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President Ilves at the anniversary of the Restoration of Independence: the key to Estonia’s success has always been the ability to start over

20.08.2013

"The key to Estonia's success has always been the ability to start over. And in fast learning," told the President, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, at the reception held to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the Restoration of Independence in the Kadriorg Rose Garden of the Office of the President.

As an example, he spoke of the purchasing of farms that started 150 years ago, the recreation of our state after the occupation and the opportunity of each person to opt for a new beginning in life, whose education or company has failed him or her as a consequence of the credit crunch.

"If a country can start all over again and return, what can prevent any of us from doing the same?" President Ilves asked.

According to the Head of State, the small nation of Estonia is, in fact, a community, although the stories of people belonging to the community are very difficult, due solely to the fact that different generations of Estonian people have been born in very many different worlds in the vortexes of history. Today, regardless of our different personal backgrounds and fates, we are connected by the state, a state based on the rule of law, Estonian language and culture.

We can also start a social discussion about today's problems again, President Ilves emphasised. He invited the cultural community, invited to Kadriorg, to contribute to the restoration of civilised discussion culture: "Freedom also offers us the opportunity to express our justified problems in a sensible way. Above all, we need the help of you, the cultural community, to avoid this skill from perishing."

"Who else, apart from the artists of conveying messages, should understand that a word is a deed. Word has power and influence," the Head of State said.

He recalled that so-called "boredom with the state" was mentioned in Estonia as far back as the 1930s, and at the end of the first decade of our regained independence. However, such a feeling is dangerous and also deceptive, as we can always – even today – create something new.

"Let us continue what we can do the best. Let's continue to create the new; we have no reason to feel stagnated or tired," President Ilves assured.

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