The Regional Affairs and Agricultural Minister's 2024 presentation on the implementation of the state’s long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2024-09-25 19:11
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 123
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 45m
AI Summaries: 123/123 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The plan was to address the Regional and Agricultural Minister’s 2024 presentation on the implementation of the state’s long-term development strategy, Estonia 2035. The presenter was Regional and Agricultural Minister Piret Hartman. The speech focused on food security, the competitiveness of domestic food production, the vitality of rural areas, and regional sustainability; it emphasized strengthening animal welfare, innovation, and scientific collaboration, as well as crisis prevention and increasing supply security. It was also noted that there is a need to simplify advisory systems, application for support, and reduce double reporting, so that Estonian farmers and consumers can be better secured and more competitive.
Decisions Made 1
No formal decisions were made on the agenda presented today; the making of decisions remains within the jurisdiction of subsequent negotiations and discussions within the parliamentary groups.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Regional Affairs and Agricultural Minister Piret Hartman (minister). Her share was dominant both in the weight of her presentation and in the substantial portion of answers to questions; her role was as a representative of the government and presented as a cultivated role of a “other” political position (ministry leader, but party affiliation remains secondary).
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller opens the sixth item on the agenda, where the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Piret Hartman, will present the 2024 report on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy 'Eesti 2035,' followed by questions and discussions with representatives of the factions.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Piret Hartman, pointed out that Estonia must strengthen regional development and the competitiveness of agriculture, ensure food security and a good living environment for everyone, reduce VAT on food, increase the autonomy of local governments, and invest in education, science, innovation, and public transport so that living in the countryside and small towns is as attractive as living in the city.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman thanked the rapporteur and said that Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart still had a few more questions.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks whether the reduction of VAT on agricultural products could still be on the government's table, and whether this topic has already been discussed with the coalition partners and what their position is.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman said that, in order to mitigate the damage caused by weather conditions, they are awaiting the European Commission's decision on crisis measures. Concurrently, the question of VAT is being raised, which is being analyzed internally together with food producers and sector organizations, and the discussion will also be expanded to include committees and parliamentary groups.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller calls upon Helmen Kütt to speak.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt thanks the presiding officer and the minister, and then asks if the public transport reforms will actually be implemented and whether the funding will hold up despite the budget cuts. She specifically highlights the situation in Viljandi, raising concerns about the mobility of people in rural areas and the accessibility of schools.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Public transport is one of the most complex sectors, and although the government has not yet definitively decided on the public transport reform, they are continuing preparations for the reform, maintaining funding at the current level, and carrying out pilot projects and line reviews in order to make the system more efficient and sustainable, ensure people’s access to public services and foster a climate-friendly economy, and, in cooperation with partners, set long-term goals and frameworks.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is a brief request to invite Vadim Belobrovtsev to the stage.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev asked the minister why the coalition engages in pleasant rhetoric but consistently votes against measures proposed by the opposition, such as lowering the VAT on food and providing free school meals. He further pointed out that school meals are not truly free because the state's contribution has decreased over the past six years.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Piret Hartman, said that funding for school meals will continue at current levels, and although the desire to increase the subsidy is understandable, there are budgetary constraints and a necessary political compromise. She emphasized the importance of regional development and the continuation of cooperation, noting that although many important steps have already been taken, the long-term goals have not yet been met, and work must be done to curb disparities.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invited Züleyxa Izmailova to the stage.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker asks the Minister about the main directions in the fields of animal welfare and animal protection, and how animal welfare will be improved in the near future.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman announced that amendments to the Animal Protection Act are currently underway, and draft legislation will be submitted to the Riigikogu early next year. These bills include the amendment concerning cage-free hens, as well as several other changes aimed at addressing the welfare, sale, and zoophilia related to domestic animals. Furthermore, the problem of homeless animals is also being tackled, and she thanked the organizations in the sector for their cooperation.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller calls upon Lauri Laats to speak, followed by Urmas Kruuse – the sitting moves forward.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse asks how the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs would actually improve Estonia's competitiveness, stressing that VAT rates apply nationally, and competition is mainly affected by the taxation policies of other countries regarding exports and imports.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
