Surprise guest in protest action: First Lady’s hand ignored

Photo: TV3 / ERR

Meelis Kaldalu, most scandalous of guests at presidential reception, shocked the hosts and TV viewers by ignoring the hand of Evelin Ilves, stretched for greeting. The presidential couple, visibly shaken by what transpired, exchanged puzzled glances.

Not being personally invited, Meelis Kaldalu came as escort to an artist who failed to show up. For the festive event, Mr Kaldalu wore a protest-shirt with symbols of Siim Kallas, European Commission vice president, and Reform Party.

«Concerning Evelin’s visit to Cambodia… in my semiotics’ studies, it was a knowing confrontation with Marie Antoinette. Meaning, if people have no bread, why don’t they eat cake,» said Meelis.

Meelis, studying for doctorate in semiotics, is namely very disturbed that, as a historic luxury loving French Queen, Evelin Ilves also fails to feel her nation’s misery.

Basically a gate crasher at the ball, Meelis admits to have enjoyed the food and conversing freely with invited guests. No security guard was attached to the protest-minded youth.

Meelis Kaldalu’s action came as an initiative of his own, and he alone stands responsible for it, says Märt Põder, board member of non profit organisation Pirate Party (Piraadipartei).

«On our behalf, we advise him to publicly apologise to Ms Evelin Ilves,» added Mr Põder.

Meelis’ grandmother, aged 92 and living in Tartu, finds that presidential reception is no place to demonstrate. Thus, she is unhappy with the grandchild’s behaviour.

«I’m so embarrassed. This wasn’t the [right] place…,» she shook her head.

Meelis Kaldalu is also known by a protest action, dating six years back, consisting in urinating against an ad pole. This video, expressing protest against security company Falck, is still up at Youtube – for those interested.

The protest-minded Mr Kaldalu also made it to the news beginning this year, posting a proposal via public forum rahvakogu.ee to legalise growing and consuming cannabis on the isle of Piirissaar: «This is the time of tolerance! Make Piirissaar testing polygon for legalizing cannabis,» he wrote as explanation.