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Ansip: First and foremost, Estonia can be proud of its people
25.02.2008
Tartu, 22 February 2008 – Today, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip held a speech dedicated to the 90th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia at the Vanemuise Theatre and Concert Hall, in which he stressed that the Estonian people owe their persistence to their belief in the future, thirst for knowledge and fighter’s spirit. “If our state could speak, it would say on the eve of its anniversary – thank you all! You have built your country with love and cared for it with your hearts. This is why our state has been so successful,” said Andrus Ansip, symbolically turning to all people in Estonia.
According to the Prime Minister, the Estonian idea and vision of a better future must lie in the heart of Estonian politics. He pointed out that in addition to a geographical notion, Estonia is so much more: “Estonia is an idea. The idea of freedom and independent existence”. He added that the Estonian idea also covers the notion of a home for all peoples of Estonia and the Estonia that is the best place to live.
As a significant characteristic of the people, Andrus Ansip pointed out freedom. “I do not call the Estonian people a free nation only because our state is independent. For me, a free nation denotes a way of thinking and the deep inner nature of Estonians. It characterises each individual and the entire state”. The Prime Minister stated that freedom means a wish, skill and courage to make decisions and to shape our future ourselves. “For some, it is the Estonian trait of stubbornness, for other it is pride, which is also so very characteristic of us. For me, it is the key to our success”.
The Prime Minister stressed that there is only one key to coping in the new world – knowledge. This means education, constant learning, self-improvement, readiness to learn something new, and most of all – knowing what is going on in the world.
Of the obstacles threatening Estonian community life, Andrus Ansip pointed out complacency, superficiality and irresponsibility.
The speech can be read at:
http://www.valitsus.ee/brf/index.php?id=293226
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