Hanah Lahe can’t remember the fall of the iron curtain. Estonia’s youngest MP grew up surfing the web and consuming American television. Just nine years before her birth, it was all so different. When borders reopened after the end of Soviet rule in 1991, Estonians rushed to stare at bananas, enthralled by the arrival of this new, exotic fruit.

According to Lahe, a 24-year-old, her grandmother told her that some people would stand in line not just to purchase items, but simply to observe them. Additionally, those who did purchase these items often did not even consume them due to their significance. Lahe also mentioned that when plastic bags from other countries with well-known brands would appear, they were frequently utilized.

Following fifty years of being occupied by the Soviet Union, freedom was not guaranteed in the immediate future. During the chaotic years of the early 1990s, there were reports of criminal groups wandering around Tallinn. The city had limited foreign visitors. Finnish tourists, who were permitted to cross the Soviet Union’s maritime border, remember seeing rundown homes and impoverished children roaming the streets of Tallinn.

Lahe remarks that the current changes are quite significant based on the previous context.

It has been nearly a year since Lahe, representing the liberal Reform party of the prime minister, Kaja Kallas, was elected an MP, and in that time she has emerged as one of the Baltic country’s most outspoken, energetic and interesting politicians.

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Within a few months of being elected at the young age of 23, she achieved her initial major success by leading the effort to pass a law allowing same-sex marriage. This resulted in Estonia becoming the first former Soviet country to legalize same-sex marriage, a groundbreaking law that went into effect in January 2024.

I have vivid memories of that day – the emotions, the cheers. It was a momentous occasion. It placed Estonia in the esteemed ranks of European countries, Western nations, and other democratic nations that have enjoyed this privilege for many years.

Lahe is currently defying traditional norms. The issue of the climate crisis is not often discussed in Estonia, mostly due to a well-established preference for cars that clashes with Tallinn’s highly praised free public transportation for locals. Cars continue to be seen as a representation of wealth and Estonia has the second-highest percentage of cars over 20 years old in the EU.

Lahe, a previous delegate representing youth at the 27th Conference of Parties in Egypt, and the founder of a support group for circular economies in Estonia’s parliament, maintains her role as an activist by challenging common beliefs and individuals with “big egos”. She chooses not to possess a car and instead utilizes public transportation or walks.

According to her, as a politician it is inconsistent to publicly support the environment and climate policies while not making any efforts in one’s personal life to address the crisis.

According to the MP, the Estonian business sector, which is home to many startups and tech unicorns, is more prepared to address climate concerns than those in power. She finds it odd that the private sector is ahead of the government in this aspect.

The task at hand for Lahe and other individuals in Estonia who share a similar mindset is significant, as their Baltic nation strives to make tangible advancements in addressing climate change. Compared to other EU member states, Estonia stands apart as it lacks any legislation related to climate change. However, the current government – consisting of a coalition between the Reform Party, a newly-formed liberal party Estonia 200, and the Social Democrats – is working on a climate bill that could potentially be passed later this year. Despite resistance from the public, a new car tax is scheduled to take effect in 2025 with the potential to generate an additional €120 million annually.

“Although she lacks experience, Lahe recognizes the significance of effective communication. Similar to Kallas, she is knowledgeable about social media. However, while the prime minister shares behind-the-scenes content of her daily obligations on Instagram, Lahe takes it a step further by utilizing social media to generate support for protests.”

She established a makeshift garden outside the parliament building in Estonia during June to demonstrate against the abundance of empty parking lots causing heat islands. Her impromptu display gained widespread attention and even drew a visit from the prime minister, attracting the interest of strong climate critics as well.

“I stepped away from the parliament for approximately an hour or two. When I returned, I noticed a member of the opposition party Isamaa giving an interview in the park, which was quite exciting as this park was being utilized by people. It is a much-needed location,” she comments.

One of the major concerns for Lahe, as well as all politicians in the Baltics, is Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.

Lahe believes that my generation bears a deep emotional connection to Ukraine, primarily due to the impact of Russian invasion on our heritage rather than personal experience of war. For Estonians, the well-being of Ukraine is a significant concern. Lahe emphasizes that a triumphant Ukraine is crucial for the stability of Europe, and there are no other viable alternatives.

In her own country, Lahe faces upcoming challenges as a young politician. She believes she must demonstrate that she is more than just a typical politician, especially since she deviates from many traditional cultural practices. In a recent Instagram post, she wore a stylish outfit made entirely of clothing from nearby recycling centers, with the most costly piece costing €30 (£25).

Radical voices at the top of Estonian politics remain a rarity. That, she says, has raised the pressure.

“I am constantly striving to do something revolutionary and there is a lot of expectation placed on me by others. However, some older individuals may also put pressure on younger generations, believing that they will be the ones to ultimately resolve the climate crisis, while feeling too set in their ways to make changes in their own lives,” she explains.

“It is not necessary to say, but we should not place blame. Instead, we should strive to work together. Everyone, regardless of age, has the ability to contribute.”

Source: theguardian.com