Moscow Patriarchate divides Estonia with president and parliament in dispute
President of Estonia Alar Karis (Photo: Getty Images)
Estonian President Alar Karis has twice refused to sign a law aimed at limiting the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate in the country. He believes the document still contradicts the Constitution and restricts freedom of religion, according to Postimees.
On Thursday, July 3, the Estonian parliament published a statement that President Karis had once again refused to promulgate the law amending the Law on Churches and Congregations, which had been approved by the parliament.
The law concerns the termination of ties between the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Moscow Patriarchate itself.
Alar Karis emphasized that while every country indeed has the right to counter foreign influence, it is necessary to more clearly define which specific ties could pose a threat.
“Although the parliament made some amendments to the law’s text, they were insufficient. The law still contradicts three articles of the Estonian Constitution - Articles 40, 48, and 11 - and disproportionately restricts freedom of association and religion,” Karis stated.
Estonia recently summoned a Russian diplomat over a violation of the country’s airspace by a Russian military aircraft.
Additionally, Estonia has grievances with the Kremlin regarding Russia’s fulfillment of financial obligations related to pension payments for Estonian citizens entitled to pensions from Russia. According to diplomats, Russia has so far paid only about two-thirds of the required sums.
