In his inaugural speech, President of the Republic Alar Karis stressed his intention as president to be a balancer above all, and if necessary, a mediator where needed. “Coming from the field of science, I will continue to tune my thoughts and mind to a knowledge-based key,” said President Karis. “This is not only my freedom, but my duty.”
According to President Karis, the genetic code of the Estonian state has been fixed in the preamble to the Constitution. “For the defence of internal and external peace” is an instruction, a task, and remembering it must be a daily duty for each and every one of us. All else comes later – even the preservation of the Estonian nation and culture through the ages. Internal peace is not the consolidation, disparagement, or trampling of differing beliefs. Rudeness and insults are reprehensible, and I will not refrain from reiterating it,” he stressed in his speech.
President Karis expressed hope to see more debates and discussions in the Riigikogu and Estonian society, the defence of people’s own standpoints and hearing out of others. “No topic is taboo,” said President Karis. The Head of State noted that one should be concerned when legislators do not hear or listen to one another, when doors are slammed, when words turn to noise, when votes lack substance, and the natural framework of politics is thereby torn. “Words are imperative tools in my work as well,” said the Head of State. “As is the ability to patiently listen and attentively take note.” President Karis also noted that composers, actors, artists, and writers often demonstrate bold thinking that Estonia also needs when conducting state affairs.
The Head of State stressed the importance of an intelligent nation and ability to learn and the success story of the Estonian state reaching everyone in the country. “An intelligent nation does not let hope be lost. It does not toe the line. It observes and experiments, is confident and unafraid to make mistakes. An intelligent nation thinks in limitless perspective and does not fear encountering the unknown, be it the pandemic or global climate crisis. An intelligent nation empathises with its neighbour and has compassion. This also concerns our attitude towards those whose everyday well-being is strained,” President Karis stressed. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that none of our fellow citizens feel abandoned or unwanted.
When speaking about the health crisis and vaccination-related doubts, President Karis underlined his strong belief in science and medicine. “I have practiced science and have faith in it as well as in the science-based approach that surrounds us,” he said. If someone who has so far refused to get vaccinated and is unsure were to ask for my advice, then I’d naturally advise them to reconsider and allow themselves and their loved ones to receive the vaccine.” In the coming days, President Karis will meet the Estonian Research Council advising the government and members of the government in order to learn about the government’s recommendations and plans for the new peak of the crisis.
The Head of State also focused on the impact of climate change and the readiness to cope with it in his speech. “We’ve entered an irreversible era in which consideration for the climate and ecosystems is becoming a part of everything we do, from agriculture to education and urban planning,” the President said. “The clause in our Constitution that stipulates everyone has a duty to preserve the living and natural environment has grown greater than Estonia’s own forests, lakes, and soil. It is a matter of our entire planet’s survival,” he said.
When speaking about the Estonian e-state, the President expressed his concern that the potential of the digital state has not been fully realised. “Estonia is proud of the success of our IT companies, but it’s sometimes apparent that the e-state is akin to a quilt that, in crises, tends to tear at the seams between agencies, and sometimes even between the state and private sectors,” the President remarked. “Let’s be honest with ourselves: not everyone can currently say that their everyday relationship with the state is based in digital solutions.”
The Estonian foreign policy stance and course are firm according to President Karis. “We know what we need: a strong, unified Europe and ironclad trans-Atlantic cooperation,” said the Head of State. “Relations and channels of communication with all our closest and more distant neighbours are critical to Estonia,” he noted.
When focusing on security, President Karis noted in his inaugural speech that hybrid conflicts, aggression in cyberspace, and the intentional creation of societal rifts are the new battlegrounds and frontlines. “Therefore, alongside armaments, Estonia’s fate can be determined by its positive reputation in the world, our social cohesiveness, and trust between people and the state,” he stated. “In difficult situations, Estonia does not have to seek solutions all on its own – allies stand steadfast by our side. Close ties must be fostered with each of our allies; they are not formed or maintained automatically,” he said.
