MOVING THE CAPITAL TO TARTU

The government has already approved plans for the Ministry of Education to relocate to Tartu by July of 2001, and Laar told the daily Postimees that he now wants to open a debate about relocating the Ministry of Culture to the southern city, which is the country's second largest. Government spokesman Priit Poiklik stressed that Laar's aim was only to launch talks on the idea, and that no further plans are now in the works. Still, several officials have expressed satisfaction with the idea, citing an administration that is oftentimes considered too Tallinn-centric. Proposing to move government institutions to other parts of the country is seen as an important step in supporting Esto nia's regional development. Former Tartu University rector and current chairman of the Tartu City Council, Peeter Tulviste, said he considered the topic even being brought up to be the most significant factor right now, no matter the seriousness of the intent.