Interference in Latvia's internal affairs
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
Date: 2025-11-05 15:50
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 4
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 4m
AI Summaries: 4/4 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The eighth question during the information session addressed Prime Minister Kristen Michal's interference in Latvia's internal affairs concerning the Latvian parliament's decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention. The questioner, Varro Vooglaid (pid: EYvDQyWULUg), sharply criticized the Prime Minister's Facebook statement, in which Michal had asserted that there are forces within the Latvian parliament who do not value women's rights and security. Vooglaid argued that such critical interference at the prime ministerial level in the decisions of another country's parliament is completely inappropriate and violates the fundamental principles of diplomacy. Furthermore, he challenged the value of the convention, asserting that women's safety depends on national laws and their enforcement, rather than mere symbolic or slogan-driven agreements.
Prime Minister Michal defended her stance, emphasizing that she is in complete agreement with Latvian Prime Minister Evika regarding the value of the Istanbul Convention. Michal stressed the convention's objective of protecting women from violence and promoting gender equality. She affirmed that the Estonian government has no intention of withdrawing from the convention, despite the proposal made by EKRE. Michal agreed with Vooglaid only insofar as penal policy (especially conditional sentences for crimes against the person) requires review, but maintained that expressing opinions on broader societal issues is entirely appropriate.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Most Active Speaker
Varro Vooglaid delivered a detailed and scathing criticism of the Prime Minister's actions, thereby setting the stage for a substantive and principled debate on the issue of diplomacy and interference in internal affairs. His position is superior.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar introduced the eighth question on the agenda, which is addressed to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, and whose proposer, Varro Vooglaid, is requesting an explanation regarding Estonia's intervention in Latvia's internal affairs.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid sharply criticizes the Prime Minister's statement regarding the Latvian parliament's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, claiming that membership in the convention does not guarantee women's safety. Instead, he argues that achieving this requires tightening domestic laws and their enforcement, particularly when determining punishments for crimes against the person. Furthermore, he deems the Prime Minister's public interference in the internal affairs of a neighboring country inappropriate, asserting that it violates a fundamental principle of international relations.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal expressed full support for the Istanbul Convention, noting that he is in agreement with the Latvian Prime Minister on the matter. He emphasized that the convention’s purpose is to prevent violence against women, eliminate discrimination, and promote gender equality. He categorically rejected EKRE’s proposal for Estonia to withdraw from the convention, asserting that the governing coalition has no intention of yielding an inch on this issue. He added that the only point of consensus with the opposition is the necessity of improving the legal system to prevent dangerous individuals from committing repeat offenses.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concluded the information hour, noting that there was no more time for questions. He thanked the members of the Government of the Republic and his colleagues for their active participation and announced that the plenary sitting of the Riigikogu would resume exactly at 2 p.m.