Estonian parliament rejects Russian integration bill

TALLINN - An opposition-sponsored bill intended to promote integration into Estonian society of those whose first language is Russian was defeated in Parliament on Sept. 21.

"The aim of the bill was to make the government specify in more detail the concept of integration, what it really means, and to organize a proper dialogue between Estonians and non-Estonians," said Levy Sher, MP in the Estonian United People's Party.

The bill would have aligned Estonian law with European Union norms, and included a special chapter defending both national culture and linguistic minorities in educational and cultural spheres.

Sher argued that currently the government's concept of integration divides society into two groups: those who are already integrated and those who are integrating. "But integration must be viewed as a singular, unified process for the population as a whole. The government's program has not stimulated integration, but rather opposition between two ethno-linguistic groups," said Sher.

According to the bill's supporter, Estonian United People's Party's chairman Viktor Andreyev, the government's approach to integration has so far been akin to that of an older brother speaking to a younger brother. "Estonians themselves experienced this under the Soviets when the situation was the other way around," Sher commented.

Population Minister Katrin Saks said the type of law proposed by the MPs would not promote integration. It could only be useful in addressing specific problems that present legislation has failed to rectify.

"I disagree with those who argue that society can be integrated with a single legislative amendment giving citizenship to anyone who wishes without conditions," Saks told BNS.

Mihkel Liilo, an advisor to the Ministry for Ethnic Affairs said there was no place for the bill. People's attitudes as a whole shape the integration process, he said.

"Laws can't be used to force society to integrate," he said.

Government spokesman Priit Poiklik said that in next year's budget 4 million kroons ($217,400) have been allocated to integration programs.

"Clearly this sum is not enough. This topic should be discussed in Parliament," he said.