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EESTI ELU reedel, 24. juulil 2020 — Friday, July 24, 2020
Estonia looking for a president Toomas Sildam, ERR, July 2020
parliament is unable to do this, the election will move to the Electoral College that is made up of MPs and representatives from all local government coun cils. Should the college fare no better, things will move back to the Riigikogu and the cycle begin anew. The coalition of the Center Party, Conservative People’s Party (EKRE) and Isamaa has discussed the presidential elec tion briefly. Because the parties are against giving the rather critical Kersti Kaljulaid a second term, their aim is to find a new president for Estonia. However, it is difficult to imagine the three rather dif ferent coalition partners agree ing on a common candidate. Even if they could, it is even more difficult to imagine the opposition Reform Party throw ing its weight behind their candidate, while the coalition’s candidate would need the op position’s support to be elected in the parliament. Therefore, should the coalition foster ambitions of being the king maker here, they would need to take the election to the Elec
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toral College that traditionally convenes in the Estonia Concert Hall. Following the administra tive reform and local govern ment mergers, local council electors make up just half of the college, with the Riigikogu accounting for the other half. This has definitely increased the coalition’s chances of putting their candidate through the gauntlet successfully. However, that would make them the government’s presi dent. And that does not sound good. It would eat away at the new president’s social capital and popular credit right from the beginning. The best fit for Estonia would be a president whose support would go beyond just the coali tion or just the opposition. This would require at least one part of the coalition to work with their political opponents. For example, if Center, Reform and either Isamaa or the Social Democratic Party could strike an accord, the president could be elected in the Riigikogu that is the idea of the parliamentary constitution of Estonia. A beautiful thought but one hard to put into practice. Very hard.
Having a “president of the government” sounds bad and would belittle the role of the head of state, while a more broad-based electoral process would require cooperation between the coalition and the opposition, which would be a feat of super human propor tions, journalist Toomas Sildam writes. A year from now in August, Estonia will be electing a new president. Right now, heads of Põhjala Brewery Tap Room. Photo: Renee Altrov, used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license parties are saying that they have not thought that far ahead. These words should not be taken too seriously. As while we can always debate the in at high latitudes, in colder tem Vincent Teetsov fluence and role of the presi peratures, and even in poor Canadians are no strangers to quality acidic soil, so it became dent in a parliamentary country, craft breweries, sophisticated a practical crop for Estonians, they are still the head of state. ingredients, and beer with to make not only bread but The president often determines Estonia’s appearance abroad complex flavour profiles. A beer. and should act as the country’s trip to the LCBO, Beer Store, Rye has become a more conscience during domestically or any of Canada’s provincial popular feature on the “grain sensitive times. liquor store variations will demonstrate this. Do you bill” of IPAs, lagers, and other According to the law, the want something earthy with a beers these days. Whereas president is elected by the crisp palate finish to go with a American rye whiskey must Riigikogu, with support from at steak or burger? Have a have at least 51% rye content to least 68 MPs required. If the Czech-style Pilsner. Do you qualify, a rye beer can fluctuate want a bitter and spicy sip significantly in the amount of ping beer? An Indian Pale Ale rye it contains, resulting in will do the trick. Rich, fortify varied flavours from one brewer ing goodness for the winter? to another. A smaller percentage can add spice and positively Try a malty Belgian ale. augment other flavours like cit For those readers with ad rus, while higher percentages The new musical ‘Singing ago, we had no idea that the values this opportunity to help venturous palettes who want to will make for a beer that’s fuller Revolution’ has been pledged power of peaceful resistance introduce Estonia’s important try something new, I would overall, with a characteristic a large sponsorship from the and social justice would be at message to the American pub suggest an Estonian-style rye “bready” aroma. Estonian American National the forefront of our current cli lic, and is excited about the beer. So what’s a good example of Council (EANC) toward