The written motion for a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Tiit Riisalo, submitted by 22 members of the Riigikogu.
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.
Date: 2024-06-03 19:01
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 142
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 45m
AI Summaries: 142/142 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The core of the current day's proceedings was the motion of no confidence against the Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Tiit Riisalo, which was followed by presentations from the rapporteur and the Minister himself speaking from the Riigikogu podium. The motion of no confidence was submitted on behalf of the Center Party and EKRE, and its initial presentation was given by Riigikogu member Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart. The debates covered a wide range of topics: accountability and transparency in economic policy, the interplay between the budget and tax policy, the implementation of investments and the government's expenditure policy, cooperation with the private sector and large enterprises, and the impact of e-state solutions and digital state development plans on the competitiveness of businesses. Alongside the rhetoric, questions were raised regarding data protection, declaration of interests, anti-corruption obligations, and potential conflicts of interest among state officials, including political implications. The day concluded with a vote on the motion of no confidence: the result announced was that no confidence was expressed, and Minister Riisalo continues in office.
Decisions Made 1
The Riigikogu failed to pass a vote of no confidence against Tiit Riisalo, the Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology. The government remains in office, and the no-confidence procedure did not lead to a change of position.
Most Active Speaker
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, member of the Riigikogu (speaking). Position: non-aligned (she is not explicitly marked separately as a representative of a left-wing or right-wing faction). She was the most active speaker throughout the day, drawing attention both during the initial motion of no confidence and later, regarding the specific issue on which she took the floor.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The first item on the agenda is the written demand submitted by 22 members of the Riigikogu to express a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Tiit Riisalo, and Riigikogu member Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart is asked to be the rapporteur.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
This motion of no confidence cites the slump in economic policy and accuses Minister Tiit Riisalo’s leadership of lacking transparency, incurring costly flight expenses, having conflicts of interest with Eesti 200 sponsors, and lobbying for Bolt. It further calls on the coalition to appoint a new minister capable of resolving the crises.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks [the previous speaker] and invites the Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Tiit Riisalo, to the Riigikogu rostrum next.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, Estonia is at a crossroads and must reform quickly in order to simplify business, increase investments and exports, develop the digital state and the green economy, and, together with entrepreneurs, implement the 2035 economic plan, which will ensure Estonia's continued competitiveness.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the Minister, notes that there are many questions, and invites Urmas Reinsalu to speak.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu criticizes the government's investment policy, noting that half a billion in foreign funds remained unused last year, and that by the end of the first quarter this year, only about 6% of the 1.755 billion euros has been utilized, thereby failing to channel the money into the economy. He is also requesting intellectual reflection and answers regarding the accusations outlined in the motion of no confidence.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo emphasized that Estonia must achieve a unified effort and inter-ministerial cooperation, proceeding on a partner-by-partner basis, and first implementing real investments into the energy-intensive economy by accelerating licensing procedures and learning from the experiences of Sweden and Finland before amending existing legislation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests the minister's answer and promises that they will proceed with the questions after the answer; Urmas Reinsalu clarifies that he also had a third question.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications is not responsible for the implementation of all European funds, and the Ministry of Finance has the best overview of the situation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requested that the minister answer immediately, and then they would proceed with Kert Kingo's question.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, the primary focus this year is the Just Transition Fund and supporting businesses in Ida-Virumaa. Although the speed and scheduling of utilizing the EU funds might raise some concerns, there is no need to worry—the resources will be deployed sensibly and will not go unused.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called upon Kert Kingo to ask a question, Urmas Reinsalu then took the floor, and after that, Kert Kingo was called upon again to ask a question.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo expresses thanks.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Unfortunately, the content of the speech is missing from the provided text—there is only a note saying, "Urmas Reinsalu continues speaking." Therefore, a one-sentence summary cannot be made.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo asks what steps the minister, as the head of the ministry, took concerning Sandra Särav’s violation of the anti-corruption law, considering she failed to disclose 360 Bolt stock options in her declaration.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo noted that this specific incident occurred before he took office. Sandra Särav was already working at the ministry beforehand and was reappointed during the reorganization. He added that while he is genuinely not very qualified to comment on the matter, she failed to declare the options, which he considers a human error, not a deliberate act.