Ilves urges parliament to think straight

Yesterday, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves held a stinging speech as Riigikogu launched its autumn season, calling upon politicians to respond to the increased expectations by the people.

Opinion leaders are expected, by the president, to cease from fault-finding and to offer definite and clear-cut solutions. At the same time, Mr Ilves hinted that those running at the elections should stop throwing around impossible promises and stirring up strife.

«Riigikogu and government have the opportunity and obligation to respond to the increased expectations of the people. This is not easy, while some laud theoretical Marxism, others blindly believe in markets, and some resort to party bashing and argue for the need of an iron fist,» said the president, calling upon scientists and thinkers to come out with definite and well-worded proposals. «Explain how to achieve these. Only then, discussion can go forward.»

Prior to the opening session, Estonian Lawyers’ Association called upon the parliament to focus, at the upcoming season, on bringing order into the financing of political parties and monitoring thereof.

Riigikogu’s autumn sessions proceed to December 19^th.