Narva coalition pledges music school and youth-focused policies

Narva’s new governing coalition has pledged to build a music school, boost tourism and improve crisis preparedness, ERR reported. The Centre Party and Plaan B intend to govern the city until the next local elections.

Some of the coalition’s promises overlap with those of the previous administration, as building new schools and kindergartens is a lengthy process that extends beyond a single city government’s term.

The agreement places particular emphasis on attracting young people to Narva and encouraging them to stay. Mayor Jaan Toots of the Centre Party said the city should take young people to factories and organise school visits to show them the opportunities available in Narva.

The coalition also plans to build a music school in Narva’s historic Old Town quarter. Toots said the city has Estonia’s oldest functioning school founded during the tsarist era. The new building would be modern and accommodate 300 students.

Plaan B considers tourism development the most important part of the coalition agreement. The party says Narva will become a European Capital of Culture and Estonia’s tourism capital.

Narva City Council Chairman Urbo Vaarmann of Plaan B said the city had not managed to open itself sufficiently to other cities and countries, despite the work already carried out.

Plans to provide shelter for people waiting in the Narva border queue are also included in the tourism strategy. Vaarmann said tourists travelling to Estonia should be welcomed as guests rather than spending long periods in the rain or sleeping on benches.

The coalition agreement also prioritises crisis preparedness. Narva is promised a volunteer rescue unit with special capabilities to help ensure the safety of the city’s extensive summer cottage district. The coalition also pledges round-the-clock dental and pharmacy services.