The presentation highlights the need for a more comprehensive analysis of the impact of VAT on food prices and the wages of primary producers, to continue cooperation with the Rural Affairs Committee, and to engage in discussions with all stakeholders in order to find solutions that alleviate pressure on food prices, provide producers with competitive advantages, maintain food security, and ensure affordable and accessible food for the public.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller calls upon Lauri Laats.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats emphasizes that free school meals are not actually free, recalls the bill repeatedly submitted by the Centre Party to lower the VAT on foodstuffs, and calls on the Rural Affairs Committee to discuss the matter, noting at the same time that the Social Democrats will vote against it.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Regional and Agriculture Minister Piret Hartman stated that the Social Democrats have made significant changes and that, with sufficient resources, it is possible to implement the next steps. She specifically noted the progress achieved regarding school meals and thanked Kristina Kallas.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech is simply inviting Madis Timpson onto the stage.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Timpson emphasized that the population must be increased outside Harju County and Tartu, posed a question regarding the plan aimed at regional centers, and stressed that a regional center is not merely a single municipality but a hub serving the entire region.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman said that the government plans to invest over 200 million euros in local government infrastructure over the next four years—renovating existing buildings and constructing schools, community centers, libraries, and kindergartens—while simultaneously protecting local government budgets, improving connectivity, and access to public services, so that living in rural areas is realistic and cooperation between the state and local governments continues.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas thanks the Chair and the Minister for the comprehensive presentation and asks whether regional policy could be the priority across all sectors and ministries, jokingly referencing the magic goldfish.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is a brief request for Anti Allas.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman stresses that regional policy requires greater attention and stronger cooperation between various ministries, and officials' fieldwork helps them grasp the true impact of regional issues and find solutions rooted in good-faith collaboration.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She points out that schools and kindergartens should offer organic food for at least half of their meals, and funding is available for this purpose, but progress varies across counties, and the future depends on how this is implemented in different regions.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller addresses Urve Tiidus with a request.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Piret Hartman, confirmed that this is an important measure whose budget will not be reduced, and the changes implemented at the end of the summer should ensure the system functions better and allow regions to catch up. She simultaneously stressed the need to increase communication, promote cooperation with local municipalities, and ensure sufficient resources and better planning.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller calls upon Andrus Seeme.
Andrus Seeme
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrus Seeme noted that the bureaucratic burden on agricultural companies has grown and is one of the biggest concerns. He then asked if there was a plan or vision for reducing bureaucracy, and whether this initiative would come from the Estonian or European Union level.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Piret Hartman said that for Estonia, the goal is reducing bureaucracy and eliminating duplication, which she plans to achieve through PRIA reforms and the ministry's cooperation with the client council, so that in the future, the work is simpler and there are fewer measures.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The utterance only contains the name Vladimir Arhipov, therefore it is not possible to summarize its content.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov emphasizes the need to promote regional balance, noting the 300 million euros allocated to Ida-Virumaa. He warns that simply transferring money with a 'golden circle' mindset will not make us richer in the long term. Instead, sustainable measures must be implemented for the sake of regional development, including the continuation of the land tax exemption.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech is merely an invitation to ask a question.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
To achieve regional development, we should reinstate previously existing measures, such as splitting the personal income tax revenue between the state and local municipalities, maintaining the same distribution level as before.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech emphasizes that now is the time for the listeners to take action and achieve their goals.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He is discussing the possibility of imposing a local tax, recalling practices from the 1990s, such as the sales tax.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller thanked all the listeners.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The question is whether the topic has been discussed and if it is planned.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman said that the government approved the budget, and discussions on changing the financing model and tax solutions will continue with local governments, working closely with the Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities. A draft development plan and the necessary bills will be prepared urgently so that they can reach the Riigikogu (Parliament) by 2026, while an overview and ideas will be presented to local governments at the end of September or the beginning of October.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Mait Klaassen was invited to speak at the beginning of the address.