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech expresses thanks, and Rene Kokk is asked to take the floor.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk expresses strong distrust toward the minister, citing data leaks, conflicts of interest, issues related to the undersecretary topic, discussions concerning school funding, and the transfer of a 700 million investment from Estonia to Latvia, and asks whether everything is fine or if there are actual problems.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo noted that prototyping and pilot projects are necessary, and although the Ukrainian mRiik app project was terminated, it cost 358,514 euros, and most of the code will remain in Estonia's digital state basic infrastructure. Going forward, an adequate product will finally be developed, rather than one that resembles a copy of Ukraine's.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asks Varro Vooglaid to come forward and speak.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid pointed out that even though entrepreneurs are supposedly trusted, bureaucracy and the tax burden are increasing, the economic environment is unpredictable, and the threat of war is adding to the uncertainty. This situation is leading some businesses to deregister from Estonia, and he questioned which sectors in Estonia still offer optimal and promising business opportunities today.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, the Estonian economy has two core sectors—technology and manufacturing. The growth of technology entrepreneurship and the development of artificial intelligence, particularly large language models, in collaboration with Google and the Impact Research Group, could boost the economy by 6–8% over the next 5–10 years. Simultaneously, the state must prioritize investment efforts in the manufacturing sector to access new markets.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called upon Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He is asking the Minister of Economic Affairs and IT to provide an explanation as to why he constantly flies business class and spends more on flights than other ministers, noting that perhaps the media is wrong and this expenditure is actually critically necessary.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that foreign visits are organized at the request of entrepreneurs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and EAS. The goal is to travel in a coordinated manner—potentially once a week or to more distant locations in 2024, if necessary—in order to strengthen Estonian companies.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked whether the minister meant once a week or once a month; the minister replied that it was once a month, and Hussar clarified this for the transcript before calling Jaak Valge.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge claims that in recent years, immigration to Estonia from third countries has been several times higher compared to the other Baltic states and Finland. He refers to this influx as cheap labor and family members, while simultaneously stressing that Estonian productivity has dropped and we are facing an innovation crisis, which is why increasing immigration poses a threat to both the nation-state and the economy.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo confirmed that Estonia stands firm on the principle of the nation-state and will not broaden the 0.1% quota. Instead, to address the need for qualified labor, the government is offering a scheme. This scheme is based on forecasts detailed in OSKA reports, is primarily aimed at export-potential sectors within the manufacturing industry, and its implementation will be monitored. Furthermore, employer representatives deem this scheme reasonable.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helme is accusing Minister Mati of corruption, claiming that he is protecting Seib's interests. Helme alleges that Mati appointed Pille as deputy secretary-general during the reorganization—Pille, who, as a Seib lobbyist, had concealed Seib's stock options—and further notes that Seib has donated money to the coalition parties. Helme then asks whether Mati should be placed under investigation and resign.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stressed that the jurisdiction of Estonian law enforcement bodies is clear, and although the dispute with Bolt over platform work dragged on, a sensible legal framework must be established within the European Union. This framework should ensure the competitiveness of global companies operating in the European economy and prevent excessive regulation, in cooperation with France, Germany, and others.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riina Solman was called up to the stage during the address.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman asks whether increasing the immigration quota is truly the magic wand that can alleviate unemployment and stimulate the economy, pointing out that unemployment is the only growing economic indicator in Estonia. She emphasizes the costs that will be borne by the taxpayer—in the form of expenses for families, kindergartens, healthcare, and social benefits—and asks whether changing the quotas will genuinely solve the problem, concluding by asking what the initial feedback from the Minister of the Interior was.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar's speech simply says it is time.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that although others handle immigration issues, Estonia must solve the structural labor shortage and train the local workforce through employment programs and vocational education reform so that people can participate in the modern economy and not become a burden on the social system.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called on Andrei Korobeinik to speak.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrei Korobeinik stresses the need to reduce bureaucracy and implement the principle of avoiding repeated requests for data already held by the state. He questions why this hasn't been realized and why companies are now required to submit data to a new supervisory authority following the amendments to the cryptocurrency market law.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo emphasized that the principle of requesting data only once (the 'once-only' principle) is very important, but the country lacks legal sanction mechanisms, and the accuracy and timeliness of data sets are low. Therefore, a unified national effort is needed, and we already have a data economy and AI action plan to guide our progress.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to speak.