2024 Report by the Minister of the Interior on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"
Session: The 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting.
Date: 2024-09-16 18:30
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 136
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 3h 13m
AI Summaries: 136/136 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Under the first item on the agenda, the Minister of the Interior presented the 2024 report on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy, "Eesti 2035," along with related plans for strengthening internal security and population protection. The report emphasized that Estonia must continue to be a secure, innovative, and people-focused state, where cooperation between ministers, agencies, and volunteers is central to resolving crises. Key areas addressed included the development of comprehensive national defense, the modernization of the eastern border, the sustainability of training for crisis preparedness and population protection, and measures related to the creation of a crisis reserve. Furthermore, the coordination of assistance to Ukraine, the involvement of communities, and the development of digital state infrastructure were discussed, including the secure management of the population register, e-services, and voter data. The second part of the discussion concerned practical challenges such as staffing levels, salary scales, the role of both the state and local governments in crisis preparedness, and future solutions for financing the development of the eastern border and border infrastructure. The third section examined the impact areas of comprehensive national defense, the "drone wall" and the potential uses of drones, as well as the promotion of civil society innovation and community engagement. Finally, attention was drawn to security policy, migration, and immigration issues, including migration management mechanisms, the functioning of border crossing points, and the sharing of threat assessments between agencies. In summary, the focus was on implementing strategic goals, securing resources, and strengthening cooperation networks to ensure effective security and the population's readiness for crises.
Decisions Made 1
No formal decision has been adopted concerning this agenda item; open discussion and the channeling of proposals for subsequent action will continue.
Most Active Speaker
Madis Timpson (Social Democratic Party) was the most active speaker during these proceedings, posing several substantive questions and making observations on various topics. His position in the Riigikogu is on the left (a left-wing political orientation).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Three agenda items are being discussed today. The first item is the 2024 report by the Minister of the Interior concerning the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy, Estonia 2035, which Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets will present from the Riigikogu rostrum.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
A nation is only as strong as its people; the Ministry of the Interior seeks to ensure Estonia's sense of security through a multifaceted approach, by developing the internal security network, civil protection, and crisis preparedness, strengthening border control and digital solutions, and enhancing cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, local governments, communities, and Ukraine.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the Minister and announces that there are questions, and the first question will be asked by colleague Andres Metsoja.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Metsoja is raising the question of why, especially during difficult times, it makes sense to close the Police and Border Guard College in Paikuse and redirect an investment of approximately 80 million euros to Tallinn and Väike-Maarja. This decision ignores the Pärnu region’s logistical location and its crucial role in comprehensive national defense, particularly given that the logistics service and military command previously located there have already been shut down.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that national capabilities must be situated across Estonia, not solely in Tallinn, and that the facilities in Pärnu and Väike-Maarja should be utilized for a shooting range, drone training, and a skid-pad. Although this requires dedicated infrastructure and significant investment, the plan is to implement these improvements in Väike-Maarja using the funding secured during budget negotiations, with the ultimate goal of enhancing police and rescue training.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to the stage.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart voiced concerns that the drafting of the new Law Enforcement Act could lead to the risks associated with a surveillance society and a police state. Furthermore, she noted that there is a parallel desire to ban public assemblies preemptively. She then inquired about the criteria and procedures that will be used to make decisions when an application to register a public meeting is received, and what the specific grounds for prohibition will be.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets said that it is a development intention regarding which there are agency views, and if it is put under political scrutiny, the issue will no longer be discussed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Tanel Kiik to come forward and speak.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik asks the Minister of the Interior how to strike a balance between limited budgetary resources, funding for internal security, and ensuring people's livelihoods, in order to prevent a decline in patriotism and an increase in crime.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
The common wisdom is that security hinges on solving people's basic livelihood issues. Consequently, it makes sense to tax wealth—for instance, through a progressive income tax—and channel state budget funds into national security and specific regions like Ida-Virumaa.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the colleague and notes that you do not have a time limit.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
The country's Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, responded to the discussion, apologized, and said that the matters could possibly continue until midnight.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
You do not have a time limit, but 13 questions have already been registered for you.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets now says that he is going to start talking.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar believes that more of them are coming, and announces Priit Sibul as the next questioner.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul emphasizes that the idea of a broad-based security tax is questionable, and he wants to know when and how much revenue will be collected, what the money will be spent on, and what investments are planned in the areas of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of the Interior.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets said that significantly more than 1.6 billion euros must be invested in security, and the details of the money distribution—including the possibility of a security tax and the share borne by businesses—will be agreed upon tomorrow. This covers strengthening the border guard, establishing a drone wall, and creating a national defense reserve.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar is asking Alar Laneman to come up to the stage.
