Internal security, protection of the eastern border.
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing
Date: 2024-10-16 16:17
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 18
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 14m
AI Summaries: 18/18 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
This agenda item included a discussion of the sixth question concerning internal security and the defense of the eastern border. The question was raised by Arvo Aller, performing the duties of the Prime Minister, to the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, and focused on the organization of police operations in Sinimägedes (Blue Hills), the safety of the memorial events held there, and the presence of a special unit. The discussion raised questions about the objectives of the police response and the actions taken during those events, as well as the potential consequences for Estonia’s security and the country’s reputation. Of significant importance was the context of Russian hybrid attacks and the impact of memorials on the geopolitical atmosphere, and how these events could affect the country’s security and national unity. The discussion highlighted the need for clarity, accountability, and stricter enforcement of the law regarding memorials and symbolism, which are part of national security.
Decisions Made 1
During the consideration of the sixth question, no decisions were made.
Most Active Speaker
The role of the most active speaker was Kalle Grünthal; a representative who holds an oppositional or separate position in Parliament, but whose precise party affiliation is not detailed in this text. He could be classified as holding a "other" (muu) political position, representing a position that does not directly fall into a left- or right-wing triangle.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The topic of the sixth question is internal security and the defense of the eastern border, and Arvo Aller is submitting it to Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets, who is acting in the capacity of the Prime Minister.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller criticized the presence of police and rapid reaction forces during the peaceful memorial ceremony in Sinimäe, claiming it caused psychological trauma to Estonian citizens. He questioned the manner and purpose of their deployment, and why the police were directed against Estonian citizens.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Läänemets explained that Helir-Valdor Seeder had confused the words "balancing" and "neutralizing" (or "shutting down"), stressed the importance of the balancing force required to find a political compromise, and advised Mart Helme to turn on his audio next time, because Piret Hartman had not yet gotten the floor.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar asks Lauri Läänemets to answer the question immediately.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said that the police will ensure the security of the commemoration events in Sinimäed, adding that the removal of individuals during the national anthem was wrong, and he apologized, stressing that such incidents must not be repeated, because memorials could turn into a tool for Russia’s hybrid activities.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech begins with thanks, and Arvo Aller then asks a clarifying question.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller is demanding accountability for the recent incidents, accusing the government of negligence regarding the protection of the eastern border. He connects these events to the Lihula monument and police brutality, and asks whether anyone will actually take responsibility or if they will just stick to offering apologies.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets confirmed that the police must comply with the law banning the display of symbols of occupying powers at public events, stating that making an exception for a single regime is not permissible, as it would jeopardize Estonia's security and reputation, particularly in the context of Russia's hybrid attacks.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the previous speaker and invites Kalle Grünthal to ask a supplementary question.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal reported that the railway workers' trade union is planning a strike set to begin on January 1st, because the government intends to slash their budget by nearly 15 million euros.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asks Kalle to ask his question immediately.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal tells Lauri that he has the opportunity to ask a question.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar says that the issue is not for him.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He greets the second Lauri and talks about Läänemets.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar asked Kalle Grünthal to present his question and noted that time was running out.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal notes that 38 different companies, together with the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Employers' Confederation, wrote to the government stating that they are dissatisfied with the policy that is destroying the economy. He cites the example of demonstrations and asks what measures the government plans to implement to prevent the strike and ensure internal security should the strike expand.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said that Estonian security and border defense are a priority, and the state will use the crisis reserve and conscripts to push back migration at the borders, adding that there are no plans to suppress anyone, and that cuts and tax increases will be made in such a way that the average Estonian family does not suffer.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the audience and announces that he is concluding the consideration of today's sixth question.