Mait Klaassen
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mait Klaassen raised a question concerning the national spatial plan, asking what measures are planned to introduce legislative restrictions on converting valuable agricultural land to other uses, thereby ensuring the preservation of this farmland.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Piret Hartman urged people to submit specific examples, stressing that critical farmland must remain under state ownership and that the land is leased solely for agricultural use, not for sale. Furthermore, while some land-related issues will be handled by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, the resolution of these specific matters remains within the purview of her ministry.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Aleksei Yevgrafov is mentioned in the speech.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The three of us are from Ida-Virumaa, and the county is very dear to us. We were surprised that Piret mentioned the 3,000 jobs being created in Ida-Virumaa with the help of the Just Transition Fund.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman addresses the number 1300 in her speech.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In his presentation, Aleksei Yevgrafov questions whether 3,000 jobs is the correct figure, highlighting the inconsistency in prior data (concerning over 170 million euros and 626–804 jobs), and asks how all of this relates to the activities connected with the just transition.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This speech emphasizes that now is your time.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speech addresses lost jobs.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman said that the just transition for Ida-Virumaa will bring 1,300 new jobs, which gives hope for the region's development and proves that investments can also be attracted to other regions of Estonia, even though over 4,000 jobs are tied to the oil shale sector.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman expresses thanks and addresses Riina Solman with a request.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman notes that the population in local municipalities is growing primarily due to Ukrainian migration, and the goal of rural life seems like a mere slogan to her; she emphasizes the impact of tax hikes and cuts on families and asks whether the party will resist further tax increases and what else can be accomplished from the podium.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Piret Hartman stated that while the government made difficult and painful decisions to safeguard Estonia's security and ensure a sense of confidence for families and entrepreneurs, significant steps have simultaneously been taken to boost the capabilities of local municipalities and to create better living conditions, infrastructure, and homes for families and young people in rural areas. She added that the coalition agreement aims to reduce socio-economic divides—a goal for which the ministry will continue its work and hopes to dedicate more attention to these specific issues in the Riigikogu moving forward.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invites Jaak Aab to take the floor.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab asks whether the investment supports for local governments, drawn from the resources of the CO2 emissions trading system and the pan-European Modernization Fund, will continue, what the potential volume of these funds might be, how flexible the conditions could be established, whether local governments are eligible to participate in these rounds, and whether sufficient funding for energy efficiency projects and procurement opportunities are guaranteed.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
The presentation confirms the continuation of CO2 measures, which involve investing in local government infrastructure and improving the energy efficiency of apartment buildings. It introduces a new social climate fund aimed at more sustainable public transport and reviews the measures implemented by KredEx and MES to make it easier to access aid and loans even in smaller locations. This includes the continuation of the rental housing program and improving loan availability in rural areas.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
It was a short prayer to Madis Kallas.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas asks whether the model of officials doing fieldwork will continue in Estonia as long as state jobs are being relocated from Tallinn to more distant regions.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Minister Piret Hartman stated that the model helps reduce inequality, and its continuation depends on the cooperation between her team, local governments, and various ministries. She also invites members of parliament to visit the regions so that awareness can grow and decision-making across Estonia can improve.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller called upon Andres Metsoja.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja claims that regional support programs have been little more than a slogan, and continuing with them will leave the actual problems unresolved. He asks what the government’s strategies are for supporting life and entrepreneurship in rural areas, especially in Southeast Estonia, because the current support measures are no longer yielding adequate results.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
I want regional policy to move beyond being merely measure-driven. Instead, the interests of the regions should be factored into all policy areas, ensuring timely intervention in social, educational, and security matters, thereby preventing decisions that could harm those regions.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller invites Tanel Kiik to take the floor.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik raised questions regarding regional policy, stressing that it is not a standalone sector. He expressed concern that during the execution of budget reduction tasks, the logic of regional policy might be forgotten, leading to the focus shifting exclusively to Tallinn and Tartu.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman said that they are moving towards increasing the understanding of culture and must actively intervene, hold discussions, and answer partners' questions, emphasizing the extremely important role of regional policy in issues such as cuts to hobby education and children's nutrition.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller calls upon Alar Laneman.
Alar Laneman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Alar Laneman stresses that national defense planning needs to give greater consideration to regional aspects, citing Nursipalu and Pärnu as examples, and questioning how these points can be better emphasized within autonomous fields.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Piret Hartman emphasized that, in order to ensure comprehensive national defense and food security, the Ministry of Defense must be involved. Work is currently underway on increasing supply security, developing crisis models for local governments led by the Rescue Board, and cooperation regarding African swine fever. As part of this effort, the use of canned goods in the defense forces to improve supplies has also been examined, and she remains open to new proposals.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invited Peeter Tali to speak.
Peeter Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Tali raised a question regarding the public transport reform, emphasizing that Pärnu lacks a railway and requires a strong rail connection. He further noted that although the extension of Rail Baltic to Haapsalu is currently being discussed, and reaching Pärnu is planned by 2029, this still does not fulfill the entire strategic objective.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman confirmed that the railway is the core network for Estonian public transport, that Haapsalu is an important direction for development, and that a connection to Pärnu will be established with the completion of Rail Baltic in 2030. Furthermore, a regional Pärnu–Tallinn line is being considered, for which the corresponding trains will be ordered within five to six years, and the set schedules are achievable.