Alar Laneman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Alar Laneman stressed that, alongside the crisis reserve and preparing the population, preparation for war must be the priority in national defense. This is because if it is documented, action will be taken; otherwise, it risks being overlooked.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said, in the name of national security, that military threat assessments are conducted in cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign Intelligence Service. When planning civil defense, they also utilize information gathered from the Internal Security Service, the Police and Border Guard Board, and SITKE. This information is consolidated to gain a better picture of Estonia's security and to ensure that war does not come here.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The address consisted solely of the request: Lauri Laats, please.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats stresses that a state is only strong when supported by its people. He points out several issues, including the rise in injury-related deaths, the drug market, the high frequency of domestic violence, and the drop in the population's willingness to actively defend the country (down from 71% in 2022 to 66% now).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar urges the listeners to take action, saying that it is their time.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats stated that only 1% considers crime to be the primary concern, and he called on the government to provide an overview of what is actually happening and what measures are being implemented to improve the situation.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets stressed that we must not cut the Police and Border Guard Board, as previous reductions have already demonstrated their impact. Given the current situation, it is necessary to increase training, retain existing officials, implement innovation, strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries, focus on proactive prevention and rapid response, and secure additional resources—for example, through progressive taxation—to guarantee security, the livelihood of the populace, and economic stability.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Andre Hanimägi to the stage.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi asked whether Estonian companies can participate in the development and construction of the eastern border drone wall, and what the Ministry of the Interior's positions are regarding legislation and capabilities in the context of the police and the Rescue Board, and what the positive and negative effects of drones are in combat and logistics.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Aid for Ukraine equivalent to 0.25% of GDP will be channeled to the Estonian defense industry. Together with the defense industry association, they will develop drone detection and countermeasure systems for use both on borders and in cities, ensuring that Estonian-produced technology is deployed to the borders as quickly as possible, thereby enhancing national defense.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Aivar Sõerd to take the floor.
Aivar Sõerd
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Sõerd stated that this year's supplementary budget primarily affected the administrative area of the Ministry of the Interior, and the funds allocated for the relocation were instead used for increasing teachers' salaries. He then asked whether the ministry's move is still being planned and if a smaller office space solution could result in significant cost savings.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that the ministry's relocation hasn't happened yet. They are currently weighing options, which include utilizing a section of the current building or moving to an entirely new location. However, the primary hurdle is the high cost associated with meeting security zone requirements and implementing them. Consequently, no decision has been reached, and the various options—building a new structure or abandoning the use of parts of the existing premises—are still being evaluated.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called Ando Kiviberg to the stage.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ando Kiviberg thanked the speaker for the presentation and asked how seriously Estonia should invest in cybersecurity, considering the almost daily cyberattacks.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Cybersecurity is absolutely crucial, and strengthening it requires substantial funding and ongoing IT development, because cyber threats, including Russia’s hybrid attacks, impact critical services such as police information systems and the Emergency Response Centre.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Jaak Valge to the stage.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge notes that the 2023 target level for state identity among Estonians is 79%, but the actual figure is 73%. For non-Estonians, the target is 86% and the reality is 89%. He then asks whether, in order to boost state identity, Estonians should be replaced by non-Estonians, or if we must simply acknowledge that the metric is flawed.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets stresses that he does not support mass immigration. He proceeds to highlight the importance of integration, attempting to balance the needs of security, the labor force, and economic development, all while admitting that the debate involves varying opinions and a definitive logical conclusion is not always achievable.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar called on Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme claims that the government has introduced universal taxation and an agent of class hatred, referring to the opaque distribution of 2.4 billion [euros] in 2023 and questioning where that money went. She further alleges illegal surveillance and the confiscation of the monument related to the Lihula column incident, asserting that trust has been lost, even though a respectful dialogue is being held near the Bronze Soldier on May 9th.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a call to action: now is your time to step up.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helme criticized the government’s non-committal stance and questioned whether real changes would materialize by 2035, or if the continued veneration of Red Army soldiers and the repression of our freedom fighters—the very people thanks to whom we can even speak of the rule of law—would persist.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar urges everyone to take action, saying: "Your time!"
