Jaanus Nurmoja: A more beautiful monument could stand where the Maarjamäe obelisk is

Civic activist Jaanus Nurmoja believes that politicians and activists calling for the removal of the Maarjamäe obelisk are missing the real issue-the Russian imperial symbol built on Toompea. According to Nurmoja, neither so-called Soviet nostalgics nor "Russophiles" have come to the obelisk's defense. He argues that something even more dignified could be erected in its place.

Civic activist and representative of the NGO Citizen's Salary Round Table in Estonia, Jaanus Nurmoja, published an opinion piece today questioning the ongoing public debate over the Maarjamäe obelisk in Tallinn.

Nurmoja raises the question of why politicians and activists demand the removal of the obelisk linked to the Soviet era, while remaining silent about the main symbol of Russian imperial power located on Toompea. He views this as a politically convenient choice-in doing so, it is safe to stand out without risking serious opposition.

Soviet nostalgics did not materialize

Nurmoja notes that despite the Center Party's years-long attempts to turn the Soviet-era complex into a new gathering place for Soviet nostalgics and pro-Russian sympathizers, this has not succeeded. According to him, neither organized groups nor individual supporters have come to defend the obelisk-it simply no longer interests them.

Replacement, not merely demolition

The activist does not limit himself to criticism but also offers a constructive solution: the Maarjamäe obelisk should be replaced with an even more beautiful and dignified memorial. He also puts forward a vision of a nighttime candlelit obelisk that would carry a completely different message.

Nurmoja's position is that the obelisk is not directly a Russian or Soviet monument in the classical sense, but this does not mean it should necessarily remain-on the contrary, replacing it would offer an opportunity to create something truly worthy.