Continuation of the first reading of the Draft Act (682 SE) on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Kingdom of Sweden concerning the Execution of Prison Sentences of the Kingdom of Sweden in the Republic of Estonia
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Date: 2025-11-05 16:03
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 121
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 9m
AI Summaries: 121/121 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu continued the first reading of Draft Act 682 on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Kingdom of Sweden on the Enforcement of Prison Sentences, initiated by the Government of the Republic, which had begun at the previous sitting. Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta returned to the rostrum to answer numerous questions from Riigikogu members. The debate was extremely polarized and focused primarily on the economic viability of leasing out Tartu Prison, risks to internal security, and national dignity. The opposition parties (SDE, EKRE, Isamaa, Centre Party) sharply criticized the plan, calling it irresponsible, especially considering the government's low support and the opposition from the city of Tartu. They emphasized that the plan reduces security in Southern Estonia, burdens the healthcare system, and is fundamentally wrong. Minister Pakosta and the coalition (Reform Party, Eesti 200) defended the draft act, stressing that the agreement is economically beneficial for Estonia (it covers the maintenance costs of the empty prison complex and generates revenue), creates new jobs in Southern Estonia, and strengthens internal security through Swedish-funded training. Valdo Randpere, the rapporteur for the lead committee (the Legal Affairs Committee), confirmed that the topic had been thoroughly discussed in the committee and proposed concluding the first reading. The opposition submitted a joint proposal to reject the draft act, which was voted down. The first reading was concluded.
Decisions Made 3
The Riigikogu voted down the proposal by the parliamentary groups of the Social Democratic Party, Isamaa, the Conservative People's Party of Estonia, and the Estonian Centre Party to reject Bill 682 at the first reading (38 in favor, 49 against, 0 abstentions).
The first reading of Bill 682 was concluded.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set as November 19th at 5:15 PM.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announces that the Riigikogu will continue the first reading of Bill 682, the draft Act on the Ratification of the Agreement between Estonia and the Kingdom of Sweden on the Execution of Custodial Sentences, initiated by the Government of the Republic. He invites Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta back to the rostrum to answer questions from the members of the Riigikogu, thereby giving Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart the opportunity to ask the question she has long awaited.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart harshly criticizes the recent initiatives put forth by the Eesti 200 party regarding prisons and the establishment of a tax haven for casino firms, rhetorically questioning whether the party's "long view" for Estonia is truly meant to be reduced to a center for prisons and casinos.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
The Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, emphasizes that the role of prisons in society is unavoidable in the long term, and from the taxpayer’s perspective, the only correct course of action is to maintain the three recently constructed, modern prison buildings in Estonia. This is because, although crime rates may fluctuate in waves, examples from the Netherlands and Great Britain show that demolishing or closing prisons later leads to a significantly more costly shortage of prison places, which in turn jeopardizes the execution of court decisions and the public’s sense of security.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called Helmen Kütt to the rostrum to begin her presentation.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt expresses concern regarding the insufficient involvement of the city of Tartu in the matter of accommodating Swedish prisoners, citing criticism raised by a colleague. She demands clarification from the minister regarding the length of the notice period should the contract be terminated prematurely (specifically, whether it is one year) and how quickly the prisoners could realistically be removed from Estonia if problems were to arise in Tartu.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta confirms that although the agreement concluded between the two good NATO allies stipulates a 12-month notice period for standard termination, it also contains provisions (such as force majeure and suspension of the agreement) that allow Estonia to quickly and prematurely terminate or suspend the contract, if necessary, should unfavorable circumstances arise, subject to the agreement of the parties.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called upon Tanel Kiik to speak.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik raises a semi-philosophical question: Does the government truly grasp that the highly sensitive and controversial decision to rent Tartu Prison to Sweden was made in haste, based on weak analysis, and with virtually no public debate? This suggests the government lacks adequate social awareness and fails to understand that the entire process was flawed from the very beginning.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta disagrees with claims that the issue of renting out prison spaces arose unexpectedly or that the supporting analyses are weak. She emphasized that the problem of empty prison spaces was already discussed by Isamaa before the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) elections, that the analyses from the Security Police (Kaitsepolitsei) and the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) are robust, and that the Social Democrats were also part of the government when these decisions were being made.