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticizes the minister, stating that there have only been slogans and talking points, with no real action visible. She is waiting for feedback from the ministries regarding a grand economic plan, but instead receives criticism from the prime minister, which raises serious questions about trust and the minister's competence to execute her duties.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that they are doing real work, focusing on advancing the data economy and speeding up the processes required to bring major investors to Estonia, in collaboration with Piret Hartman.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speaker invites Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller criticizes the reality obscured by the minister's utopian promises, highlighting specific shortcomings. He stresses that the Deputy Secretary General was appointed while the individual was already serving as minister, and questions whether the lobbying and the political cover provided to platform companies in Europe are not sufficient grounds for resignation without the need for a motion of no confidence.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, this Deputy Secretary General is honest and definitely works harder than current legislation requires, and the Estonian state would lose a good official if he were to leave.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a brief request to invite Evelin Poolamets to speak.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets made a single statement, pointing out that Oleg Ossinovski is among the party's sponsors—the same Ossinovski against whom the Latvian Prosecutor's Office has sought a four-year prison sentence for corruption. She then asked what kind of cooperation, services, or lobbying she, as a minister, performs for Ossinovski in return for the sponsors' funding.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that he had met Mr. Ossinovski only once during his time as minister, specifically during the President's visit to Ukraine. While they did speak, he does not recall the specific topics, and Ossinovski did not present him with any concrete request.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Anti Poolamets to speak.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets accused the minister of being the spokesperson for Bolt lobbyists, stressed that the interests of businesses must be protected transparently, and inquired about the steps taken to investigate the suspicion of the former head of Bolt's government relations concealing their impartiality and interests.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, the declaration of stock options and the Bolt case have caused confusion, but no one is hiding information. What needs to be done is improving documentation and the use of the register so that important correspondence reaches the correct destination on time.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asked Priit Sibul to take the floor.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul asks the minister how he views the VAT change concerning Estonian restaurants and accommodation establishments, recalls the pessimistic letter sent during the consultation round, noting that it failed to sway either the Ministry of Finance or the parliament. He references the examples set by Latvia and Lithuania and finally asks when this change will be brought before the parliament in order to regain trust today.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that he doesn't listen to everything, but a compromise was reached regarding the VAT for tourism companies: the planned tax hike will not be implemented, and the issue is not currently on the agenda. However, it may be revisited in the future in cooperation with the ministry and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Foundation to shape the future vision of the Estonian tourism sector.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Leo Kunnas to the stage.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Leo Kunnas notes that Latvia and Lithuania are currently establishing, or planning to establish, defense industry companies supported by Finnish and German capital, including the production of large-caliber shells. Meanwhile, Estonia only has a fund and the intention to build a defense industry park by 2026, but lacks actual factories and concrete plans. How did this situation arise, and what measures should be adopted?
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that the Estonian defense industry is a specialized sector, primarily overseen by the Ministry of Defense and the Defense Forces. It involves large state-owned companies and lengthy development cycles. Although the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Information Technology is not directly the primary actor in this area, they wish to contribute. The defense fund has received government approval, and the first direct investments are scheduled for this year, but this funding does not apply to the classical, traditional large-scale defense industry.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to the stage.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The report notes that although digitalization is supposed to reduce costs, IT expenditures are rising. The focus is on developing the "personal state" (personalized e-government), a project linked to a scandal involving Nortal and Eesti 200. Furthermore, questions are raised regarding the project's progress and Nortal's involvement.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo emphasized that X-Road 8.0 allows for multi-data connectivity and real-time data exchange, which will result in 70 new services being introduced to state portals and mobile applications. While Net Group won the framework procurement for the m-State app, Nortal remains an active participant in various e-government projects, and competence and the price-quality ratio are key factors evaluated in tenders.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi invited Martin Helme to speak.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme is accusing the minister regarding the deputy secretary's lobbying efforts, which involve a conflict of interest. He points to unregistered visits and a concealed academic location, demanding that this individual be dismissed from their post, not merely offered apologies.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo says it is now time to answer.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi expressed his willingness, simply stating: "Yes, please!"
