In many rural areas, life has been at a standstill for so long and so many homes have been abandoned that, unsurprisingly, people have lost their optimism about the future, writes Kadri Inselberg.
How do you make an Estonian understand that they’re doing well, ERR opinion editor Kaupo Meiel asks with irony. I share the skepticism that state-level tax changes or one-off direct payments might make people feel more optimistic about the future. Temporary relief doesn’t boost confidence in what’s to come — what does is a stable job for yourself and your loved ones, a salary that at least keeps pace with inflation and a sense that there is development happening around you that you can be a part of.
As someone who works daily with communication and public sentiment, it seems increasingly clear to me that Estonia is currently facing a fairly deep-seated crisis of trust brought on by various overlapping crises.
According to a public opinion survey commissioned by the Government Office, two-thirds of respondents do not trust the Riigikogu or the government. Trust in many other state institutions is significantly higher; the main problem lies with political bodies. Still, this is a clear sign of public dissatisfaction.
If a person doesn’t trust their country’s leaders, why should they look to the future with optimism? If the ship’s captain or the pilot doesn’t inspire confidence, how can you trust that the journey will go well? Along with this comes general public skepticism toward national development plans, even though these are drawn up by subject-matter experts and researchers, because there is no trust that they’ll actually be implemented or that the content itself is competent. The argument that “this is a national plan based on the best available knowledge” simply doesn’t carry weight in Estonia.
Author: Kadri Inselberg, head of communications for Utilitas, communication strategist
Read more: ERR.EE