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Andre Hanimägi, inviting him forward to speak.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi is concerned about the scope and execution of background checks on foreign prisoners and their contacts (including video calls and letters), specifically asking whether the checks will be carried out by Estonians, Swedes, or both, and what resources the state will allocate to the prison service or the Security Police to manage this significant workload.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta confirmed that, in cooperation between Estonia and a partner country, thorough background checks will be carried out on inmates and their visitors. To facilitate this, the Police and Border Guard Board and the Security Police Board will receive additional staff and resources, thereby strengthening Estonia’s security in the long term. Crucially, should any problems arise, the inmate will neither be brought to Estonia nor will the visitor be permitted entry to the prison.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut began by commenting that there were heated debates with the Social Democrats in the government regarding the issue of importing prisoners. She then presented her criticism: Estonia’s internal security is not improved by having 250 specially trained prison staff guarding Swedish inmates at Tartu Prison, arguing that this expensive and professional workforce could be used much more effectively in the police force or the Defense Forces.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Riina Sikkut to speak.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi limited himself to just a brief but substantive word of thanks.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut argues that when ensuring internal security, the focus must be on worthwhile measures that provide everyday benefits and a sense of security for local residents, rather than for Swedish prisoners.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta confirmed that the government has authorized negotiations for the prison rental agreement and that issues concerning the availability of healthcare services have been resolved within the contract. However, she primarily emphasized that the rental agreement, funded by Swedish taxpayer money, will help address the high unemployment rate among Estonian youth by offering them the necessary education and English language instruction so that they can take up jobs in the internal security sector, where there is a great need for personnel, be it in the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) or the prison service.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi and Tanel Kiik were called to the podium to begin their presentation.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik expresses vehement opposition to the proposal, accusing the government of making decisions in the absence of any discussion or support and with unmitigated risks. He emphasizes that burdening Estonian internal security staff with guarding Swedish prisoners is completely unjustified, especially considering the prevailing labor shortage in the country, and deems the claim that this would improve the qualifications of local youth to be absurd.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta categorically rejected the premises of the question and emphasized the government’s regional policy responsibility, highlighting that retaining state-provided jobs in Southern Estonia is crucial. This effort is also supported by a new training program at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, funded by the Swedish taxpayer.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Ants Frosch after a brief introduction.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch draws attention to a probable error in the prison capacity forecasts dating back approximately ten years, and asks the Ministry of Justice whether they intend henceforth to utilize Estonian academic knowledge and capability to conduct substantive research on society and better forecast both the level of crime and the future need for prison places.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta emphasizes that the analysis which served as the basis for establishing the prisons dates back to the mid-1990s, when the crime rate was high. Although the required number of prison places was underestimated at the time, the precise scientific forecasting of crime rates remains extremely difficult even today, which is why universities are engaged in the academic study of these processes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi and Aivar Kokk were invited to speak.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk is addressing the minister to seek clarification regarding the completion and commissioning of Tartu Prison, specifically asking when the first inmates will arrive and whether they will be permitted visitors, including family members arriving from abroad who might wish to permanently settle in Tartu.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta provided an overview of the schedule for transferring prisoners, which begins in the summer of next year and reaches full capacity by the end of the year after next, emphasizing that due to previous experience and the secure digital tablets introduced in prisons, very few physical visits are expected, and confirmed that inmates will not acquire any basis for obtaining a residence permit due to serving their sentence in an Estonian prison, nor will the state's citizenship policy change.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called Riina Sikkut to the podium or to take the floor.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Speaking on behalf of the Social Democrats, Riina Sikkut criticizes the government's priority of directing young job seekers to guard Swedish prisoners instead of training them to become police officers in Southern Estonia. Furthermore, she expresses concern regarding the lack of security checks on the family members and criminal associates of the prisoners arriving from Sweden.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
The Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, stressed that the jobs created by the state in the internal security sector in Southern Estonia are significant from a regional policy perspective and support youth employment, thereby rejecting claims of polarization. She also confirmed that the prison lease agreement will not result in any changes to the rules governing tourists' entry into Estonia.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi yielded the floor to Andre Hanimäe, inviting him to the podium to deliver the next presentation.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi acknowledged that the figures for the associated costs (healthcare, translation, prison renovation) are known, but he asked the minister to clarify what the state's actual net revenue would be after deducting all those expenditures from the potential income derived from the Swedish funds.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta explains that the security agreement between the two NATO member states is not profit-oriented. Instead, it guarantees the complete coverage of risks for the Estonian state while simultaneously bringing significant socio-economic benefits in the form of tax revenue, additional training for Estonian people, and the arrival of Swedish specialists in Estonia.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi handed the podium over to Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder proposes to the minister that they take a timeout during the processing of the ongoing draft bill and the signing of the contract, given that the entire opposition is against it, the government's support is low, and a new government would likely terminate the agreement prematurely. For this reason, he deems the current coalition's pushing through of a bill without broad public backing to be irresponsible and disruptive.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
The Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, stresses that renting out vacant prison spaces is a rational solution that has been considered before. She points out that this measure helps avoid a 12 million euro taxpayer cost for maintaining the Tartu prison complex, citing international practice as an example, and adding that while the opposition's criticism is democratically necessary, it is often contradictory.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi yielded the floor to Ants Frosch, inviting him to the podium.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch refutes the minister's claim regarding the decision on prison locations in the early 1990s, clarifying that the establishment of Tartu Prison was decided in the early 2000s during the Council of Europe's Nord-Balt project. The actual impetus for this project was the concern of Scandinavian countries over resistant tuberculosis spreading from Estonia's colony-type prisons. He also demanded clarity regarding the earlier decisions.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta refutes the claim regarding the timing of the construction of Tartu Prison, explaining that construction began already in 2000 following prior planning and design work. She also confirms that the Government of the Republic decided in the mid-1990s to transition to modern, cell-type prisons, and promises to provide the exact date of that decision later in writing.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Aivar Koka.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk wishes to know whether a visiting permit is still required for the relatives of prisoners being transferred from Sweden to Estonia, considering Sweden's membership in the European Union and the resulting free movement, and requests clarification on whether the prisoners include citizens of both EU member states and third countries.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta emphasizes that third-country nationals and language barriers are already an everyday reality in Estonian prisons, including Tartu Prison, while simultaneously confirming that regulations concerning residence permits, asylum, and citizenship will remain unchanged, and previous fears regarding criminals relocating to the area have not materialized, even based on past experience.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu was invited to the podium by Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi so that he could deliver his address.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu urges Liisa to act sensibly and defer the implementation of the 'import prisoners' project—which has garnered consensual opposition from the opposition—until after the elections. He stresses that rushing this project without a public mandate jeopardizes the bilateral relations between Estonia and the Kingdom of Sweden, and further inquires whether the Swedish government has been notified of the political standoff in Estonia.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta draws attention to the fact that the Kingdom of Sweden is monitoring Estonian media and the ongoing debate, and stresses that the Moderates, the sister party of the listener's party (Isamaa), are key figures in Sweden, which is why their historically good and close working relationship must be continued.