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that the acquisition and disposal of assets belonging to ministers and officials are governed by current law, that these assets have been declared, and that in the event of a violation, a criminal complaint may be filed. He added that discussions concerning the platform work directive have been ongoing for a year and a half, with Deputy Secretary General Ulla Saar leading the topic in Brussels, and that Sandra Särav has not participated in those discussions. Furthermore, he himself has not attended any meeting where the ministry’s official positions were discussed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Evelin Poolamets to speak.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets notes that the Bolt directive caused a crisis and the potential collapse of the coalition, and the prime minister's threat to dismiss her raises the question of how often similar pressure occurs in her work and whether the Bolt directive was the only such incident.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Tiit Riisalo says he cannot recall a single other incident like it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
At the beginning of the address, Rain Epler is invited onto the stage.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asked the minister whether he was aware of Sandra Särav's previous association with Bolt, and if he knew that Särav continued active communication with her former employer, Bolt, while serving in the ministry.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology Tiit Riisalo stated that while the issue was apparent and officials are in communication with businesses and other agencies, a sensible compromise needs to be struck between registering correspondence and ensuring the availability of public information. Furthermore, the guidelines regarding communication with lobbyists and digital correspondence must be reviewed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Anti Poolamets to speak.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets said that the economy has stalled and exports have seen a sharp drop (up to 16–20%). He called for quick, practical measures to stimulate economic growth this year and next, simultaneously asking whether tax increases would not exacerbate the current decline.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
There is no quick fix or magic button—economic processes take time, and restoring supply chains and entering new markets after the loss of former partners requires persistent effort and close support for businesses.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Priit Sibul to take the floor.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul stressed that the true litmus test is what Estonian entrepreneurs think of the government's actions, given that the economy is more complex and weaker than those of our neighbors, and continuing with the land tax and the tax cascade will compel ministers to either rethink their approach or change their actions.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that while economic policy might initially seem like the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, a significant portion of it is tied to monetary policy, which Estonia cannot control. Furthermore, fiscal policy has two main areas: taxation and state investments. The economic plan serves as the central focus, emphasizing the impact of the tax environment on the competitiveness of businesses. The summer negotiations and the context of the budget will reveal how much attention this voice receives; if no one is listening, a more manageable job will have to be found.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Riina Solman to the stage.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman expresses concern over Estonia's competitiveness and inflation, calls on the government to make a unified effort, and asks the Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology whether the economic plan he drafted is the government's plan and if it has been discussed with the entire cabinet.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that cooperation across the fields of renewable energy, the green corridor, and the data economy is important, but it must be better coordinated and made more competitive, taking into account what Finland and Lithuania are doing to create a comprehensive value proposition.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller criticized the abolition of the worker quota and questioned whether innovation in the Estonian economy truly depends on imported people, noting that these "capable minds" are brought into Estonia and may enter the country through various legal channels.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, the implementation of the economic plan is divided into two parts: quick, short-term measures that offer temporary relief, and, in the long term, primarily improving the vocational education of the Estonian people—a task that cannot be solved in just six months.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called upon Martin Helme to speak.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The main message is that the problem is not merely the declaration of stock options, but rather a conflict of interest and lobbying carried out within the ministry using taxpayer funds, for which you are politically responsible.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stressed that they were not pursuing the interests of a single company, but rather sought legal clarity for platform work across the EU. However, the adopted directive failed to provide genuine clarity and significantly increased business risk for companies, as it left unresolved the issues surrounding the legal presumption of an employment contract and algorithm transparency. Furthermore, it does not confirm that Bolt specifically gained any financial benefit from Sandra Särav’s activities.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Rain Epler to speak.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asked the minister if he was aware, when taking up his post, that one Deputy Secretary-General was closely linked to a specific company and had worked there. He emphasized that the Deputy Secretaries-General responsible for the ministry's substantive policy areas are members of the ministry's senior leadership and should be providing comprehensive briefings.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, the matter started long before he took office, and we should gladly welcome the fact that the rotation between companies and state agencies continues.
Ester Karuse
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ester Karuse stresses that the Estonian economy has been contracting for nine consecutive quarters and requires a plan for a reboot. She notes the lack of unified effort within the government and asks for a three-word summary of the plans she has brought to the cabinet table.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
A brief invitation is made during the address: Ester Karuse, please!