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Unfortunately, the provided section does not contain enough content to formulate a reliable one-sentence summary.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets confirmed that in the areas surrounding the Bronze Soldier and other monuments, order and legal compliance must be ensured, the memory of all must be respected, and open dialogue should be sought with everyone to prevent new conflicts.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Heljo Pikhof to take the floor.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Heljo Pikhof asks whether the state plans to introduce a national requirement that, starting from a certain time, new houses must be built with shelter options (a garage, storage room, or basement).
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that a plan is ready for amending legislation or implementing the Readiness Act, which will establish minimum requirements for shelter locations in both existing buildings and new buildings exceeding 1200 square meters. The Rescue Board will compile a checklist, and buildings will have two years to make the necessary adaptations. Windows must be covered and water protection ensured, and if there is no basement, alternative shelter locations will be found.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar turned to Mart Maastik and asked him to come.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik is asking the minister how the issue of the Saatse Boot is being viewed: specifically, whether there are plans to demand the return of the border established by the Treaty of Tartu from Russia, or if territory will be ceded to Russia, and whether bridge construction is being planned.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
To put it briefly: Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said that the logic of the border treaty is changing, a fence will be built on the control line, and a new road will be constructed around the Saatse Boot on Estonian territory, so that in the near future no Estonian person should have to enter Russia anymore.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Ants Frosch to speak.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch asks whether improving crisis preparedness is a general obligation or project-based, and why the evacuation exercise Lõuna Sild (Southern Bridge) does not include all municipalities in Southern Estonia (such as Valga and Otepää municipalities). He also asks whether the lack of participation is a political choice made by the local governments or the Ministry of the Interior related to members of the Isamaa party.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said that in order to increase crisis preparedness, it is necessary to standardize the obligations of local governments, strengthen the role of the Rescue Board, and create temporary jobs within the Rescue Board for locals, but the goal of the exercise and the number of participating local governments are still being finalized.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar turns to Hanah Lahe and asks for something.
Hanah Lahe
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Hanah Lahe brought attention to the extensive flooding occurring in Poland and the Czech Republic due to the climate crisis, and asked about our level of preparedness and what Estonia's crisis readiness looks like concerning such natural disasters, both now and in the near future.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
The Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, stressed that the impact of climate change on security is steadily increasing. He emphasized the need for revising the climate law, boosting the preparedness of the Rescue Board, and fostering European cooperation—specifically with both Estonia and Finland—through joint projects. This cooperation is essential for providing mutual aid during crises and for protecting human lives from heatwaves and wildfires.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Helir-Valdor Seeder to take the floor.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder asserted that Estonia lacks reliable control over cross-border migration. He highlighted the extraordinary circumstances of 2022–2023, noting that net immigration exceeded emigration by over 14,000, and drew attention to the demographic disparity between Estonian and non-Estonian speakers in Tallinn. Consequently, he requested the Minister of the Interior to clarify this situation within the context of national security and the sustainability of the nation-state, while simultaneously observing that the issue had not been adequately addressed in the Minister’s "Estonia 2035" speech.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
The issue of migration is highly important, and we are addressing it by strengthening border control and the operation of border crossing points, deterring illegal migration, and supervising legal migration. Furthermore, we are planning a crisis reserve for the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), which involves engaging the Defence League (Kaitseliit) and deploying up to 1,000 reservists—a measure that has also been trained at Nursipalu.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called Riina Solman to take the floor.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman emphasizes that the issue of migration is closely linked to population policy, and if mass immigration is not supported, the question arises of how to increase the population and ensure the needs of businesses and schools, alongside internal security.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
There are two main solutions to address Estonia's aging population: increasing productivity and added value while ensuring the state can function with a smaller workforce, or opening the doors to immigration, which nevertheless does not solve the problem in the long term; labor needs are determined in cooperation with entrepreneurs, trade unions, and based on OSKA reports, with a preference given to the engineering sector, and to raise the birth rate, the focus is on improving women's sense of security, ensuring equal pay, and increasing the accessibility of kindergartens and hobby education.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi calls Kalev Stoicescu.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu pointed out that the land border is still incomplete and that there is only a notional border over the Narva River. He then asked what the Ministry of the Interior, the police, and the Rescue Board are doing to prevent people from accidentally crossing into Russia or from Russia into Estonia, and to ensure that Russian provocations do not succeed.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
