William Molinié (in Tallinn), edited by Laura Laplaud
12:12 p.m., December 06, 2022
In Estonia, the inflation rate is close to 25%, the highest in the European Union. But faced with the Russian threat, the country does not hesitate and doubles the budget of its army this year. The Estonians accept this sacrifice, because they are convinced that after Ukraine, it will be their turn. Europe 1 went to Tallinn.
The war in Ukraine is increasingly worrying Russia’s neighbours, starting with little Estonia. The small state, which shares its common borders with the large Russian neighbor, is convinced to be Moscow’s next target. It rearmed in an emergency and doubled its defense budget. Forget inflation at 25% – the highest in the European Union – overpriced electricity and rampant poverty, the fear of an invasion dilutes the difficulties of everyday life.
“We always said that there was a danger right next door”
No strike or demonstration against these budgetary orientations. The country is united, which did not surprise Getter, a young Estonian engaged in the army… “We have had this country next to us for years, we were under the Occupation, we know what it is, we have always said that there was a danger right next to us, we are not really surprised at what is happening”, she explains at the microphone of Europe 1.
The whole society is crossed by the threat of the Russian neighbor. In the countryside, this district commander prepares civilians at low noise. “The civilians help us. They give us food, [ils nous donnent] medication. And if we were in trouble, they could hide us in their house, they are there for us and support us,” he said.
Estonia “knows it owes its survival to NATO”
With only 6,000 soldiers, Estonia “knows that it owes its survival to NATO”, deciphers a diplomatic source. But the voice of France between firmness and dialogue with Vladimir Putin is struggling to be understood. This is why, according to our information, a high-level French visit is under discussion. To bring a political message of support to Estonians in the coming weeks.
Source: Europe1
I have been working as a journalist for over 10 years. In that time, I have covered the news from all corners of the world, and written about everything from politics to business.I’m now a full-time author, and my work can be found at Global happenings. My aim is to bring you up-to-date news and views on global affairs, in a format that is easy to read and understand.
