Security
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-11-06 15:08
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 13
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 13m
AI Summaries: 13/13 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The sixth question in the Riigikogu addressed security and the ensuing discussion focused on how to resolve the issue of voting rights for aggressor states or their citizens and what steps need to be taken through cooperation between the coalition and the opposition. The discussion recognized the need to draft and ultimately perhaps amend the constitution to ensure the security of the state and the foundations of citizenship and the right to vote in a situation where the risks stemming from foreign influence and threats have increased. Proposals intended for both the opposition and the coalition were represented, and the emphasis was on the need to combine and deliberate on different aspects of the texts throughout the process. Energy security and the relationship between offshore wind farms and radar systems and national defense were also addressed, while praising the need for external connections and the reliability of supply for energy, as well as cooperation with allied states.
Decisions Made 1
The process of amending the constitution regarding the citizens of aggressor states from the perspective of Estonian security is being initiated, with the opposition being included in cooperation with the coalition. Work will continue by merging texts and discussing various aspects; the aim is to achieve broad-based consensus and ensure that the changes are a suitable and functioning legal framework.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker during this session was Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who occupies a position within the right-wing political spectrum. She represented the coalition and led the discussion on several issues concerning security and the energy sector, sharing detailed explanations and emphasizing the need for constitutional amendments and broad-based cooperation. Assessment of activity: her participation included several addresses on two major themes, and she was clearly the central speaker and shaper of the discussion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Parliament is moving forward quickly; the sixth question concerns a security issue, which is presented by Riigikogu member Andres Metsoja to Prime Minister Kristen Michal.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Metsoja stressed that it is urgent for the Riigikogu to discuss broadly the question of Estonian citizenship for citizens of aggressor states and third countries, but the bills have been postponed, and he asks how the Social Democrats' line of thinking has been explained within the coalition in order to find consensus, and why different groups are treated differently in the current system.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced that the coalition and the opposition are set to initiate a constitutional amendment to limit the influence of citizens of aggressor states in Estonia's affairs, emphasizing the changing security situation and examples of Russia's influence, and calling on all parties to discuss this important step.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks and asks Andres Metsoja to pose a clarifying question.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
It is stressed that security threats are real and action must be taken, and the question is raised as to whether an audit and analysis have been carried out for Estonia's offshore wind farms to avoid similar problems that emerged in Sweden, and whether this analysis has already been conducted.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
He stressed that renewable energy must be affordable and clean, and at the same time it is necessary to ensure national security and early-warning systems — and the better the economy, the better we can defend it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanks and invites Mart Maastiku to pose the next supplementary question.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maastik stated that security is economic security, and the offshore wind farm planned for Saaremaa, together with radar stations and a 330-kV line, is uneconomical, because it would require thousands of hectares of forest to be felled, would raise electricity prices, and is not really necessary, and a fourth electricity interconnection to Latvia is not needed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech emphasizes that your time is important.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They ask whether there are plans to review the development of offshore wind farms, especially in Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar thanks and presents a petition to the Prime Minister.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that Estonia is in a strong partnership with the United States in security, economy, and diplomacy, and must continue investing in new technologies, develop energy grid interconnections (the third interconnection, the fourth interconnection with Latvia), and in February 2025 free itself from Russia’s frequency spectrum, in order to ensure energy security and continue evidence-based solutions to climate issues with the involvement of scientific advisers.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
At the end of the speech, thanks are given and it is announced that today the discussion of our sixth question will be concluded.