Alar Laneman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Alar Laneman invites Maido Ruusmann to the stage.
Maido Ruusmann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maido Ruusmann asks whether Southeast Estonia should be designated a focus area and require a special program similar to the one in Ida-Viru, and whether Estonia's EU subsidies could be allocated across multiple regions in the future, considering the growing inequality and security risks.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Piret Hartman described the issue of Southeast Estonia as currently very critical, and promised to examine solutions based on the overall picture, together with local governments and leaders from other sectors. These solutions include an additional program, development cooperation agreements, and joint solutions for critical problems, emphasizing that resources and shared commitment are prerequisites for future action.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller calls upon Rain Epler to speak.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler addressed the minister, requesting clarification on the specific measures and resources intended to improve public transport synchronization. He also asked for an explanation of how the cost per passenger could realistically be reduced, given that demographic trends—namely, the growth of Tallinn and the depopulation of other regions—are unfavorable.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
The national public transport reform focuses on increasing cooperation between different modes of transport, reviewing route networks and areas of duplication, reintroducing commercial routes in some locations, transitioning to demand-based services in smaller regions, developing a unified ticketing system and transport hubs, and strengthening cooperation both with Tallinn and between counties, all with the aim of making public transport more convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invites Helle-Moonika Helme to the stage.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helme slammed the car tax as an ideological experiment, arguing that people in peripheral regions have no alternative means of transport besides a car. He stressed the necessity of effective public transportation and brought up the Haapsalu railway project, which he claims previous governments had shut down, but which he now intends to revive.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech calls on listeners to take responsibility and act, because now is your time.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
People living on the margins don't need programs, development plans, or tenders—they simply want to live, have freedom of movement, and earn their daily bread.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This speech contains only the phrase "Your question."
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme says that Maido Ruusmann asked what you have to say to the people of Southeast Estonia, and she asks what you have to say for the people of my electoral district—namely, Läänemaa, Saaremaa, and Hiiumaa.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Piret Hartman stated that public transport is essential for those who do not travel by car (children, the elderly, and other target groups). She added that while the goal is not to abandon the use of cars, it is necessary to reduce "car poverty" and move toward needs-based and better-planned public transport. This is intended to allow people to freely choose their place of residence and ensure connectivity between various regions. She is ready to discuss the public transport reform with all parliamentary factions and listen to feedback.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller addressed Evelin Poolamets with a request.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets argues that transporting just one person in a large bus isn't exactly eco-friendly, and she asks what exactly needs-based public transport entails.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Piret Hartman, acknowledged the criticism and confirmed that the public transport reform will change the system so that larger centers will have regular bus services, while smaller localities will have specific, scheduled travel times and a unified ticketing system with a booking option. Furthermore, the option to book by calling will also remain available initially.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller called upon Andre Hanimägi to speak.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi highlights that the most pressing market failures in regional policy are difficulties starting a business, housing shortages, and access to loans. He then asks what the state and businesses could do to eliminate these issues, including ensuring the availability of fast internet and sufficient living spaces.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
The Uhtna example demonstrates how a good living environment, including a school and kindergarten, a strong community, reliable internet and transport connections, and accessible employment, attracts families and enables the creation of new settlements. However, there is no single magic bullet, and measures ranging from loans to rental properties are currently being worked on.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller calls upon Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder expresses concern regarding regional cultural diversity and inquires how much longer the Võru Institute will receive unequal state funding compared to the Mulgi Culture Institute, and whether stable and equitable funding will be guaranteed for all such cultural organizations.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Piret Hartman notes that the cultural programs of the Ministry of Culture and the regional measures of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture do not overlap; rather, they complement each other. Currently, a review is underway to determine whether to continue them in their present form or implement changes. Discussions are focusing on fairness and limited resources, and nationwide measures are also being considered. However, the state budget's capacity does not allow for stable funding, and consequently, the focus is on streamlining the funding systems within the ministry's own scope of authority.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller thanks the minister, announces that there are no further questions, opens the debate, and gives the floor to the representatives of the factions, beginning with the speech by Lauri Laats on behalf of the Centre Party faction.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