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
The Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Tiit Riisalo, stated that things are moving too slowly, and we must rapidly move toward implementing the flexible labor quota and supporting major investors so that Estonia can maintain its competitiveness and security.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is simply a request to invite Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme accuses the owners of Bolt of making donations to the Eesti 200 election campaign and accuses the minister of making decisions beneficial to Bolt, emphasizing that officials must not pursue personal gain in the name of their office—that is not normal.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that standing up for Estonian entrepreneurs is necessary regardless of whom they have chosen to support. Entrepreneurs have the freedom to support anyone, and this is not a quid pro quo deal for goods. He added that EKRE is likely being supported, and decisions affecting the economic environment will continue.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Kert Kingo to speak.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo alleges that the Estonian government embraced the European Platform Work Directive with open arms to benefit Bolt, arguing that this is because a former Bolt lobbyist serves as an undersecretary and Bolt finances a political party, and that Estonia is consequently the only country that has failed to adopt it.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that Estonia’s position on the platform work economy was formulated at the beginning of 2023, and although the directive drafted in 2022 and Estonia’s viewpoints were reasonable, the length of the process and the need to find common ground among 27 member states resulted in a watered-down text, making the adoption of the directive pointless. Furthermore, this concerns the entire platform work economy across the EU, not just one company.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This address is merely a request to Siim Pohlak.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak stressed that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute over 90 percent of all businesses in Estonia, and they are currently facing serious difficulties, particularly outside Tallinn. He then asked the minister for a long-term strategy to support them.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that Estonian small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and digital government solutions would automatically reduce the reporting burden. He suggested that future economic growth could be driven by larger companies and domestic consumption, and he highlighted the abolition of the tax hump as a benefit for the middle class, a point which commercial bank analysts allegedly also confirm.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi explained that the lists displayed on the screen only show speakers once they are physically present in the hall, a measure taken to protect the privacy of colleagues, and he emphasized that the speaking order is flexible, meaning sometimes the third person listed might actually go first.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab stated that the expert body on competitiveness, which was formed at the proposal of the President of the Bank of Estonia and spearheaded by the Economic Affairs Committee, will compile the final report on the competitiveness of the Estonian economy in June. He added that the initial discussion has already taken place in this very hall, and he invited the stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the matter and cooperate in order to identify the necessary activities and proposals.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that, in order to double the Estonian economy and achieve productivity growth of 110% of the EU average, a six-layered management structure and a 240-page activity-based manual have been established. This manual was prepared in cooperation with other ministries and allows the plans and programs to be integrated step-by-step into the state budget explanatory memorandum and the drafts of subsequent budgets, without having to wait for a comprehensive official plan.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi called Siim Pohlak to the stage.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak criticized the Minister of Economic Affairs' response regarding the future of small enterprise in Estonia, noting that it failed to offer a concrete plan or support, and demanded a clear action plan and greater accountability from the officialdom.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo acknowledged the attention, confirmed that the work is not yet complete, and publicly promised to adopt the perspective of small enterprises and investigate which sectors could truly assist them in the bigger picture.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi invited Varro Vooglaid to the stage.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid criticizes the Tax Board's plan to collect the bank transaction data of all individuals and companies, pointing out that it reflects a lack of trust and is unacceptable, and calls on the director to demonstrate trust in Estonian entrepreneurs.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, the plan related to the Delta system is relatively new, and the details still need to be fleshed out, but he emphasizes that the competitiveness of Estonian companies must still remain a crucial consideration. The solution is not simple: in some areas, attention must be maintained, while in others, more vigorous action is required. He will review the specific case and respond to it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Jaak Valge.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge emphasizes that foreign capital must be channeled into sectors focused on science and higher added value. Crucially, doubling the economy must not be achieved through the influx of cheap labor, but rather by increasing the welfare and incomes of the Estonian people.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, economic development and rising incomes go hand in hand, and the state directs its limited support resources primarily toward companies with higher added value, although exceptions have been made, for example, regarding the Just Transition Fund and the tourism sector.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker invites Andrei Korobeinik to the rostrum.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presentation highlighted the proposal for the mass scanning of bank accounts and referenced the more sensible idea of a positive credit rating suggested last year—an idea that cannot be realized this year. Questions were also raised about why the state is lagging behind in IT development while simultaneously submitting proposals that are both more costly and less constructive.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, in the coming years, we must strike a balance between data security and privacy and the possibilities for utilizing that data, all while adhering to the requirements of GDPR and eIDAS-2. This involves navigating the tension between two opposing directions—stricter control and supervision versus greater freedom in data processing—in order to offer better services and business opportunities.