Validity of the Constitution
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, press briefing.
Date: 2024-09-11 16:35
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 8m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The item on the agenda was the debate on the Riigikogu's eighth question concerning the validity of the Constitution, along with clarifying the context behind the confiscation of the Lihula monument copy. Evelin Poolamets raised questions regarding property rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law, and inquired about the discussions and decisions that led to the confiscation carried out on August 31st. She highlighted that copies of the monument are situated in different locations—one on private land in Lihula and the other at the Lagedi Museum of the War of Independence—and questioned whether the authorities felt the need to demonstrate their power; this raises legitimate concerns about the arbitrary exercise of state power and constitutional boundaries.
The Government's response emphasized that the police acted pursuant to the Law of Public Order and that the steps taken were aimed at preventing danger and ensuring proper functioning. The police stored the monument copy, and it will now undergo expert examination, the results of which will determine further steps. The inviolability of the Constitution and property, as well as freedom of expression, have been addressed, and the process operating within the framework of the Law of Public Order will continue toward a final resolution based on the expert opinion. Furthermore, it was discussed that in this context, it is important to consider the balance between national law and memorial values, and that the procedures for the functioning of state power must be handled lawfully and transparently.
Decisions Made 1
The Riigikogu did not make any decisions on this matter; the next steps will be determined based on police input and expert opinion. The copy of the monument will be stored and referred for expert analysis before any further steps are decided upon.
Most Active Speaker
Martin Helme (pid C8iMWR25mcA) – a right-wing politician; an EKRE member of the Riigikogu. He was the most active speaker in this debate: he posed a follow-up question and delivered a strongly critical speech concerning the government’s narrative and the future of national defense, focusing on how threats and a coordinated response might impact the involvement of reservists and citizens' perception of how the state operates.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announces that we will now smoothly transition to the eighth question, which is directed to Prime Minister Kristen Michal. This question will be posed by Riigikogu member Evelin Poolamets, and the subject is the validity of the Constitution.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets is requesting an explanation from the Prime Minister concerning the reasons and procedures for the confiscation of the Lihula monument copy on August 31st. She stresses that this was an arbitrary exercise of state power, violating constitutionally protected property rights, the presumption of innocence, and freedom of opinion, noting simultaneously that there are multiple copies (one privately owned in Lihula, the other at the Museum of the Struggle for Freedom in Lagedi).
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Prime Minister explained that the police acted pursuant to the Law Enforcement Act, by stopping the vehicle and taking the memorial monument into safekeeping, relying on Section 151¹ of the Penal Code and a tip received via PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) information for the purpose of preventing danger. She stressed that the Constitution and the inviolability of property define the limits of action; the next steps involve obtaining an expert opinion and further proceedings.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the floor and invites Evelin Poolamets to ask a clarifying question.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets expressed the view that the Lihula monument represents symbols of illegality and aggression, and inquired about the government's subsequent plans and whether the existing copies—specifically the one in the Lagedi Museum of the Fight for Freedom, as well as the copy located on private land—will be subject to confiscation.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that the police operate under the Law Enforcement Act before a threat materializes. He noted that, similar to the removal of the St. George ribbon—even though he had been in contact with the organizers and the local municipality—an event took place where Nazi Germany symbolism was displayed. Misdemeanor proceedings have been initiated, and regarding the monument in question, an expert analysis will be carried out, after which a decision will be made on how to proceed, as the police, not the government, act based on these legal grounds.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the previous speaker and announces the next supplementary question, calling upon Martin Helme to respond.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme accuses the government of adhering to the Moscow narrative and covering up the facts regarding the Lihula monument, claiming that the Estonian men who went to defend Estonia 80 years ago have been silenced by the current government and labeled as Nazis or bandits. He concludes by asking what argument would be used to convince reservists and members of the Defense League to defend Estonia if an order or a new narrative emerges that could treat them as bandits or henchmen of a totalitarian regime.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The government confirmed that the police are operating according to the law, that the replica of the monument will undergo expert analysis, and that subsequent steps will be decided after the assessment is received. Furthermore, it emphasized that symbols of foreign power do not belong to Estonia, and that the blue-black-white [flag] is Estonia's symbol.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gives his thanks and concludes the deliberation on the eighth item of the day.