the mate here in the United States. creative take on our history Rye, of course, is a grain that an Estonian beer where rye Los Angeles World Premiere. We are thrilled to have the brought to the stage in ‘Singing makes for an ever so slightly plays a significant role in the The musical, written by support of EANC as we bring Revolution: The Musical.’” sour, durable, mature-flavoured final taste? James Bearhart and Tony awareness of this historical re Rink-Abel added, “The indomi loaf of bread. Must leib is fer Spinosa, has been fundraising volution to American audienc table spirit and fierce determi Though difficult to import, mented rye bread. I’m sure for the production since es,” said Spinosa. Bearhart add nation shown by the Estonian one Estonian rye beer you many readers have encountered March with the intention of ed, “Years after we started people in their quest to regain might want to try if you are in or heard of people bringing revealing it to Los Angeles working together to create this national independence and free Estonia is Põhjala Brewery’s bags of black bread back to audiences in the Spring of musical, Estonia’s history con dom from oppression is a story Rye River. There’s a sweet Canada in their suitcases. It’s 2021. tinues to be an inspiring lesson that never gets old – and one malty flavour, a peppery edge, good with jam, butter, cheese, for our ever-changing present.” that a democratic people must and a refreshing carbonation deli meats, fish; or sliced and Singing Revolution is a The Republic of Estonia re never forget. Every voice needs that’s true to the properties of made crispy in the oven. As in contemporary musical with a gained its independence in to be heard in the song of this grain. I would recommend Don McLean’s “American Pie”, Europop score. It’s the story of 1991. freedom.” pairing a rye beer with rye is a variety of whiskey, too. Taavi Tamm, the leader of a re The Estonian American well-seasoned, barbecued pork sistance movement, who falls in Selections from ‘Singing But rye beer is less explored National Council supports love with the daughter of his Revolution: The Musical’ have terrain in terms of refreshing or chicken. Another beer from this brew enemy. Inspired by the real his Estonian cultural activities and been presented at the John F. beverages. organizations in the United Barley, oats, and wheat were ery that contains rye but aligns tory of the Estonian revolution States. They work to create Kennedy Center for the actually the first grains to enter with their more experimental against the Soviet Union, our awareness of and support for Performing Arts, the Estonian the diet of Estonian people, approach to brewing is Sajand, hero leads his fellow country Estonia among all Americans Centennial Gala in NYC, and at with rye appearing later, around which was created in comme men to freedom through the and to voice the Estonian the 2019 Awards Gala hosted by EANC in Washington D.C. 500 CE, in the Pre-Viking Age. moration of 100 years since power of song. American community’s support Estonia first gained indepen Beer consumption then started “The messages of ‘Singing for a secure and thriving Details on the Los Angeles in Estonia in the early Medieval dence. Põhjala Brewery was Revolution: The Musical’ are Republic of Estonia. As stated production will be coming period, especially beer with started by four friends in more resonant today than ever by EANC president Marju soon. For more information, go lower alcohol content, because Tallinn in 2011 and began before. When James and I started Rink-Abel, “The Estonian to www.singingrevolutionthemu it was a safe alternative when it operating out of a new facility to write this musical five years Amer ican National Council sical.com was questionable whether water in the neighbourhood of Nõmme was potable or not. Beer brew in 2014. For a refreshing low alcohol ing was a DIY operation, made content variation, try kali, at home and also by monks. which is like a “bread soda” Rye is a grain that grows well made of partially fermented rye bread. In Canada, your best I am interested in purchasing chance of finding it is to look Estonian art that was created for kvass in the international prior to WW II. Artists of interest foods section of a grocery store. include: Ants Laikmaa, Eerik If you’re looking for a Haa mer, Konrad Mägi, Oskar Canadian rye beer, try Campfire Kallis and Eduard Wiiralt. Rye Ale by Boshkung Brewing If you wish to discuss a possible Co. (located in Algonquin sale, please write to me at Highlands, Ontario). laurihillar@gmail.com or Hillar Wherever you may be enjoy Lauri, 9 Baker Ave., Toronto, ON ing that rye beer – terviseks/ Singing Revolution: The Musical with Märt Agu Dancers at the EANC & JBANC Awards Gala 2019. M4V 2A9. cheers! Photo by UV Photography
On The Market: Estonian Rye Beer
EANC sponsors the World Premiere of Singing Revolution: The Musical Premiering in Spring 2021