The land border will be largely completed by the end of 2025, with the addition of the Saatse Boot and several other sections not previously accounted for, and the work may take longer. However, if we manage to secure EU funding or financial resources from the state budget, we will begin additional border infrastructure projects and implement technology and communication network upgrades, including cameras and sensors. Furthermore, communication regarding the Narva River with Russia remains complicated, and next year, the placement of buoys may depend on Russia's consent and the necessity of new measurements.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticizes the Social Democrats’ tax plan and the progressive income tax, asserting that their words do not match their actions. He claims they are misleading the public with a narrative about the distribution of assets and taxes, and that they actually intend to raise taxes for everyone, including those with lower incomes.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
To summarize, Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said that the Estonian tax system must be put in order, and he believes a progressive income tax is the most reasonable solution for securing a larger contribution from the rich and reducing inequality, all in order to cover security and healthcare needs and boost economic growth.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi certainly agreed with his colleague Epler’s observation that questions could be raised about the minister’s speech even if it wasn't directly related to the topic, but he asked that they try to stick to the Interior Minister’s portfolio. He also stated that if the minister has discussed other matters, members of the Riigikogu are allowed to submit additional questions or comments.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vooglaid points out that the ideas could sound like the rhetoric of a criminal organization, and asks where the boundary lies between a criminal mindset and normal political discussion, and what guarantees are offered to future police officers concerning the threat of coercion and drug use.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that new guarantees for police officers are not being discussed, although a salary increase is likely with the 2026 budget. At the same time, he stressed that taxation must be made progressive, and the wealthy should pay more so that the lives of middle- and lower-income people are not worsened, and to bring additional funds into the budget.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called Madis Timpson to the stage.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Timpson stated that he does not support the progressive income tax. He mentioned that he had reviewed the material and, as a former local government leader, requested clarification on what exactly is meant within the Ministry of Culture’s area of responsibility regarding the empowerment of local governments and the development of integration and adaptation services.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that he would provide this specific detail in a written response. In summary, the Rescue Board has increased the resources allocated for training local municipalities this year and will continue to increase them next year. Additionally, dedicated personnel will be assigned to handle municipal issues. Crisis preparedness also encompasses the training and preparation of residents, and although the resource allocation needs further detailed explanation, it is currently more prudent to support the municipalities, as their increased capacity allows them to engage with a greater number of people.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi said that he would check with Rain Epler whether it was a procedural question or a disguised speech.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler claimed that the minister presented a rhetorical proposal to take 200 euros from people earning 5,000 euros—a proposal which the vast majority in the chamber does not support—and that his conviction rests on shaky ground. This must be clearly documented in the transcript, as the Social Democrats are imposing regressive taxes that also impact those earning just 1,000 euros.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi confirmed that this was not a procedural matter, but rather a veiled address, and that initially, attempts were made to claim the opposite.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal criticizes the minister's response regarding the Lihula monument as illogical, claiming that the monument itself constitutes procedural evidence. He argues that once the driver is identified, they will know who removed the stone and who issued the order. He also points out that two individuals have been summoned for questioning in September concerning the misdemeanor case.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
The Interior Minister clarifies that the assumption is false—no one has been formally interrogated. The police have simply questioned everyone who might be involved in the matter, and no one has claimed to be connected to the stone or to be its owner or commissioner. Furthermore, no one will be jailed because this was a precautionary measure.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The address begins by calling Kert Kingo.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo accuses liberal governments of creating conflicts, recalling the COVID tyranny and the removal of the Lihula monument. She argues that the police and the Internal Security Service (KAPO) have become a political tool, violating the separation of powers and suggesting a Russia-style form of governance.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
