A written demand submitted by 23 members of the Riigikogu for a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Infrastructure, Vladimir Svet.
Session: 15th Riigikogu, Riigikogu extraordinary session.
Date: 2024-07-29 21:58
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 177
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 24m
AI Summaries: 177/177 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda of the extraordinary session concerned the submission of a written motion of no confidence by Riigikogu members against the Minister of Infrastructure, Vladimir Svet. The first rapporteur represented the group submitting the motion of no confidence, which was followed by Minister Svet's ministerial presentation and an opportunity for oral questions. Subsequently, debates took place among the representatives of the parliamentary factions, culminating in a vote. For the motion to pass, it would have required an absolute majority of the parliamentary membership. The agenda concluded: the motion of no confidence was not adopted. The process focused on fundamental values, security, international law, and Estonia's foreign policy course regarding the issues of Ukraine and Crimea. During the discussions, criticism was leveled against the Minister's previous stances and decisions related to the governing coalition. Overall, the impetus for the session reflects the tensions between the government and opposition lines, as well as the importance of ethical and security issues concerning state power in the current era.
Decisions Made 1
The vote on the motion of no confidence took place, and the Riigikogu did not adopt the motion. The result of the vote was 21 in favor, 0 against, and 0 abstentions; therefore, the required total number of votes was not achieved, and the motion of no confidence against Svet did not enter into force.
Most Active Speaker
Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa) – left-wing or right-wing? He is legally and politically focused; he represented the group that submitted the motion of no confidence and, in his speech, drew attention to their fundamental criticism regarding the proposal being introduced. In this context, he is a prominent leading speaker in scandals and policy debates; right-wing principles and the defense of the nation-state are expressed as his main arguments.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The agenda item for the extraordinary session included a written demand by 23 Riigikogu members to express a vote of no confidence in Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet. Urmas Reinsalu is responsible for organizing the procedure. Following this, Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet will give a 20-minute presentation. Each member is allowed up to two oral questions. This is followed by debates involving representatives of the parliamentary factions, and finally, a vote, the successful passage of which requires an absolute majority of the membership.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu submitted a motion of no confidence against Vladimir Svet to the parliament, arguing that Svet's previous stances on Crimea are inconsistent with Estonia's official position. Reinsalu asserted that, in order to protect fundamental values, the opposition and the ruling coalition must jointly make a decision that guarantees the country's security and ethical reputation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks them and requests that Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet present the previously mentioned explanations and his own positions from the Riigikogu rostrum.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Vladimir Svet emphasized that strengthening Estonia’s infrastructure and defense capabilities, moving Rail Baltic forward, and supporting Ukraine are his top priorities. He pledged to focus on making substantive decisions aimed at developing the economy and defense infrastructure, stressing at the same time that diversity and Estonian values are the bedrock of his tenure.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience, announces that it is now time for questions, and invites Martin Helme to speak.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme criticizes the opposition for sanitizing and smoothing over their statements regarding Ukraine. He emphasizes his identity as an Estonian and a nationalist, and then poses a direct question to Comrade Svet: Was Estonia liberated or occupied in 1944?
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He noted that Estonia was occupied in 1944, and added that unlike some of his party colleagues, he has never been a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Priit Sibul to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul asks whether, after you became a social democrat, there was a discussion with Lauri Läänemets about the interview and the resulting positions and statements, and whether you discussed the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states in local elections. He wants to know what your and Läänemets's positions were, and whether Läänemets adjusted his positions in light of your becoming a social democrat, or if those positions changed during that process.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet confirmed that he remains a left-centrist and has not changed his political views, noting that his former party has shifted to the right. He stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine and ensuring Estonia's security, and added that the Social Democratic Party's stance on voting rights in local elections was something he had been aware of for a long time.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked [someone] and invited Kert Kingo to speak.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo alleges that the opposing side’s sudden shift toward the left-center is not driven by conviction but by political office, pointing out that the individual fit in with the Centre Party for 11 years while they were in power in Tallinn, serving as a district elder and deputy mayor, and is only now presenting themselves as a left-centrist.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet stated that he is a left-centrist, and since the Centre Party has recently shifted to the right, the Social Democratic Party has now assumed the role of its counterweight in Estonian society.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called upon Jaanus Karilaid to speak.
