Editorial: ministers on summer tour

Photo: Urmas Nemvalts

So we have two elected politicians on summer tour. In a way, not wrong for social protection and interior ministers Margus Tsahkna and Hanno Pevkur to travel the nation telling local leaders about all things refugee. Explaining practicalities, as the numbers now known seem insignificant.   

Information vacuum would serve to feed scepticism and prudent thus to help officials with ideas regarding the arrangements. Obviously, not all details will be immediately clear. To be solved as we go.

However, let’s remember the immigrants will be refugees of war, not to be treated primarily as added labour force. No doubt some will prove to be diligent, and some... otherwise. One will learn the language fast, another never. Some will soon make a living, others will join the ranks of the jobless. Just like our own.

As a warning, in yesterday’s Postimees the Israeli rabbi and political scientist Avraam Shmulevich said the refugees will include criminals and such as have fought in wars. True, but a hazard for relevant Estonian agencies to tackle.

Sure, questions may arise with the totally differing cultural background. Yesterday, Mr Tsahkna was having to tell a Harju County leader what to do with a refugee having multiple wives who would all follow him into Estonia. «With many wives, only one may be brought along,» said the minister. However, such issues will hardly be prevalent. Surely, the main problems will be around livelihood and language. And should some opt to not stay in Estonia after all, no big deal: there’s a wide open road out there.