The President of the Republic had also a meeting with Minister of Regional Affairs Jaan Õunapuu, at which diverse problems of local governments, including budgetary issues and their capability to administer funds from the European Union, were under discussion. The interlocutors agreed that, after Estonia's accession to the European Union, both the local governments and county governments with respect to several issues would find themselves in a new situation.
The problems associated with mergers of local governments were addressed separately. President Rüütel emphasized that people should not suffer from mergers taking place at community level, and that the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and the European Charter of Local Self-Government should definitely be taken into account in this process. "Since local governments are in direct close contact with people, the merger decisions must not be made too hurriedly but, first of all, considering the interests of the local residents concerned," the President of the Republic said.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, April 13, 2004