He/She asks where that much-lauded Estonian rule of law state has vanished during your time.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Estonia is a state governed by the rule of law, and political mandates are not executed, with the exception of matters concerning the implementation of the budget, investments, and legislation. The police are ensuring safety in this regard, and there must be no overreaction. Issues related to the Lihula monument have been addressed, and Palestinian demonstrations have been handled; conclusions will be drawn upon the return of the symbols.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Evelin Poolamets is granted the floor, but the sitting is procedural and not a debate, and therefore no evaluations are given regarding the positions taken by the minister or a member of the Riigikogu.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets discussed the security of the ABIS biometric identification system database, referencing recent server attacks and the theft of 700,000 personal ID codes and 400,000 email addresses. She then inquired about the specific measures and awareness campaigns implemented to protect this data.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets said that although the details remain within the competence of the technical agencies, SMIT is responsible for information systems and their security, and the Internal Security Service cooperates closely on this, and all heads of agencies participate in the ministry's management meetings, where questions are taken very seriously.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called upon Henn Põlluaas to speak.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas emphasizes that tens of thousands of Estonian men fought in German uniforms as freedom fighters, recalls Jüri Uluots’s words regarding the continuation of the War of Independence and the 2012 decision of the Riigikogu, and condemns the slandering of these heroes and the equating of their actions with the unveiling of a monument to the occupiers.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that the question of public order revolves around the choice of a memorial symbol, which should reflect an Estonian symbol, not that of the Russian occupation regime, and that threat assessments for this purpose are issued by the Police and Border Guard Board, not by politicians, because otherwise, democracy will end and laws will cease to apply.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a short request, directed at Anti Poolamets.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets criticized the presenter over historical inaccuracies and controversial comparisons, called for an investigation into the background of his relatives, and raised concerns regarding the unclear ownership of the monument and the necessity of establishing a Riigikogu commission for assistance.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interpretations of history may vary, and I am not concerned with judging their correctness—the focus is on today's work: adhering to the law, ensuring public order, and preventing situations caused by symbols, said Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The address is directed at Arvo Aller.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said that the police know with a high degree of probability who transported the stone and who might have been the one who commissioned it, and he requested that the name of that person and the factual basis to rely on be provided. This is because if those individuals claim the stone does not belong to them or that they are not involved, the police cannot attribute anything to them that they do not acknowledge.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi turned to Arvo Aller and said, "Go ahead!"
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller accuses the government and the Minister of the Interior, citing examples like the thefts on the Narva River, the boat rally involving Rescue Board leaders in Russia, the confiscation of the Lihula monument, and the order given at the Sinimäed memorial event for people to turn their shirts inside out. He then asks how much longer the people are expected to tolerate this.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
He recalled that EKRE had been in government, and the Bronze Soldier was not touched during that time.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Siim Pohlak to speak.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak accuses the government and the Reform Party of the poor state of the economy and asserts that the government has failed, while a quarter of Estonia’s residents have had to take out loans over the past year to cover their daily expenses.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
According to Lauri Läänemets, the presence of the Social Democrats in the government maintains a reasonable balance in politics for the people—pensions are not being cut, the tax-free minimum is not falling, and the VAT increase should have been 2% instead of 4%, coupled with a corporate profit tax. Without their presence, the decisions would have been significantly more right-wing.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Rene Kokk to speak.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk is asking the minister for clarification on when the Bronze Soldier will finally be removed. He also offers an alternative: relocating the unclaimed monument to the Defence Forces Cemetery, so that there would be an equal standing on both sides.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
It is said that this is a military cemetery, the difference between a memorial and a grave marker is explained, and the Minister of Defence is given a precise answer.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Leo Kunnas to the stage.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker respectfully addresses the Chairman of the session and Lauri, and asks when the approximately 1,000-member PPA crisis reserve force is planned to be established, how these units will be structured (as squads or companies), and to whom they will report (to the prefects or the PPA Director General), requesting more detailed plans.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
We discussed the necessity of establishing a crisis reserve, which would be created in cooperation with the Defense Forces and the Defense League and would be subordinate to the Police Director General. This is intended to ensure a rapid response to migration attacks occurring at the borders without compromising existing capabilities. Furthermore, the legal framework will be reviewed, if necessary.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Vadim Belobrovtsev to take the floor.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev asked how to increase police resources and whether and how the recent news regarding the decision not to raise salaries affects their fight against the overdose wave and the spread of narcotics currently sweeping Tallinn.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets said that there will be a salary increase in 2026, the exact percentage of which will be determined during budget preparation. The PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) needs more employees, and no cuts will be made—previous redundancies have significantly reduced the number of police officers, but training has doubled, and all vacant positions will be filled. Furthermore, reforms to the drug system will continue, along with close cooperation with neighboring countries.