Jaanus Karilaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He asks how Vladimir Svet views the Tartu Peace Treaty, whether Estonia can present claims to the Russian Federation, and how he would argue for or counter the Russian side's claims that the peace treaty is obsolete because Estonia voluntarily joined the Soviet Union.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet confirmed that the Tartu Peace Treaty remains in force and that Estonia did not voluntarily join the Soviet Union but was occupied twice, and while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice will provide an assessment of the further consequences, his personal priority is the creation of a strong European community through transport corridors, which is the best guarantee that the treaty will also remain in force in the future.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi gives the floor to Anti Poolamets.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets poses a direct question regarding confidence: how his previous statements concerning Crimea and the early demise of the Soviet Union originated, whether they were a journalist's provocation or his genuine opinions, and whether he intends to retract them in his current ministerial position.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi presented a vote of thanks.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets emphasizes that now we must listen to this talk here.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He/She replied that, already a long time ago, while being a member of the Centre Party, he/she had clearly stated that Crimea is part of Ukraine, Putin is a criminal, Russia is an aggressor state, and Estonia must support Ukraine and strengthen its defense capabilities.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme is invited to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The claimant asserts that the Reform Party-led government has fostered an environment concerning Russia and Ukraine topics where views sympathetic to Russia could result in repression. Furthermore, the claimant accuses the individual presenting themselves as a minister of supporting both the status of Crimea and the Bronze Soldier, while also pointing to ties linking the SDE (Social Democrats) to the Kremlin, and referencing funding provided by Ossinovski.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the listeners.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks if this is normal and if it doesn't threaten security.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He confirmed that, as a social democrat and a strong proponent of Ukraine, the European Union, and NATO, he would contribute to ensuring Estonia’s security.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a request to invite Evelin Poolamets to the stage.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He asks skeptically when he was last in Russia and for what reasons, noting that if the reasons were personal, it is sufficient for him to simply state that they were personal reasons.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He/She said that the last trip to Russia was about five years ago, as a tourist, lasting three days, and it happened around the same time that President Kaljulaid visited Russia.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi addresses Helir-Valdor Seeder with a request.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder posed a question to his colleague regarding the 1944 occupation of Estonia, inquired about the status of Petserimaa and the border treaty with Russia, and requested that he express his position as a member of the government and a member of the Social Democratic Party.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He emphasized that concluding an agreement with Russia in the current situation is highly questionable, and when resolving the border issue, Estonia must look to the future, exercising extreme caution regarding Russia and focusing on ensuring its defense capabilities, while trusting the Ministry of Defense and the Defense Forces.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called on Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller points to the distrust, noting that some members of the Centre Party have turned into Social Democrats and that they have not belonged to the Communist Party. He then asks, in the capacity of an infrastructure minister, which infrastructure objects belonging to Red Army soldiers should be the next to be removed from the Estonian streetscape.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet said that his portfolio focuses primarily on transport, mobility, maritime affairs, waste management, and housing policy. Regarding the removal of monuments bearing symbols of occupation, he advised contacting the relevant ministers, noting that while the removal itself is correct, he couldn't say which monument should be next.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a brief prayer aimed at Mart Helme.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme stated that he doesn't object to calling Putin a criminal, but he wants to know how Svet plans to explain to his constituents—especially those who hold Russian citizenship—exactly what crimes Putin has committed.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet thanks Helme, recalls the opportunity to run in Lasnamäe, and notes that he received about fifteen hundred more votes than him. He confirms that his voters are Estonian patriots who support the constitutional order of Estonia, and invites the other candidate to speak to his own voters personally.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Riina Solman to speak.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman asks how it is possible to give the Maarjamäe occupation memorial a new meaning, considering that people are buried there, including about a hundred Estonian soldiers, and whether the opinions of the victims, the repressed, and the entire nation were taken into account before the decision was made.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet said that the part of the Maarjamäe memorial built during the Soviet Union is today clearly an outstanding work of Estonian landscape architecture, which lacks ideological meaning, and that its territory should be joined with the Estonian History Museum so that historians can provide the proper additions and explanations.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Tõnis Lukas to take the floor.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas recalls the transition to Estonian-language instruction that was announced two years ago, and asks why acquiring Estonian remains difficult and why even intelligent teachers, families, and young people cannot manage it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The question is whether this is an attitude problem or if the state simply hasn't taught them this properly.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
