Katri Raik: this trial would be absolutely meaningless

Mayor Katri Raik of Narva expressed satisfaction with the Narva City Council’s decision to reject a case against the state regarding monuments. Raik, who was unable to attend the council meeting due to illness, stated her approval following the session. “The court would have sown discord between Narva and the rest of Estonia,” she said.

“It would have been a clear confrontation – Narva and the rest of Estonia.”

Raik voiced hope that the focus could shift to addressing practical concerns within the city. She acknowledged lingering emotions and confusion among Narva residents, emphasizing the need for clear explanations. Raik previously stated that she would resign if the City Council assigned such a task, a position she affirmed following the meeting’s outcome.

“Mainly because this dispute would be completely pointless from the perspective of the future of Narva,” she explained. Addressing concerns surrounding the history of the tank and its significance to the population, Raik emphasized the need to move forward. “We will never achieve a country where we like all the decisions, some of which are difficult to accept,” she stated.

“Someone would not like this Narva tank, someone would like the second pension step reform. And we are not leaving our country because of this.”

Regarding opposition activities, Raik indicated that further legal challenges would be unproductive, given the Estonian Republic’s legal processes. She highlighted the 30-day appeal period and the limitations regarding appeals from individuals concerning city property.

The dispute, she clarified, centers on the state’s authority to take city property valued at under 500 euros for temporary storage. “This dispute would not concern the relationship to World War II, memory or the Narva tank monument,” Raik stated. Raik noted a gradual easing of tensions within Narva, observing increased positive interactions among residents.

“18 August, nobody was smiling in Narva. I was the only one who smiled to everyone,” she commented. The city council did not conduct a recent survey of residents.

Topics: #katri #raik #narva