Regional balance
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-10-23 15:43
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 topic of the fourth question was regional balance. Member of the Riigikogu Tõnis Lukas posed a question to the Prime Minister, asking how to prevent excessive influence of Tallinn and Harjumaa on Estonia’s development and how to invigorate other regions. He highlighted previous coalition agreements and attempts to create outlets from the capital, such as the 1000 job target and the organization of public libraries, which could lead to work/services in Tallinn. He asked whether regional balance could be under the Prime Minister’s personal control and how to ensure that regional balance develops more evenly.
The Prime Minister responded, confirmed the priority of regional balance, and referred to additions to the coalition agreement: approximately 40% of different support measures and business support are directed outside of Tallinn and Tartu, and the distribution of funds is monitored to ensure this principle is fulfilled. He highlighted four main directions: defense capability, budget consolidation and cuts, economic growth, and the ability of people to cope across Estonia. He supported practical steps such as the small school support measure (€1.3 million for 18 rural schools), discussions about the school network and public transport, and the expansion of cultural and educational investments outside of major cities. He also noted that the construction and renovation of state houses have been cut and their development has been paused, focusing on services and digital solutions. The goal is better services throughout Estonia, not a real estate portfolio.
Decisions Made 1
No specific decisions were made during the discussion of this matter. The discussion focused on describing the priorities and measures for regional balance and the implementation of the coalition agreement.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was I1YVn0lsltI, prime minister; political position: other.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riigikogu member Tõnis Lukas is submitting a question to the Prime Minister regarding regional balance.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
When raising the issue of regional balance, Tõnis Lukas highlighted Tallinn's disproportionate size and the concentration of jobs there. He then asked whether the Prime Minister would personally take charge of achieving this goal, and whether the coalition agreement specifies measures designed to relocate jobs from Tallinn to other parts of Estonia.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that regional balance is a priority and the new coalition agreement is a supplement to the previous coalition agreement, under which approximately 40% of the support will be directed outside of Tallinn and Tartu. These efforts focus on four main areas: defense capability, fiscal order, economic growth, and the well-being of people across Estonia.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the previous speaker] and invites Tõnis Lukas to ask a clarifying question.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas stresses the need for systematic monitoring of regional balance, arguing that decisions impact regions differently. Without permanent measures and balancing mechanisms, major centers could gain an advantage, forcing the rest of Estonia to live and develop in poorer conditions.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal highlighted specific decisions in the fields of education and culture: 1.3 million euros in support for 18 small rural schools, discussions with local governments regarding the school network and public transport solutions, and the distribution of 40% of major funding outside Tallinn and Tartu. This is intended to spread the quality of life and economic impact, even as urbanization and technological changes continue, while efforts are made to maintain education, culture, connectivity, job opportunities, and high value-added services.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the speaker and asks Lauri Laats to pose a follow-up question.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats is asking what the current government's ideology and strategy is for the state service centers, and whether they intend to stick with the 2018 concept or move state services back out to various regions, like Põlva.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stresses that the priority lies in the accessibility and quality of services, rather than the real estate portfolio. The government is cutting expenditures and halting the construction and renovation of state-owned buildings, redirecting resources instead toward education, internal security, and defense. The goal is to ensure that services are as widely available, automated, and electronic (where required) for the maximum number of citizens.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and announces that he is concluding the consideration of the fourth item.