Traffic to be restricted in Tallinn on Saturday for Siim Kallas's funeral
Tallinn will see temporary traffic and parking restrictions on Saturday, August 29, as former Estonian Prime Minister Siim Kallas is laid to rest with a state funeral. Police are urging residents to plan routes ahead and expect delays.
Former Estonian Prime Minister Siim Kallas, who died a week ago, will be given a final farewell from the Estonia Theatre on Saturday, August 29. Because of the state funeral, Tallinn will have temporary changes to traffic organization and restrictions that day, and drivers are asked to watch for road signs and follow police instructions.
Urmet Tambre, head of the security bureau at the Northern Prefecture of the Police and Border Guard Board, has asked road users to allow extra time and patience on Saturday, since the state funeral will involve temporary traffic restrictions and possible stops in traffic flow.
Funeral procession route
On Saturday morning, shortly before 9:00, the funeral procession will set out from North Tallinn, head to Viimsi, and then cross the city toward the Estonia Theatre concert hall. Along the way, the procession will stop at places that held special significance for Kallas. Temporary parking restrictions will also apply in the city centre and Old Town.
Stopping and parking will be banned near the Estonia Theatre from 8:00 to 17:00, on the side of G. Otsa Street adjacent to the theatre from 9:00 to 16:00, and near the House of the Estonian Knighthood from 10:00 to 16:00. Public transport delays are also possible throughout the day because of the procession. Tambre asked people to follow on-site traffic instructions, plan their routes in advance, and be patient, adding that authorities will do their best to minimize disruption to city life and restore normal traffic as soon as possible. Visitors are asked not to bring large bags into the Estonia concert hall.
Day of mourning and ceremony
The Estonian government has declared Saturday, August 29, a national day of mourning for Kallas's farewell. Mourning flags will be raised that day on state and municipal buildings and public-law institutions, including the Tall Hermann Tower in Toompea. Flags will be raised at 8:00 and lowered at 21:00. Mourning flags will also be placed at the Cross of Liberty monument in Tallinn, the Tartu Observatory, and other public sites.
A public farewell for Siim Kallas will take place on August 29 at the Estonia concert hall in Tallinn, with doors opening to visitors at 11:00. A state memorial ceremony will begin at 13:00, featuring President Alar Karis, Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Bank of Estonia President Ülo Kaasik, former EU Commissioner Olli Rehn and Arne Mikk, with music provided by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.
Siim Kallas died on August 22 at the age of 77. He served as prime minister, foreign and finance minister, president of the Bank of Estonia, vice-president of the European Commission, and was repeatedly elected to the Riigikogu. Kallas led the 1992 monetary reform and was one of the founders of the Reform Party.
