The Russian population in Tallinn, recent evolutions and the building of the bicultural city

Abstract

The Russian populations of Estonia live mostly in north-eastern Estonia and the capital Tallinn. As the Russian-speakers represent 43 % of the city inhabitants, the situation is particular in Estonia: contacts between Estonians and Russians may be easier than elsewhere in the country. The statistical data show a concentration of those populations in several districts including the district of Lasnamäe, built during the Soviet period. However, new trends reveal that the proportion of Russians increases in recent years in districts which had been mainly Estonian. The decision of Russian families to live in individual houses, like in the district of Pirita implies that inter-ethnic contacts could be better. However, the example of the location of schools in Tallinn reveals that even if the families move to other places, the relations may remain the same between Estonians and Russians. However, the analysis of the recent local and national elections that the Russian populations are well integrated regarding political issues. The elections in October 2009 reinforced the relations between the Russian populations and the Center Party, led by Mayor of Tallinn Edgar Savisaar and the absence of Russian parties in Estonia. Finally, the integration in the Estonian political life is real since the Estonian parties struggled to gather votes from the Russian populations of Tallinn, which essential to claim victory.