The Riigikogu authorised Jüri Ratas to form a Government

NordenBladet — At today’s sitting, the Riigikogu authorised the candidate for Prime Minister Jüri Ratas to form a Government. 55 members of the Riigikogu supported the authorisation and 44 were against.

In his speech, Ratas said that Estonia had been doing well after regaining its independence. “I have felt this, I have seen a constant development of my daily life, and I have witnessed our country becoming a European welfare society,” Ratas stated.

The candidate for Prime Minister said that many different values were represented in society, but they should not be in conflict with one other, and people should not be in conflict with one another either. Ratas said that it was necessary to rely on what united all people in Estonia, and not to emphasise differences.

Jüri Ratas said that three political parties – the Centre Party, the Estonian Conservative People’s Party and Isamaa – had formulated the major principles in the social and health care sector, education, development and research, foreign and security policy, internal security and the business environment. The issues concerning the cultural, environment and energy policies, the development of e-government, the governance and civil society sector, and transport and infrastructure had also been pointed out.

“We will continue to stand for a cohesive and strong country with a growing population, and we will support local life in Tallinn and Tartu, in Kärdla and Kanepi, as well as in Rakvere and on the island of Ruhnu. In doing so, we will pay more attention in particular to those who need help the most,” Ratas said.

The candidate for Prime Minister pointed out the main priorities of the coalition: “Together and with the support of the whole society, we wish to build a family-friendly Estonia where society is cohesive and the economy is successful and knowledge-based, that is governed effectively, and that is free and protected.”

“Estonia will continue steadily on its current foreign and security policy course, an important part of which is our membership in the European Union and NATO. In the foreign and security policy, we will proceed from the national interests of Estonia, national sovereignty and international law, observing international agreements and the principles of the UN,” Ratas said.

Jüri Ratas said that Estonia was a democratic state governed by the rule of law, where important values, human rights, the freedom of speech and personal freedoms were ensured. “We must respect all people who live in Estonia, and their views and opinions, and everyone must have an opportunity for self-realisation,” Ratas said.

After having delivered the speech, Jüri Ratas answered questions from members of the Riigikogu.

Images: the Riigikogu authorised the candidate for Prime Minister Jüri Ratas to form a Government (9x Riigikogu fotoarhiiv /Erik Peinar)
Source: Parliament of Estonia