Analytics, Economics, Estonia

Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

“We are still today descending to the bottom of the valley of economic decline. How long is the valley and how far is the rise – I do not know. None of us do,” said the President.

However, the head of State emphasised that no better future will be created by sitting idly and finding those to blame. “The year 2009 is also the year of innovation: a year for new ideas, creative thinking and for acting differently. Only we can decide, how we will go forward,” he noted.

Ilves said that Estonians know that the country will start growing again, if it will stay firm and will not doubt the most important things: its independence and the skills of Estonians.

“As the head of State and as a citizen, I have three wishes for every single one of us,” said the President. “Firstly, economic difficulties should not undermine our common belief into the foundations of the Republic of Estonia – democracy, supremacy of laws and freedom,” he said, emphasising that if this faith should waver, that will also pose a threat for Estonia’s independence.

“Secondly, I wish with all of you that the Government felt this new year its responsibility to act as a decisive team that will, if necessary, sacrifice its partisan interests in the name of Estonia’s future,” added Ilves.

“And thirdly, look around you – and see your family, your mates, friends, all those with whom you are right now. And assure to each other with me: we will manage, we will deal with the situation. Just as we always have,” concluded the President.