To summarize: we must continue supporting young people in language acquisition and finalizing the school reform, recognizing that the language barrier is complex and depends on the school, family, and local municipality, and that ultimately, every young person born in Estonia should be able to reach this podium.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Martin Helme to take the floor.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme accuses the Reform Party of hostility towards the nation, describing them as purveyors of talking points characterized by affect, hysteria, and paranoid Kremlin narratives regarding Ukrainian issues. He then asks whether, before becoming a minister and after changing parties, he or you had meetings with the Reform Party board or faction to compare the overlap of their understandings regarding European values and Kremlin talking points, and what was discussed in those meetings.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet said that he has not had a separate meeting with the Reform Party this past week, but he has been working with Yoko Alender, a minister representing the Reform Party, at the Ministry of Climate, and participated in a cabinet session led by Prime Minister Kristen Michal. He added that although he didn't fully grasp what exactly was being asked, the Reform Party's positions are well known to the wider public, and if they aren't, then my new colleague Jürgen Ligi can always express them very straightforwardly.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called upon René Kokk to take the floor.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk criticized the party defection and its perceived sincerity, stating that when someone moves from one party to another, immediately accepts a ministerial portfolio, and then declares themselves a social democrat, "it looks poor." He questioned what voters thought of the move and whether a cooling-off period before the change would have been preferable.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Vladimir Svet confirms that he has not changed his worldview, but his former party has been gradually changing. He emphasizes that he has very difficult work ahead of him to prove, through his actions and government policy, that he represents the interests of the voters, and whether he succeeds in this, only the future will tell.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi addresses Kert Kingo and asks.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
In light of Martin Helme's question, he raises the question of whether the Reform Party is interested in the matter at all, and whether they have deliberately avoided seeking out his position.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet said that he does not speak for the Reform Party, and to find out their opinion, you must ask the Reform Party directly.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He asks Raimond Kaljulaid to speak.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid asks the minister where the values of Urmas Reinsalu, Martin Helme, and Seeder were when concluding the 2016 coalition agreement with Putin's United Russia, and whether those values might change for the sake of political gain, since this falls under the competence of the Minister of Infrastructure.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He stated that he believes a large portion of Riigikogu members share his values regarding the recognition of the occupation of Crimea, designating Russia as an aggressor state, acknowledging Putin's criminality, and supporting Ukraine. Furthermore, he suggested that the debate about him personally is likely a political maneuver, as all Riigikogu members actually hold these same values.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme recalled EKRE's past in government, asked Kaljulaid whether her position on Crimea was honest or due to her salary, and requested that she clearly articulate Putin's crimes and list the ten most brutal atrocities.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He thanks for the question, claims that the question ridicules the crimes committed by Russia, briefly mentions Bucha and Irpin, and recommends Googling for additional information.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He asks Evelin Poolamets to come onto the stage.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets leveled accusations regarding the overnight party switch and inquired about the respondent's stance on same-sex marriage, specifically asking whether they supported it before or after becoming a Social Democrat.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Vladimir Svet expressed his satisfaction that same-sex marriage has been legalized in Estonia, saying that the country can now focus on security, strengthening the EU and NATO, and the well-being of its people. He added that even when he was previously in the Centre Party, he had been more of a proponent of marriage equality.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asked Tanel Kiik to speak.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik asks the Minister of Infrastructure whether the motion of no confidence stems from genuine concern, or if it is rather the exploitation of the current political situation stemming from an old interview that the minister has since refuted through his actions.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet stated that the current debate is mostly a moment for scoring political points, and he must weather the criticism and answer the questions, hoping the opposition will focus on infrastructure issues going forward.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller claims that the rapid passage of the so-called vote of confidence is actually the completion of a security vetting process that has not been carried out thus far, and until this is done, the questions remain unresolved. He brings up the borders and the Treaty of Tartu, and asks what the fate of Jaanilinn is and on which side of the line it will fall.