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Anti Allas.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas challenges the minister's reference to an earlier political idea, stressing that the public support for the parties that backed it (Isamaa, Eesti 200, Reformierakond) has significantly dropped, and warns that putting the issue to a referendum would likely contradict the will of the Estonian people, which is why he asks why there is still a desire to implement it.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta explains that solving the objective problem associated with the empty Tartu prison building is essential to stop wasting taxpayer money and prevent job losses in Southern Estonia, stressing that empty prisons are actually a positive sign of a low crime rate, which should be a source of pride.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi and Helir-Valdor Seeder were called to the rostrum to deliver their presentation.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder pledges to do everything possible in the future to ensure that the agreement approved by parliament is reviewed and terminated at the earliest opportunity. He calls upon the minister to exercise responsibility and to consider relations with the Swedes, and he categorically refutes claims that Justice Minister Lea Danilson-Järg or the Isamaa party ever supported the proposal, emphasizing that it was merely a ministry working paper, not the party's official position.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta explained that the pre-Riigikogu election survey addressed the objective problem of vacant prison spaces, noting that one solution being considered was renting them out to foreign countries. She also emphasized the very strong sister relationship and mutual support that exists between the Isamaa party and the Swedish Moderates party.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi yielded the floor to Priit Sibul, inviting him to the rostrum.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul is demanding precise accounting from the minister regarding the total revenue Estonian society will receive from accepting Swedish prisoners, criticizing the previous vague answer, and also doubting the ability of Swedish psychologists to help international prisoners, since most of them do not speak Swedish.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
The Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, is justifying the economic benefits of accepting Swedish inmates. She emphasizes that the maintenance cost for a Swedish prisoner (€8,500 per month) is more than double the Estonian cost (€3,500), and the contract guarantees Estonia an indexed minimum revenue exceeding 30 million euros annually. This revenue will also offset the current 12 million euro maintenance costs associated with the empty Tartu prison buildings. She further noted that the Swedish media considers the agreement too costly for Sweden.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Mart Helme, calling him to the rostrum.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme accuses the current government of irresponsibility and criminal behavior, which will force the next government to annul the contract that has been signed. He refutes the claim regarding empty prisons, demanding that criminals be put behind bars, and proposes a solution: that existing large buildings, such as Tartu Prison, should be repurposed as social welfare institutions.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi concluded his address with a brief word of thanks.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme slams liberal governments for their inability to solve the problems of an aging society, and calls for common sense and responsibility, urgently demanding that the government immediately withdraw the bill in question, following the opposition's recommendation.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta expresses categorical opposition to the idea that the state could detain people in prison without a court decision, emphasizing that the deprivation of liberty falls solely within the jurisdiction of the court. Furthermore, she deems the proposal to repurpose the Tartu Prison building into a nursing home inappropriate and unsuitable, as it is not a dignified location for accommodating the elderly, and calls on council members to inspect the building.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to the next speaker, Mart Maastik.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik is drawing attention to the state's illogical policy: attempting to implement cost-saving measures by releasing domestic prisoners while simultaneously commercially importing inmates from Sweden. Furthermore, he criticizes the construction of new police colleges, proposing instead that it would be more sensible to restructure existing buildings of a similar layout and utilize state funds more prudently.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
The Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, emphasizes that a modern prison is a purpose-built security facility featuring small cells. Unlike older prisons, it is architecturally and economically impossible to convert such a structure into, for example, an educational building, which is why the plan to construct the new school building in Väike-Maarja is entirely rational, and changing its location would be financially reckless.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Following a brief introduction, Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Peeter Tali.
Peeter Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Tali expressed his skepticism and asked directly what real benefit the Estonian state and people would gain from accommodating Swedish prisoners in Tartu Prison, referring to the previously heard arguments as "rhetorical acrobatics."
