Some thoughts on the Bronze Soldier issue

It has happened. After a massive demonstration by many ethnic Russian and looting and pillaging by some ethnic Russian young people, the Bronze Soldier has been removed from Tõnismägi. The price has been one life lost, several dozen injured and lots of monetary damage.

The issue of the ethnic Russians not being really a part of the Estonia has been regarded as a ticking time bomb for a long time. Steps of integration have obviously not worked very well (but this is mostly due to Russian government’s activity, than Estonia’s inactivity). It seems to be that although the events last night were unfortunate and unbecoming of Estonian way of life, the issue was handled pretty well by the government and the police. The inevitability of such clashes might even be helpful in integrating the Russian minority (as most of them will understand that they do not have to be antogonistic and most Estonians do not really mind them being here).

I am following the events unfolding through internet/radio/TV, having conveniently retreated to the suburbs of Tallinn from my city centre flat. Hopefully yesterday’s events were one of a time occurrence and that public order will not be breached this night.