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Vladimir Svet emphasized that the main priority is strengthening the defense of Estonia and Ukraine and securing the defense budget so that the plans of the Estonian Defense Forces can be implemented to deter Russian threats, adding that while the future of the Tartu Peace Treaty determines Estonia's direction, the focus must be on defense policy instead of excessive discussion with Russia.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Andres Metsoja to speak.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja noted that the discussion and the suspicions emerging in the media are understandable, and asked what his and the Social Democrats’ (Sotsid’s) interpretation is regarding Estonian citizenship policy and the issue of voting rights for Russian citizens, specifically in the context of trust.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Vladimir Svet said that the current situation is not a vote of no confidence, but a loyalty check, and emphasized that the revocation of the right to vote must proceed from the Estonian Constitution, which is more important than day-to-day political problems.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Mart Helme to take the floor.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme called for calm, refuted the accusations regarding his faction's communist ties, and referenced the background of former communists within the Reform Party, all while demanding specific charges against Putin at the ICC.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme discusses whether and how someone should be arrested within the territory of the state where he can be detained.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the audience.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks how to explain to pro-Putin voters, whether they are Estonians or Russians, what exactly your words mean.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He thanks his colleague and informs him that the time is already up.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Minister of Infrastructure Svet stated that the crimes committed in Bucha, Irpin, and Crimea demonstrate the violence of the Russian occupiers, and that Putin is the culprit. He added that for the sake of Ukraine's victory, Estonia must firmly support Ukraine and be prepared to repel any form of aggression.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Riina Solman is invited to speak during the address.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman accuses her opponent of belonging to the Savisaar camp, claims that he doesn't answer questions and disregards public sentiment, and asks whether Soviet symbols and "red monuments" should be removed from public spaces, and what distinction he sees between the symbols of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Vladimir Svet confirmed that the German cemetery must not be given a new meaning, and that a new meaning must be assigned to the communist section of the Maarjamäe memorial, which dates back to the Soviet period. The preservation of this memory will be jointly carried out by architects and the Estonian History Museum.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
I am defending the minister, who is extremely specific and well-prepared, and although there have been some jabs, he remains very respectful toward the members of the Riigikogu.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets expresses distrust, accusing the questioner of disseminating statements similar to Putin's propaganda, and demands a concrete explanation regarding the claims that the majority of Crimean residents preferred remaining with Russia and that the collapse of the Soviet Union could have happened differently. He further asks whether a referendum organized concerning the issues of Crimea would have established the borders more effectively.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
I think the most direct and fastest solution to these problems is supporting Ukraine and Moldova on their path to the European Union.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Priit Sibul to speak.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul asks what has happened, why your positions have changed over the years, and why you answered differently in the interview given to Vechorka in 2018 than you are answering in the chamber today.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet says that the interview was clearly unsuccessful, but he has been and remains an Estonian patriot—both during the war in Ukraine and during the time refugees arrived in Tallinn—and he will continue to serve as a patriot while in government and even after his service.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Rain Epler to speak.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler submitted a question concerning the nature and reasons for the commemorations taking place in the vicinity of the Bronze Soldier monument. He also inquired whether the minister had participated there personally or in an official capacity, and what the background to this activity is.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet stated that during the coronavirus pandemic, a significant effort was undertaken in cooperation with the police, KAPO, and the Health Board to reduce the number of gatherings at the Bronze Soldier monument in the Defence Forces Cemetery, and that today, fewer and fewer people in Estonia go there to commemorate the event.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks René Kokk to come.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk poses a question to the subject of the no-confidence vote: should he himself resign and thereby close the matter, given that the motion has been tabled and these questions will continue to echo throughout the government's term.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet stated that he is an Estonian patriot and servant who wishes to contribute to Estonian life and believes he is capable of doing so. He emphasized that Crimea belongs to Ukraine, that Russia is an aggressor state, and that Putin is a criminal, and that Estonia and the government must support both defense capabilities and Ukraine. He added that, although his tenure is uncertain, he is ready to answer questions from the opposition and collaborate on ideas for advancing Estonian infrastructure.