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta explains that the proposed amendment will bring nearly 400 new jobs to Southern Estonia, the majority of which will be in the internal security sector, strengthening overall security through Swedish-funded training, while simultaneously preserving the prison as a crucial part of the security architecture in preparation for a hybrid warfare scenario, and resolving the issue of the 12 million euro maintenance cost of the vacant Tartu prison for taxpayers.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi introduced Siim Pohlak, who was then granted the floor to begin his presentation.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak sharply criticizes the Reform Party-led government's plan to import a socio-liberal experiment, modeled on Sweden, which has resulted in violent clan activity and explosions there. He further questions whether the state budget is truly in such a critical state that it needs to be patched up by renting prison cells to foreign criminals.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Justice and Digital Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta categorically emphasized that the Estonian people will not, under any circumstances and not for a single penny, bear the cost of maintaining inmates originating from other countries.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi concluded his presentation or contribution with a brief and meaningful word of thanks, confining himself strictly to a statement of courtesy.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta stated that, in her assessment, she had already provided an answer to the question posed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi brought the previous debate to a close, thanked Riina Sikkut, and subsequently yielded the floor to Valdo Randpere, the rapporteur for the lead committee. He requested that Randpere provide a brief summary of the decisions reached in the Legal Committee, given that the matter had already been under discussion for four hours.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere, presenting the work of the Legal Affairs Committee on the bill concerning the transfer of Swedish prisoners to Estonia, sharply criticized those members of the Riigikogu who were absent from the committee sessions but later wasted time in the chamber with procedural questions, stressing that gaining knowledge requires active work in the committees, while simultaneously confirming that the committee had decided consensually to conclude the first reading of the bill, having determined that Tartu Prison is secure enough to receive the Swedish inmates.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi finished his presentation, thanked the audience, and immediately gave the floor to Siim Pohlak to start the round of questions, noting that things shouldn't get dull.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak disputes the minister's claim that the taxpayer will incur no costs, pointing out the danger of the contract's 3.5% indexation should inflation occur, which would then begin generating expenses. He also questions whether, given the poor condition of the state budget, Estonia truly needs to start generating revenue by housing prisoners.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere pointed out the common belief that the poor state of the country’s finances is attributable to Martin Helme’s actions as Finance Minister, but stressed that this topic was, however, not addressed in the committee.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to the next speaker, Mart Maastik.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik is challenging the Reform Party's principle of state non-interference in business, criticizing their plan to use vacant state-owned premises for new commercial ventures, and demanding an explanation as to why the property wasn't simply sold off to private enterprises and whether alternative uses, such as establishing a police college, have been sufficiently thoroughly considered.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere strongly defends the proposal to rent out the empty Tartu prison, viewing it as an innovative approach to the export of services and the creation of new jobs, for instance, through cooperation with the Swedish state. He also emphasizes that the fears expressed years ago regarding the prison's negative impact on Tartu's reputation have proven to be unfounded.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker, Toomas Kivimägi, gave the floor to the next speaker, Arvo Aller.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller recalled the 8% economic growth that took place during Martin Helme’s tenure as Minister of Finance. He corrected previous claims regarding the agreement on the return of Estonian prisoners, emphasizing that prisoners holding Estonian citizenship would not be brought to the country. He then asked the commission whether the political consequences of bringing the prisoners to Tartu had been discussed, specifically concerning the city of Tartu and the Reform Party’s ability to remain in power there.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere clarified that the local elections had not yet taken place during the committee’s work, which meant one question remained unaddressed. He also sharply emphasized the distinction between citizenship and national identity, noting that, for instance, Estonians in Sweden are ethnically Estonian but are not required to be Estonian citizens.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker, Toomas Kivimägi, who was presiding over the session, informed Peeter Ernits that he had reached his limit for questions, referencing the number 3, and subsequently yielded the floor to Martin Helme.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme stresses that the Reform Party poses the greatest security threat both to the state and to the city of Tartu through its political and budgetary decisions, accusing the party of misleading voters regarding the local agreement because there has been no real internal discussion. Furthermore, he doubts the legality of adopting the bill with a simple majority, arguing that under Article 50 it should have a budgetary impact and therefore require 51 votes, and has asked the commission for clarification regarding this procedural requirement.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere rejected the accusations that the Reform Party constitutes a security risk in light of the National Defence Committee’s report, recommended waiting for Mihkel Lees’ address regarding the topic of the Tartu Peace Treaty, and clarified that the costs covered by Estonia are actually in budgetary surplus due to the revenues, or at worst, have a zero impact.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to the next speaker, Mart Võrklaev.
