In accordance with established practice, respect for a deceased head of government is expressed by flying flags at half-mast and declaring a day of mourning on the day of the funeral.
State honours at funerals are accorded to the heads of Estonia’s constitutional institutions, including the Speaker of the Riigikogu, the Prime Minister, the Governor of Eesti Pank and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, as well as the Chancellor of Justice and the Auditor General. The law separately provides for state funerals for presidents.
In the case of former prime ministers, the State Chancellery is responsible for organising the funeral. A funeral committee headed by the Secretary of State is established for this purpose, comprising representatives of the family as well as various government institutions. Taking the wishes of the deceased’s family into account, the committee determines the final details of the funeral, including the list of invited guests. The costs associated with the state honours are covered by the State Chancellery.
A book of condolences has also been opened at Stenbock House in memory of Siim Kallas. Condolences may be entered on working days between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. A message of condolence can also be left in the electronic book of condolences on the Government’s website: Book of Condolences in Memory of Siim Kallas | Government of the Republic of Estonia
Tomorrow, 25 August, at 10 a.m., the government will convene to discuss the state budget for the first time and will begin its session with a moment of silence in memory of Siim Kallas. The composition and responsibilities of the funeral committee will also be approved at the session.