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder affirmed his strong position regarding the Estonian-Russian border agreements, posed two questions concerning the future of the Social Democrats, and stressed that security matters and the issue of local election voting rights for Russian and Belarusian citizens are not merely matters of daily politics. He added that the constitution must be amended if necessary. Furthermore, he requested clarification as to why he and the Social Democrats support voting rights for Russian citizens in local elections, despite the fact that the Reform Party and Eesti 200 have claimed that the Social Democrats are actually the ones initiating the move to strip Russian and Belarusian citizens of their voting rights.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech was simply an expression of thanks.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The question concerns how to proceed in a situation where the Riigikogu (Parliament) of the Republic of Estonia has declared the Russian regime a terrorist regime.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Vladimir Svet said that the question of the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens depends both on the constitution and the recommendation of several security agencies, and that revoking the voting rights of these people living and paying taxes in Estonia could be a negative signal, which the Riigikogu will decide upon according to the current constitution.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid is invited to speak.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid calls the session a farce, accusing Moonika Helme of lying about the 2019 agreement being canceled at EKRE’s demand. He recalls that the agreement was only canceled in 2022 after the start of the full-scale war, and notes that Isamaa did not obstruct the formation of the government with the Centre Party in 2016, nor did EKRE interfere with the formation of the government in 2019 during Putin’s time. He adds that Mr. Reinsalu could perhaps tell us more about values and this particular issue.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls for silence for the Honourable Mart Helme.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid is accusing members of the Isamaa party, including Reinsalu and Helme, of involvement in the residency permit scheme and human smuggling, and is calling for a discussion of their values after his speech.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Vladimir Svet thanks Mr. Kaljulaid.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi asked his colleagues not to get too personal and not to interrupt Siim Pohlak's question, so that he could ask his question.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak asks if such a meeting took place and what was discussed there, whether he went to the Reform Party faction for a discussion, and what the atmosphere of that discussion was like.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He confirms that the Reform Party faction has not summoned him, and emphasizes the government's constructive cooperation and good rapport with Climate Minister Yoko Alender, with whom he shares a floor at the ministry.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Rain Epler to speak.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler follows up on the previous question, asking whether the minister attended the Bronze Soldier commemorations in a private capacity or as an official, and what exactly he did while there.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He said that before the events in Crimea, he had gone there as a private individual, but he has never participated in any event or ceremony.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called upon Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev is asking the Minister of Infrastructure whether the previous coalition’s decision to terminate free public transport in the regions was the correct step, or if the Minister remains convinced that the move was wrong and detrimental to the state.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet stated that the country's fiscal situation necessitates focusing on jointly financed public transport for Tallinn, and stressed the importance of improving the quality and accessibility of county transport, as well as supporting cooperation with colleagues in advancing the regional mobility reform and infrastructure investments.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The presenter invites Vladimir Arkhipov to the stage.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov asks the minister how well the position created for him—which includes a high salary, advisors, and assistants—aligns with the coalition’s idea of cutting government spending.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He explains that the role of the Minister of Infrastructure is intended to direct focus toward infrastructure problems (the construction of Rail Baltic, the road maintenance plan, maritime development, and waste reform), and that the creation of the Climate Ministry is justified because the environment and the economy must be developed together. He also hopes to fulfill this position with dignity.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Andres Metsoja to the stage.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja asks Vladimir Svet for clarification and inquires whether he participated in the May 9th events at the Bronze Soldier.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He said that he would not participate in the celebrations held on May 9th at the Bronze Soldier monument, and that he considers May 9th to be Europe Day. He occasionally finds himself there because of the light traffic road built between the two cemeteries, and he recommends that those involved in amateur sports ride along it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi said the idea was pretty good, but noted that it was humor, and invited Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev claims that the Social Democratic Party, having previously been in government, is once again planning to increase VAT, income tax, and excise duties, as well as imposing taxes on pensioners and low-wage earners, recalling that the previous government took the exact same steps.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