Mart Võrklaev
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Võrklaev is questioning the credibility of the Isamaa party, pointing out that their promise to run for Mayor of Tallinn was a blatant lie and a deception of the voters. He then sharply asks whether other Isamaa slogans, such as demanding austerity and reversing tax hikes, should also be viewed as nothing more than empty posturing and outright falsehoods.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere complained that the committee failed to discuss the positions of both the Reform Party and Isamaa regarding the agreements, but he seized the opportunity to express his conviction that Isamaa has been untrustworthy not only recently, but for thirty years now.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi yielded the floor to Priit Sibul, calling upon him to be the next speaker.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul challenged the criteria used for political labeling and asked why Tartu Prison, specifically, remains empty. However, his primary criticism was aimed at the state's activities, arguing that the export of services—such as utilizing vacant prison facilities—should fall under the purview of private entrepreneurs, not the government.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere emphasizes that there are no private prisons in Estonia, and although the Tallinn Prison is necessary, the long-term disuse of the Jõhvi Prison is a cause for concern. This disuse has led to the building’s deterioration and now requires staggering sums for its repair, illustrating the risks of managing idle assets and the associated financial damage.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded the questions directed at Randpere, noting that after five hours and 18 minutes had passed, the negotiation phase had been reached, and invited Heljo Pikhof to the speaker's podium as the representative of the Social Democratic Party faction.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Heljo Pikhof, speaking on behalf of the Social Democrats, expresses fierce opposition to the government's plan to bring serious Swedish criminals, including sex offenders and murderers, to Tartu Prison. She emphasizes that this business plan sacrifices internal security for profit, weakens the police and prison systems by directing valuable resources toward solving the problems of a foreign country, and reduces the sense of security for the people of Southern Estonia, effectively turning Tartu from a university city into a prison city.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi informed [the body] about the proposal from the Social Democratic Party faction (Heljo Pikhof) to reject Bill 682 during the first reading, and subsequently yielded the floor to Tõnis Lukas, the representative of the Isamaa faction.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas requested three additional minutes to continue or conclude his presentation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi confined himself to a highly precise and brief comment regarding the eight-minute period.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas sharply criticizes the transfer of serious Swedish criminals (up to 600) to Tartu Prison, viewing it as a direct consequence of Sweden's unrestrained migration policy. He argues that this move endangers the internal security of Southern Estonia, creates an additional burden on the police, rescue services, and healthcare system, introduces a dangerous subculture, impacts the Estonian legal order, and ignores local municipalities. Consequently, Isamaa demands that the bill be rejected during its first reading to prevent this multifaceted threat to Estonian society.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi introduced Martin Helme, the representative of the EKRE faction, who was allotted eight minutes to speak after requesting additional time.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme urgently demands the immediate rejection of the unacceptable bill concerning the transfer of foreign prisoners to Estonia, stressing that it is fundamentally wrong, diminishes national dignity, and severely jeopardizes the security of Estonians. He sharply criticizes the failed Reform Party government and the Minister of Justice for their inability to secure the core functions of the state and keep criminals behind bars, warning that for trivial cents, the poisonous fruits of the 'multiculti-fairytale' are being imported from Sweden—the surplus of Muslim immigration, murderers, and rapists—which will inevitably increase crime in Estonia. Finally, the speaker promises that if the bill is adopted, EKRE will repeal it at the first opportunity, just like the car tax and the Istanbul Convention.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi, after offering his thanks, gave the floor to Mihkel Lees, the representative of the Estonian Reform Party faction, humorously remarking that the hall was full of true residents of Tartu, and requested an additional eight minutes for the speaker.
