President Alar Karis said there must be balance in foreign policy. He stated that every country is different and that one must be careful when conveying messages.
Karis recalled his first Song Festival experience. He does not remember the stage, but rather Tartu, where he lived. He watched as the Song Festival passed by his house. Karis later sang in the Academic Emajõgi.
According to Karis, the Song Festival is very important for Estonians. In the 1990s, it was thought that the Song Festival might disappear. Now, however, there are so many participants that not everyone can fit on the stage.
The President also spoke about societal division. He said that people feel excluded from society. This is particularly evident among Russian-speaking people.
Karis believed that politicians should listen more to the people. He said that people are worried about their future. Average indicators do not show the situation of all people.
The President asked if politicians understand the concerns of the people. Statistics show that people feel distant from society. This is particularly strong among Russian-speaking people.
Karis also spoke about his wife, Sirje. They have been married for almost 50 years. He said that the key to a long marriage is going through tough times together. It is also good to be apart from time to time.
Finally, the President spoke about the significance of the Song Festival. He said that the Song Festival does not have to be just a big event. The Song Festival should be in our hearts every day.