08/06/2007 12:50:30 pm
A World of Difference. I realised that the difference between Tallinn in 1993 and 2007 would be substantial. My expectations were exceeded. In 1993, the place was so depressing - houses falling apart, no restaurants, dirty streets, disillusioned people. Now, houses are shining, new buildings everywhere, lots of fine restaurants, people look great. Amazing.

Estonia had a number of radical free-market reforms. But I wonder if even Mart Laar could expect all this. I looked into the figures too. Average incomes have increased by 120 per cent during the past ten years. Incomes for the poorest 10 per cent have risen by 150 per cent. Many environmental indicators are better and happiness, according to surveys, is up.

Indeed something to get inspired by. And for politicians: The most reformist party, Reform, got re-elected!