Mihkel Lees
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Drawing on his previous experience as Deputy Mayor of Tartu for social affairs, Mihkel Lees refutes the politically stoked fears concerning the placement of Swedish prisoners in Tartu Prison. He cites previous success stories in establishing social facilities that did not diminish security and emphasizes that maintaining the prison ensures hundreds of jobs, critical infrastructure, and enhances crisis preparedness for the region. Consequently, the Reform Party faction supports the ratification of the agreement, as the potential risks have been mapped and adequately addressed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the audience and then, on behalf of and under the authorization of the Estonian Centre Party faction, gave the floor to his colleague Peeter Ernits.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits harshly criticizes the government's plan to bring Swedish criminals to Tartu Prison, referring to them as "very expensive guests" because they generate huge revenue for the regime (€8,500 per month), while the Estonian state cannot find money to raise disability benefits or the subsistence level. He further predicts that the agreement, which was rammed through by a government with low credibility, will be canceled after the next Riigikogu elections.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi informed his colleague that his five minutes were up and requested permission to use extra time.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits asked for three extra minutes to speak.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi gave an extremely brief response, confirming that he had three minutes at his disposal.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits sharply criticizes the excessive "humaneness" of Estonia's penal policy, which allows dangerous criminals to remain free. He cites the tragic case of Tarmo Nõgiaru as an example, where the man murdered his ex-wife and subsequently committed suicide. Ernits argues that to prevent similar failures, the ratification of the Swedish prisoner agreement must be rejected.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the listeners and subsequently gave the floor to his colleague, Ando Kiviberg, who was set to speak on behalf of the Eesti 200 faction.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ando Kiviberg requested three minutes of extra time.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi limited himself to a brief procedural remark, courteously announcing that eight minutes had been allotted for the speaking time.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ando Kiviberg, emphasizing his optimism and focus on solutions, endorses the government’s plan to offer detention services in empty prisons to a wealthy neighboring country, considering it safe, profitable, and the only sensible alternative to demolishing the costly facility. He sharply criticizes the opposition, accusing them of political jealousy and cynical scaremongering that sows baseless panic in society, and calls upon members of the Riigikogu to support this economically viable agreement.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked the participants and then gave the floor to Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta, emphasizing that the minister has the right to participate in the discussions even after the presentations by the factions.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta sharply rejected the opposition’s false claims regarding security and the import of organized crime, asserting that the PPA and Kapo have not observed the alleged increase in workload, that the acceptance of inmates takes place only based on a court decision, and that the standard of medical care and research in Estonia will not decline. Finally, the speaker sincerely thanked the 1,200 employees of the prison service for their indispensable and significant contribution to the internal security of all of Estonia.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller announced that the portion of the debate from the podium had concluded, and procedurally granted the floor to Mart Helme for the next address.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme proceeded to correct the minutes, refuting the commission representative's false information regarding the vacancy of Jõhvi Prison. He clarified that while the prison does have available capacity, it is not standing idle, and he requested confirmation of this fact from the Member of Parliament representing Ida-Virumaa.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller announced that the procedural clarification had been recorded in the transcript, and subsequently gave the floor to Urmas Reinsalu for a reply.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu criticizes the Minister of Justice for his inability to provide quantitative answers concerning the prison's operational activity and visitor numbers. He highlights the warnings from professional experts and accuses the government of irresponsibility amidst the political crisis of confidence. Reinsalu urgently demands that this government, which lacks full democratic legitimacy, postpone the entry into force of the obsessively pushed project until after the next elections, thereby allowing Estonian citizens the opportunity to debate the mandate and ensuring honesty with our partner country, Sweden, which must be informed about the lack of support from the parliamentary opposition.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller concluded the preceding procedure with a brief expression of thanks, and subsequently invited Mart Helme to deliver a reply.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme categorically rejects the minister’s accusation that EKRE intends to send innocent people behind bars, emphasizing that the discussion concerns only criminals who have already been convicted but are currently walking free and committing new crimes. He stressed that these individuals should be isolated from society and serving their sentences to ensure the safety of the Estonian people.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller, following a brief acknowledgment, gave the floor to Lauri Läänemets for a reply, requesting him to deliver his response.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets is voicing the Social Democrats' continued opposition to the government’s prison deal, calling it a terrible business plan that creates three major problems. First, it worsens the availability of healthcare services for the Estonian people due to a shortage of doctors. Second, it harms the labor market in Southern Estonia by removing viable local workers and replacing them with cheap foreign labor. Finally, it introduces security risks that the Minister of Justice, who ignored warnings from the security authorities, has failed to adequately address.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller concluded the debate on Bill 682 and proceeded to vote on the joint proposal put forward by the four major parliamentary groups—the Centre Party, EKRE, Isamaa, and the Social Democratic Party—which stipulated that the bill should be rejected at its first reading, despite the lead committee’s recommendation to conclude the reading.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller announces that the motion failed to gain support during the first reading, as 38 Riigikogu members voted in favor and 49 voted against. Furthermore, the deadline for submitting amendments has been set for 5:15 PM on November 19th of the current year.