Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) apologized to the employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He wrote them a letter. He said that President Alar Karis brought diplomats into politics.
Tsahkna wrote: "I am from Armenia. Estonian diplomats are now in politics. This is the first time, in my opinion. I am ashamed. I apologize to you."
He added: "Estonian diplomats have worked well. They defend Estonia's freedom. You do this every day. We have a plan to protect freedom."
Tsahkna also said: "I am grateful to you and your families. Let's not let politics interfere with our work. We need to work together. We need to resist and be strong."
President Alar Karis spoke to the newspaper on Thursday. He said that Estonia's foreign policy focuses too much on the present. He thought that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not have enough strength for the future.
Karis's words caused a lot of discussion. For example, Marko Mihkelson (RE) said that Karis offended diplomats. Other politicians, such as Raimond Kaljulaid (SDE) and Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa), were calmer. They said that this is important feedback for the ministry.