RMK
Session: The 15th Riigikogu, fifth sitting, information briefing.
Date: 2025-03-12 14:30
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 12
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 9m
AI Summaries: 12/12 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The topic of the third question during the Riigikogu debate was RMK, as a state-owned institution, and the transparency of its long-term contracts and potential state aid. Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart posed a question regarding secret long-term contracts, noting that RMK commissioned a state aid analysis from COBALT for 24,000 euros. The analysis claimed that there was no prohibited state aid and that similar secret contracts could continue in the future. Critics also pointed out that the analysis may have been compiled to justify the contracts and did not address all characteristics of state aid, and that RMK would not have treated the contracts throughout their entire duration, but only at the time of signing. A previous audit by the National Audit Office showed the existence of state aid risks, and the debate deepened regarding how much and how publicly disclosed transactions and conflicts of interest should be controlled. The question remained whether ordering a special audit would be sensible and whether a new, broader analysis was even necessary.
Decisions Made 1
No formal decisions were made; the discussion continues and proposals concerning special audits or additional analysis remained open in this session.
Most Active Speaker
As a member of the Riigikogu, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart (pid _982niXL9oQ) was the most active speaker. As a member of parliament, she primarily represents an opposition or critical oversight position (position: other). She raised questions and played a significant role in discussions, seeking to clarify the transparency of task formulation and inter-institutional cooperation, as well as conflicts of interest.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riigikogu member Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart poses the third question to the Minister of Climate, Yoko Alender, regarding RMK.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presenter asked whether the COBALT-compiled analysis of RMK-owned confidential long-term contracts is legally invalid and biased, since it analyzed only a portion of the contracts, left unassessed the signs of state aid and the market impact, and demanded a broader, new analysis.
Kliimaminister Yoko Alender
AI Summary
The sale of state property, including timber from state forests, must be transparent and understandable to everyone, and based on analyses there is no prohibited state aid; the transactions were carried out under market conditions, and the timber must be value-added in Estonia.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech emphasizes that now is your time.
Kliimaminister Yoko Alender
AI Summary
Climate Minister Yoko Alender apologizes and asks whether she may continue.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The discussion can continue because Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart has a clarifying question.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart said that, although COBALT does not blame anyone, the analysis of state aid was not carried out and the documents of secret contracts with RMK are missing, therefore a special audit is needed to identify the people behind the decisions and how the relationships developed, and to ensure future state oversight through the Ministry of Climate.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Your time has come.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He emphasizes that there must be complete clarity in this matter, and asks whether you are ready to order a special inspection.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar gives thanks and, politely, turns to Mrs. Minister.
Kliimaminister Yoko Alender
AI Summary
Before the Riigikogu, Climate Minister Yoko Alender commended RMK’s management for implementing the National Audit Office’s recommendations, noting that most of the actions have been completed and the remainder will be ready in the first half of the year, announced that long-term contracts have been publicly available since 2024 and that data on timber sales is visible to everyone, and stressed that the Ministry of Climate lacks the competence and authority to conduct the investigative activity referred to here.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
They thank the audience and announce that they are concluding the discussion of today's third question.