Estonian PM: Culture minister's resignation only possible course of action

TALLINN - Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that the resignation of Anneli Ott as minister of culture was the only possible solution in the current situation, public broadcaster ERR reports.

"The resignation of the minister of culture in a situation where she felt that she is unable to sufficiently stand up for the area of culture is the only possible course of action. I wish all the best for Anneli Ott for the future," Kallas said.

As reasons for her resignation, Ott cited discord in the government coalition and the senior partner Reform Party not taking the wishes of the junior partner Center Party and the cultural sector into consideration.

"The government deems it important that the area of culture be represented as much as possible in its everyday work as well as on the government level. The government has not established any separate restrictions for culture. We have limited unvaccinated people's participation in entertainment in order to protect unvaccinated people and to reduce the burden on our hospitals," Kallas said.

"I attach great importance to the cultural sector functioning well and I'm always ready to listen to the sector's concerns," she added.