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas pointed out that Estonia requires a highly skilled workforce and the acceleration of digitalization, automation, and robotization, because a large influx of foreign workers is often low-skilled and impedes economic and innovative development. He then asked what the government has done in this specific area and what its future plans are.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi asks Henn Põlluaas to speak.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that the dynamic of Estonia's digital development is fundamental, and 2023 is focusing on conceptualization. Four fresh substantive documents have been compiled: data economy, the use of artificial intelligence, e-identity risks, and cybersecurity, based on which the state budget strategy can proceed. It is the right time to invest in the infrastructure of the digital base and the organization of the data economy so that the state and businesses remain competitive in the future.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Urmas Reinsalu to speak.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu recalled the previous Bolt debate, raising questions about the competence and substance of the timing for submitting the draft bill on easing migration rules within the coalition, and whether such discussions had taken place. He also asked if the bill would be introduced after the elections. Furthermore, he added a critical assessment and a question regarding the creation of a 'Red China-style personal state,' under which the Reform Party leadership would collect the bank account data of all private individuals. Finally, he questioned whether this coincided with the Eesti 200 philosophy concerning the big data processing environment.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo stated that the data tracker currently under development should be mandatory for all state institutions, ensuring citizens have a clear overview and justification for how their data is being used. However, he stressed the necessity of balancing security considerations with the protection of privacy and determining the direction Estonia will take in this area, given the rapid growth of technological capabilities to monitor people's activities.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the audience.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
According to Riisalo, a concrete proposal is ready for amending the labor quota: to add 0.1% during an economic downturn and 0.2% when the economy grows by over 3%. Furthermore, the faster this is implemented, the greater the tax revenue will be, and it poses no threat to the state.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas is criticizing the coalition's immigration quota, which includes 20 exemptions. He claims that the lack of restrictions facilitates the import of cheap, unskilled labor, which in turn stifles the technological development and competitiveness of Estonian companies, and asks what the government is actually doing to address this issue.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi asked Henn Põlluaas to speak.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo emphasized that Estonia is not developing its economy based on cheap labor, but is strengthening innovation and high technology through concrete steps: 6 million euros will be paid out in 2024 as salary support for research and development workers, and companies will be reimbursed their income tax. CERN membership and cooperation with ESA open up opportunities for high-tech procurements, and the fast-track visa for IT workers helps attract top talent.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi addressed Kalle Grünthal with a request.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal is criticizing the IT Minister and the Land Board because the promised system for updating citizens' data, which was launched on April 1st, is not working. Furthermore, manual data modification is impossible, which is causing concern ahead of the summer vacation period.
Majandus- ja infotehnoloogiaminister Tiit Riisalo
AI Summary
Riisalo said that sometimes glitches occur during the development phase, and he is not familiar with the specific case. He stressed that the Minister of Information Technology does not deal with the development projects of all state agencies, and the Land Board falls under the purview of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. He hopes that the matter will be sorted out quickly.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked the minister, announced that there were no further questions, explained the impossibility of holding a debate due to the absence of questioners, concluded the phase, and subsequently opened negotiations on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party faction.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
According to Korobeinik, the primary issue facing the Estonian economy stems from its tax policy. Furthermore, although artificial intelligence has the potential to boost both national and Estonian economies, the government’s concrete steps in developing AI and e-governance are currently lacking, making swift and decisive action essential.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He asks for three extra minutes.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presentation highlights that Estonian e-government services are becoming more expensive and complicated, and the state cannot sustain them unless the minister has the skill to successfully sell the vision within the government. Should this effort fail, the responsibility might need to be transferred to successors. Concurrently, the impact of the platform work directive must be considered, and both the coalition and the opposition need to be involved to ensure faster progress.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi offers his thanks and announces that Urmas Reinsalu, on behalf of the Isamaa faction, is requesting additional time, totaling eight minutes.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Isamaa member Urmas Reinsalu announced a motion of no confidence against the Kallas government, accusing them of poor economic and financial policy and political instability. He cited the underutilization of external resources, tax changes, and regulatory uncertainty, and called on the Minister of Economic Affairs to take responsibility and issue an ultimatum to Kallas to cease the anti-business policies.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi expressed his gratitude.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He said there is no point in creating a fictional reality here.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech was an expression of thanks, and on behalf of the EKRE faction, Martin Helme requested eight minutes of additional time.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme accuses high-ranking officials of avoiding accountability because they hire lobbyists using taxpayer money and conceal conflicts of interest, which creates a sense of impunity and threatens the functioning of the state.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi concludes the negotiations and calls a vote of no confidence against the Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Tiit Riisalo, for which a majority vote of the Riigikogu's full membership is required.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu did not pass a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Tiit Riisalo; 23 members of the Riigikogu voted in favor, 53 voted against, and there were 0 abstentions.