During his presentation, Lauri Laats voiced concerns regarding regional inequality, the sustainability of domestic food production, and fair competition. He emphasized the crucial role of companies like Tartu Agro for both employment and biomethane production, and went on to criticize the minister's contradictory stance on reducing VAT on food items versus tackling rising food prices, urging the government to swiftly find solutions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that there would be three minutes of added time, so, including the time indicated by the warning light, that gives you three minutes.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats stated that free school meals have disappeared and the state is not allocating sufficient funds. He also highlighted regional inequality, describing it as two Estonias—the richer Tallinn and Harju County versus the poorer Southeast Estonia. He noted that the minister has put forward proposals to increase funding for school meals and public transport, but neither the coalition nor the opposition supports them.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanks the rapporteur. On behalf of the Eesti 200 faction, colleague Ando Kiviberg is invited to the Riigikogu rostrum; he requests three minutes of additional time.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The author of the report urges that before any reform is implemented, the existing public transport network and the actual needs of passengers must first be studied. The author stresses that the primary objective should be passenger satisfaction, proposing a vision where county lines function as express routes, supported by local loop services and demand-based transport. However, this also means local municipalities must bear the responsibility and the associated costs.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Your time has come.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The realization of what appears, at first glance, to be a progressive idea is hindered by a trivial funding issue, because local governments lack the necessary funds to implement the reform. However, speaking on behalf of Eesti 200, I want to believe that the concerns described are merely doubts and that the planners are actively addressing them.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the audience.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ando Kiviberg said he had long been considering effective solutions to the problems, emphasizing that together we can overcome them.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanks the colleague and announces that Urmas Kruuse will speak next on behalf of the Reform Party Faction at the Riigikogu rostrum.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse thanked the esteemed Presiding Officer and said that he would also take the additional minutes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requested three minutes of extra time.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse stated that regional policy is the foundation of all policies, focusing on food security and regional development. He called for the implementation of risk-based controls, an increase in direct subsidies, and the execution of reforms concerning the unified ticketing system and local government financing, all aimed at improving food quality and the viability of rural areas.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman announces that Urmas Kruuse is granted the floor.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He thanks them and concludes by noting that the minister has a vast field of work ahead, but he himself managed to get by with a slightly lighter workload last year.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Anti Allas, speaking on behalf of the SDP faction, approached the Riigikogu rostrum and requested three minutes of additional time.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas stresses that Estonia 2035 can only be realized through collective effort: all citizens must have access to high-quality public services, both in physical and digital environments, and we must jointly solve the problems related to regional financing and loan conditions to ensure that rural areas and the whole of Estonia remain vital.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar invited Arvo Aller to the podium and granted him three additional minutes.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to Arvo Aller, the implementation of the 2035 strategy and the rural development plan will nevertheless not yield substantive results, because changes to VAT, the e-field register, and the advisory system are ineffective. Furthermore, regional impacts and farmers' access to grant applications are insufficient, while the Just Transition Fund will not deliver the expected employment or investments.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offered his thanks and, on behalf of the Isamaa faction, requested three additional minutes for Helir-Valdor Seeder at the Riigikogu rostrum.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder thoroughly criticized the minister for the lack of protection of agricultural land, the unfairness of the revenue base of local municipalities, the disparity in vocational education funding, and the fragmentation of public transport. He also called for the implementation of concrete development plans that align with the needs of rural areas.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman concluded, thanked the colleague, and invited the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Piret Hartman, to take the floor.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
In his address, the minister thanked the participants for the thorough debate, confirmed the retention of local expertise in public transport and cooperation between public transport centers, explained the smooth execution of the leasing and auctioning of Tartu Agro's land, highlighted the progress made by the e-Field Book (e-Põlluraamat) and PERK, and noted that 1.8 billion euros will be directed to agriculture and related support measures within the framework of the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar asks if an extension is desired.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
The utterance contains only one word, "Soovin," which expresses a wish.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks for three minutes of additional time.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Piret Hartman, stated that entrepreneurs are being brought to the region through the special representative of Ida-Virumaa and its partners. Furthermore, rural policy issues remain important, and priorities include the preparation of the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) and ensuring equal opportunities with other European countries. Public transport is an integral part of regional policy, and the increasing Robin Hood funding allocated to Paide will help it continue its development.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar declares the discussions closed and concludes the consideration of today's sixth agenda item.