A scuffle broke out in Tonismagi park as members of a nationalistic Estonian group attempted to lay flowers at the Bronze Soldier monument on Feb. 23. The group was attempting to stage a protest by laying a wreath of mourning to commemorate those who suffered under the Soviet army. Police said the group became involved in a brawl with another group of people laying flowers at the monument. Nobody was hurt in the incident, but police said they were considering laying misdemeanor charges against those involved in the scuffle. It is the first outbreak of violence surrounding the Bronze Soldier in several months.
For the first time,the average monthly gross wage crossed the 10,000 kroon mark. Recent figures from the Estonian Statistical Office show average wages reached 10,212 kroons (653 euros) in the final quarter of 2006. Average hourly gross wages and salaries in the fourth quarter reached 60.28 kroons. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2005, average monthly wages increased by 17.5 percent, and average hourly wages by 19.2 percent. The highest wages were paid in the financial intermediation sector, where the average monthly wage stood at 15,822 kroons. Public administration employees earned an average of 13,354 kroons, and real estate workers earned 11,856 kroons. Hotels and restaurants continue to post the lowest figures, with an average pay per employee of 6,521 kroons in the final quarter.
Estonia's Independence Day parade was cancelled due to a cold snap that delivered temperatures of -17 degree Celsius to Tallinn on Feb. 24. It was the first time since Estonia's 16 years of independence that the parade was cancelled. Many Estonians were surprised by the official decision, given that parades have previously been held in equally frosty conditions. Defense force commander Major General Ants Laaneots said he made the decision to cancel the parade in the interest of the troops, who would be unable to march in the cold conditions.