It was just a thank you.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speech asks what your attitude is and whether it aligns with social democratic ideology.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Vladimir Svet notes that although the Estonian parliament has a strong right-wing majority and the Centre Party is leaning right, the social democrats have managed to protect the indexation of pensions, prevent pension cuts, and distribute the security levy between both employees and businesses.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Siim Pohlak to speak.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak asks whether his statements have caused problems with the Reform Party ministers, and what the truth actually is—does he get along with them or not.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He said that the Reform Party ministers haven't spoken to me about it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Vladimir Arhipov to speak.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov thanks the Minister and asks what he understands by "solidarity in paying the transport fee," and whether this would imply fee-based transport throughout Estonia.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet stated that public transport in Tallinn is not free; instead, it is financed collectively through the taxes paid by all taxpayers, and that system should remain in place.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Tanel Kiik to speak.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik confirms that both the previous and the current Tallinn city administration have supported Ukraine, and asks what kind of experiences from the city of Tallinn can be utilized at the national government level to support Ukraine.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet stresses that helping Ukraine must be multi-layered and immediate, involving contributions from the state, regions, local governments, civil society, and the private sector. This effort must focus not only on shells and weapons, but also on the rapid development of infrastructure and the economy, so that Ukraine can achieve a quick victory and be better prepared to wage war.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Urmas Reinsalu to come to the stage.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu asked Svet directly where his claim originated that the majority of Crimea's residents want to be under the Russian Federation, why he mentioned the Alsace variant and asserted that the Crimea issue is not black and white, and how he believes the collapse of the Soviet Union and the actions of those oddballs should be addressed differently.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
He/She affirmed a position supporting Ukraine, stating that Ukraine must win the war and regain Crimea, and noted that the integration of Crimea is complex, but we have no other choice.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Urmas Reinsalu to ask his second question.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
This speech forms the core of the motion of no confidence and questions why an individual who held a high official position in 2018 presented claims regarding Crimea, what the source of those claims was, and why he proposed the 'Alsace variant' as the future solution for Crimea, asserting that the status of Crimea is not black and white, but rather that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
The core message of the speech is that despite the challenges facing Ukraine and the ongoing discussions about the return of Crimea, Estonia and its allies must stand alongside Ukraine and contribute to its reunification.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Eduard Odinets to speak.
Eduard Odinets
AI Summary
Eduard Odinets criticized the Riigikogu's loyalty check cross-examination as embarrassing and insulting, noting that crucial questions were left unasked, and questioned what message this entire process sends to young people in Estonia whose mother tongue is Russian regarding their involvement in politics.
Taristuminister Vladimir Svet
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet said that he hopes that for those for whom Estonian is not their native language, the main takeaway message will be that he stood here, not how the ideological screening was conducted, and that he will be judged based on his actions, not on what he said over six years ago.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the minister, notes that there are no questions, and wishes to clarify matters with the session chairman, inviting Helir-Valdor Seeder to speak.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder thanked the esteemed Presiding Officer and said that he hoped to raise a procedural question when it was topical.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
I did the right thing then, because I waited.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Seeder presented a substantive procedural question regarding when the rules of procedure permit a coalition member to ask questions of opposition members during the process of a motion of no confidence against a minister, whether this falls under the parliament's broad right of self-regulation, and whether Reinsalu and Helme are permitted to answer the question posed to them.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi stated that while the opposition’s pointed procedural questions might provoke counter-speeches, and a response is only possible during negotiations—which are currently not taking place—personal insults must be ignored, and Vladimir Svet has managed the situation effectively.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman criticized the procedural interruptions and asked Vladimir Svet for answers to questions, specifically concerning the importance of removing Red Army symbols and the comparison of those symbols to German Nazi symbolism, emphasizing that this matter is crucial to her as the Deputy Chair of Isamaa.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi explains why the question remained unanswered: a colleague interrupted, he didn't see if Vladimir Svet wanted to continue, he took longer pauses, and pointed out that saying "Thank you!" at the end means the matter is concluded. He then promises to follow up with Svet for clarification later and finally addresses Mart Helme.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme condemns the coalition MPs' disparaging and labeling attitude towards the motion of no confidence, which they treat as a loyalty test, and emphasizes that a person who has taken ministerial office has the right and obligation to establish clarity regarding their sincerity and trustworthiness, adding that ridiculing the opposition demonstrates poor parliamentary culture.