President of the Republic received the founder of the Open Estonia Foundation, Hungarian philanthropist George Soros in Kadriorg Presidential Palace today.

The history of Estonia was discussed at the meeting and President Meri and Mr. Soros came to the conclusion that free market economy does not automatically mean an open society. The President said that the opinion that market economy replaces the state has become less common recently. ''Estonia has been doing well, but we should acknowledge what the state has to do, what the role of the government has to be,'' said the President.

The way how governments tend to replace officials was discussed at the meeting. ''This does not allow us to achieve a serious and stable state,'' said President Meri.

George Soros also emphasised that the independence of officials of political changes is one indication of the openness of a society.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 10, 2000

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