The behaviour and credibility of government members
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, press briefing
Date: 2024-09-25 15:37
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 11m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu information session focused on Prime Minister Kaja Kallas’ responses to two significant topics: the credibility of government members and cuts to the state budget. Riigikogu member Priit Sibul raised a question regarding the actions of Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, citing a security expert’s comment, Meelis Oidsalu, which suggested a possible conflict of interest related to the movement of the former Chief of Defence (whom Sibul identified as Pevkur) into the defence industry after discussing the need for long-range ammunition procurement. Prime Minister Kallas dismissed the rumors, emphasizing that Pevkur has successfully championed strengthening Estonia’s defence capabilities within the government, resulting in the allocation of €1.6 billion for ammunition procurement. Kallas stressed that the government is dealing with real actions, not commenting on rumors, and that decisions in the defence sector are based on the interests of the Estonian state.
In a follow-up question, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticized the government's planned cuts to funding for interest-based education. She highlighted the public opposition to the cuts from Regional Minister Piret Hartmann (SDE), asking how typical it is for ministers to publicly criticize coalition decisions that they later support in a vote. Prime Minister Kallas explained that coalition partners ultimately support joint decisions, even if the cuts are unpopular, as establishing a sustainable basis for the country’s finances is unavoidable. She confirmed that internal security, defence capabilities, teachers, and pensioners have been spared from the cuts, but other areas inevitably need to contribute.
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not made.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Today's fourth question, asked by Riigikogu member Priit Sibul, is directed at Prime Minister Kristen Michal and concerns the behavior and trustworthiness of government members.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul quotes a comment by Meelis Oidsalu and asks whether the same conflict of interest suspicions concerning the actions of a defense minister in one NATO member state also apply to Estonia's Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that the government is taking concrete steps to defend Estonia and strengthen internal security, allocating 1.6 billion into the state budget for the coming years to meet the needs of the Defense Forces and boost national defense, ensuring that Estonia is secure, that our allies trust us, and that the enemy does not test our resolve.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks [the previous speaker] and asks Priit Sibul to pose a clarifying question.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul thanks the Chairman and the Prime Minister and asks how the government intends to address the baseless attacks aimed at people in the defense sector, and what the Defense Minister's position is, considering his previous disagreement with Pevkur.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that for the sake of Estonia’s defense and independence, the entire society—the people, businesses, and government—has jointly invested in the purchase of ammunition and the strengthening of comprehensive security together with NATO allies. He acknowledged that a public debate exists but affirmed that all decisions are rooted in Estonia’s interests.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offered his thanks and asked Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to present a supplementary question.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart is voicing concern about the cuts to extracurricular education funding, stressing how vital it is for developing children's creativity and supporting families. She also questions how common it is for ministers to criticize each other, and why the Social Democrats are simultaneously backing the government's decisions.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that the Social Democrats are part of the government and supported the decisions, but there are cuts in the budget, and the remaining sectors will feel the impact. However, the areas of defense, internal security, teachers, and pensioners will remain untouched. The goal is to set the state's finances on a sustainable level and ensure growth, and the discussion regarding cuts to hobby education continues.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the Prime Minister, allows him a moment to catch his breath, and now gives the floor to the other ministers participating in the information hour.