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi stated that the interpellation was appropriate and both sides were satisfied with the highly specific answers. He emphasized that trust hinges on the changes that have taken place over the past six years and the individual assessment of every Riigikogu member. He defended the questions that had been posed, noted the mutual acrimony, announced that they had reached the negotiation stage, and then invited Martin Helme of the EKRE faction to the podium.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme asserts that the vote of no confidence against the minister reflects the Reform Party's two-faced lying and destruction of trust, arguing that they are attempting to enforce ideological policing throughout society and promote Kremlin-linked views, all while simultaneously ignoring the issue of the Bronze Soldier.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi, the Deputy Chairman, offers his thanks and yields the floor to Tõnis Lukas on behalf of the Isamaa Faction.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
In his presentation, Tõnis Lukas emphasized that the unity of the Estonian state and people, and the belief in the republic's vitality, must be protected. He praised the young official's self-confidence and criticized the fostering of a victim mentality. He affirmed Estonia's stand alongside Ukraine and noted that he would have expected this position to be expressed more clearly already during the 2014 events in Crimea.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi requests three more minutes for the session.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
“This is no longer a game, but a great responsibility,” said Tõnis Lukas, criticizing the cynical politics of the SDE (Social Democratic Party) and their positions on crucial issues, such as the transition to Estonian-language instruction and the right to vote in local government elections. He added that his sole political priority is trusting Svet, a Master of Law and a young politician, to lead the Estonian cause.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi offered his thanks and yielded the floor to Priit Lomp, who was speaking on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction.
Priit Lomp
AI Summary
Priit Lomp confirmed that they support Vladimir Svet, stating that the no-confidence motion is rhetoric based on talking points typical of the Kremlin. He emphasized that Svet is loyal to the Estonian state and that Estonia must continue helping Ukraine.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi requested an additional 30 seconds.
Priit Lomp
AI Summary
Priit Lomp confirmed his support for Vladimir Svet, stating that the vote of no confidence is an instrument of the opposition. He requested that they calmly bring the process to a conclusion, emphasizing that the coalition would not participate in this offering of favors. He also called upon the minister to prove through his actions that he is truly looking out for Estonia.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi said that the factions participated in the negotiations and that he is prepared to accept one objection regarding them, and Urmas Reinsalu, on behalf of the Isamaa faction, requested a right of reply.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu criticized the fact that members of the government and Svet presented a stance regarding Ukraine that is both anti-Ukrainian and open to multiple interpretations. He emphasized that their motives and the answer to the question, "Why?" were clearly unheard during the discussion.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the esteemed colleague and notes that the time is up.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
That is the reason why we didn't get answers, and if there are no answers, there is no trust.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks and, on behalf of the EKRE faction, calls upon Rain Epler to deliver a response speech under Martin's authorization.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler recalled the smear campaign that took place against the minister during the EKRE government, promised to throw down the gauntlet to the press, and awaited explanations in the following days' newspapers, mentioning Svet's presence at the Bronze Soldier and wanting to know what Vladimir did before going there, when he built the light traffic road.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks, praises the road as being very good, and says that he uses it intensively, but does not know on what basis or how it originated, and declares the negotiations concluded, adding at the same time that Helir-Valdor Seeder posed a question to the presiding officer of the session.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder emphasized that a rebuttal can only be made by the member of the Riigikogu who was mentioned by name, and speaking on behalf of the faction is not permitted, and the presiding officer must not take away that right.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi stressed the importance of following the session's procedural rules, announced the rejection of the protest, and prior to the vote, highlighted the names of the factions, the limits on reply speeches, and the option to request a recess.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The utterance was merely an expression of affirmation; only "Yes" was said.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
It is merely the question "Do you wish to take the floor?", which indicates the desire to begin speaking.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She points out that the colleague is flagrantly violating home and work discipline, and wishes to take a ten-minute break.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced a ten-minute break.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi put the motion of no confidence against Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet to a vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu failed to pass a vote of no confidence in Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet, despite 21 members of the Riigikogu voting in favor of the motion, 0 voting against, and 0 abstaining. The extraordinary sitting concluded when the agenda was exhausted.