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Speaker thanked the Minister, announced that there were no questions, and opened the debate on behalf of the Eesti 200 faction.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu emphasizes that ensuring comprehensive national defense and internal security requires not only the work of rescue and border guard services, but also strong civil capability, proportionate funding, and extraordinary national defense investment, readiness to respond to Russian hybrid attacks and sabotage, and the protection of vital services, cyber defense, healthcare, and food security, including discussion of the impact of local elections, Moscow’s influence, and the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate church.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He asks for three more minutes.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The current situation cannot be a solution, but I will nevertheless conclude on a positive and more optimistic note, and on behalf of Eesti 200, I wish our coalition partner, Minister of the Interior Läänemets, strength and success in strengthening national defense and internal security.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks and represents Andre Hanimägi on behalf of and with the authorization of the Social Democratic Party faction.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi stated that internal security is becoming increasingly complex, requiring a flexible crisis reserve, drone defense capabilities, and development of the eastern border. This also necessitates close cooperation with the defense industry, motivated and well-trained personnel, and a competitive salary, as well as the ethical use of technology and artificial intelligence, and a review of legislative options to ensure effective operations, public safety, the security of the Estonian state, and to strengthen the eastern border of the European Union and NATO.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi requests that three additional minutes be granted to the sitting.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The presentation highlights the importance of crisis preparedness, strengthening communities, expanding volunteer systems, and developing civil defense, as well as the responsibility of every citizen for their own security.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speaker expresses great gratitude and asks that eight minutes be allocated to Helir-Valdor Seeder, of the Isamaa faction.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder warns that Estonia's internal security and national defense are at risk due to the personnel shortage in the Defense League (Kaitseliit), challenges posed by migration policy, and issues surrounding the Estonian-language information and education system. He also criticizes the coalition and tax policy, calling for a comprehensive, cooperation-based solution.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Anti Poolamets represents the EKRE faction.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets accuses the minister of ignoring fundamental constitutional principles and laws, emphasizes that commemorating freedom fighters is not justifying aggression, and demands the minister's resignation in connection with the confiscation of the Lihula monument and the crisis surrounding police orders.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi is asking for three more minutes.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets accuses the police of violating laws during the confiscation of the monument, and the government and the minister of lacking basic education and understanding of Estonian history. He calls for their resignation and warns that such an approach desecrates the legacy of Estonian independence and the fight for freedom, referencing Poland's migration policy and the support of deserters.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The address begins with words of thanks, and Anti Haugas is then invited to deliver his speech on behalf of the Reform Party faction.
Anti Haugas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Haugas stresses that the development of the eastern border and the increased preparedness of the population, stemming from efforts initiated in 2014, have resulted in Estonia being better protected against crises. Furthermore, the involvement of allies and sustained funding are of crucial importance in ensuring crisis readiness.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The main point of the speech is a request for three extra minutes.
Anti Haugas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Haugas stated that due to the growing volume of training, we are short of instructors and infrastructure, and solutions will not arrive quickly. He stressed, however, that we must jointly consider how to ensure readiness. He highlighted the great trust the Estonian people place in the police, the Rescue Board, and the Emergency Centre, and noted that Parliament should, as an unfinished matter, resolve the issues concerning the restriction of non-citizens' gun ownership and the restriction of non-citizens' voting rights.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the previous speaker and gave the floor to Lauri Laats on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party Faction.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats levels a critical accusation against the Minister of the Interior and the government, highlighting that the number of injury-related deaths in 2022 was 825 (the target was 620), the drug market is rampant, and the number of drug-related deaths has increased from 117 to 138 (2020–2022). He also points to approximately 4,000 cases of domestic violence annually and a decline in the public's active willingness to defend themselves, dropping from 71% to 66%. He then asks whether the current government is capable of ensuring security in the small state of Estonia when its structures are underfunded.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He asks for the discussion to be extended by three minutes.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats criticizes the current government, claiming that their economic policy and tax hikes are hitting ordinary people hardest, increasing livelihood problems and poverty, while crime is not the primary concern for Estonians.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked all participants and announced that the topic had been sufficiently addressed and the deliberation of the agenda item was concluded.