will be supported by the lowering of taxes, wage rises in several critical sectors, and increases in benefits and pensions. Estonia will hold on despite the stormy winds,” he added.
Hussar said that in the new year, work would continue at full speed on the construction of Rail Baltic – a project that would connect us to the European rail network, but also had a much deeper meaning. “This project will anchor us firmly to where we belong and will help us finally break free from the shadows of the Russian empire,” he emphasised, and added that a new President of Estonia would also be elected this year. “The President of Estonia has no executive power, but all the more important is their role as the moral compass of society – a lighthouse that helps us stay on course even in the darkest and stormiest of nights.“
Hussar also noted that Estonia would be a better place if there was less bullying and hostility among us. “Last summer, under the Song Festival Arch, we could all feel how strong we are when we stand together. Let us make a New Year’s resolution to reduce the noise level in our lives – to shut off those channels and accounts where verbal abuse and insults prevail,” he said and called on trying to tame our own anger and sharp tongues and treating people who are different with respect. “May our discussions be meaningful and our criticism honest, and may we leave the noise and insults behind. We can do better than that.”
According to Hussar, it is sometimes useful to recall a simple but important piece of advice: look on the bright side of life. “There are many things in Estonia that simply are very good or work very well. Let’s each of us take a moment to think of a few – maybe three, or maybe six – things that you can be really proud of. They may be family relationships, cultural life, entrepreneurship, our digital solutions, free and reliable media, or simply a safe everyday life. Estonia is certainly not one of the unhappiest countries in the world. Far from it, in fact. If we could be a little more caring and friendly towards each other, we would reach even higher,” The President of the Riigikogu said in his New Year’s Address that was broadcast on the ETV, ETV2 and ETV+ channels.
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 his New Year Address: Estonia will hold on despite the stormy winds
Source: Parliament of Estonia