Estonian President Inspires a Vision of the Future with a Historically Charged Message
On August 20th, 2023, the President of Estonia Alar Karis recognized the Day of Restoration of Independence with a speech to supporters and distinguished guests.
Estonian President Alar Karis’s recent remarks on the Day of Restoration of Independence were nothing short of inspiring and reflective of the nation’s unwavering commitment to freedom, democracy, and self-determination. As Estonia celebrated its 32nd year of regained independence, President Karis delivered a speech that resonated with both historical significance and a vision for the future.
The speech resonated with the essence of freedom and motivation. President Karis dug deep to pull for historic stories and references for triumphs previously won.
“During the Singing Revolution, Estonians stood up and declared: We wish to be free again. We had the stubbornness, faith, and ability to turn the circumstances to our own advantage. We were wise and we were fortunate.”
Much of the speech gleamed of an American president during a State of the Union. With images of liberty, freedom as a right, and the importance of the rule of law. Combined with that he spoke of conquering challenges and future policy changes together as a republic. He continued to encourage everyone to work together to find solutions and to reach out to his office with solutions and ideas for the most pressing issues of the time.
One of the most striking aspects of President Karis’s remarks was his deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Estonian people in their long struggle for independence. He eloquently reminded the nation of the countless individuals who endured oppression and hardship during the Soviet occupation, yet never lost hope. His tribute to the resilience of the Estonian people was a powerful testament to their enduring spirit.
“Looking into Estonia’s future, I would like to see an educated and wise populace, a competitive economy, innovative industry, first-rate research, vibrant rural life, rapid connections, and digital solutions — not just the glorification of speed and efficiency, but self-sacrifice in the name of something greater, respect for nature, trust for one another, and an understanding of the world.”
One particularly noteworthy aspect of the president’s speech was his forward-looking perspective. He outlined a vision for Estonia’s future that encompasses innovation, technological advancement, and sustainable development. President Karis’s recognition of Estonia as a digital leader and his commitment to furthering these advancements showcased his understanding of the country’s potential on the global stage.
At the conclusion of his remarks, he left everyone with motivational words for his people to stay engaged and to remember Estonia’s heritage. He cited that they need less noise, more discussion, and inner freedom — implying that the real freedom was found in the freedom of inner thought and discussion therein. The overall positive and strong message sends a signal to the international community that the president and Estonia are standing on their historic moments and vision for the future.
We shall watch the future developments of Estonia and President Karis with inspired eyes.
Read full speech: Alar Karis: The ability to politely agree to disagree is in decline | Opinion | ERR
