In Estonia, Culture Minister Anneli Ott has announced her resignation from office. The Centre Party minister has been criticised for not vaccinating against Covid-19 at a time, when indoor cultural events are closed to people only able to present negative results of a Covid-19 test, ERR broadcaster reports.
On Tuesday, November 2, the politician unveiled the decision at a media link from the Centre Party office in Tallinn.
The minister has been in office in the Kaja Kallas government since January 26, 2021. She expressed gratitude to members both of the culture sector and her party for the opportunity to contribute to Estonian culture as a minister and pointed out that in the light of several recent decisions, she could not continue in office.
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«My stance as the Minister of Culture on how to financially support a sector where restrictions have been imposed that prevent them from earning income is not in line with the government’s decisions. (..) Unfortunately, a situation has developed today where my vision for supporting the sector today has not coincided up until now with the approach of the government’s leading party, despite the fact that I have raised this issue repeatedly,» Ott reasoned.
Heavily criticised by cultural workers for not vaccinating against Covid-19, the politician denied being an anti-vaxxer, adding that she has started a vaccination course. Ott also denied claims that she does not appreciate the protection against Covid-19 given by vaccines and the chance of overcoming the crisis by vaccinating, ERR wrote.
Estonian Culture Minister steps down over lack of support during restrictions
