On the Management of the Ministry of Defence
Session: 15th Riigikogu, fifth sitting, information briefing.
Date: 2025-05-14 15:58
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
During the course of this agenda item, Member of the Riigikogu Raimond Kaljulaid (opposition) posed a question to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding the delay in the management of the Ministry of Defence and especially the confirmation of implementing acts critical to the defence industry. Kaljulaid pointed out that although the Riigikogu adopted the legislative amendments at the end of last year and they came into force on January 1st, the Minister of Defence has been delaying the confirmation of the implementing acts for almost six months (133 days), which is hindering the development of the Estonian defence industry. Kaljulaid sharply criticised the Ministry of Defence's "dawdling" and asked the Prime Minister when she would show the Defence Minister a red card. Prime Minister Kallas acknowledged the existence of the delay and its regrettable nature, but explained that officials had cited the need for specific technical and engineering expertise in developing complex requirements (e.g., for weapons factories) as the reason for the delay. Kallas promised to have an educational conversation with the Minister of Defence, emphasising that time is the government's most valuable asset and that progress must be rapid in defence matters. In a follow-up question, Reili Rand inquired whether this was an exceptional delay or if there are other significant omissions in the defence sector. The Prime Minister reaffirmed her support for the Minister of Defence and stressed the need to complete matters quickly and correctly in order to strengthen Estonia's defence capability.
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not made.
Most Active Speaker
Raimond Kaljulaid was the most active speaker, posing both the main question and a clarifying question, highlighting specific data regarding the length of the delay, and using sharp rhetoric to pressure the prime minister. Kaljulaid represents the opposition (other).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Next up, Prime Minister Kristen Michal will take the floor to answer, and Raimond Kaljulaid will pose a question on the topic of the leadership of the Ministry of Defence.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid stresses the vital importance of developing the defense industry, and criticizes the defense minister for a six-month delay in approving the implementing acts. He simultaneously asks when the prime minister will finally issue the minister a "red card" and propose his removal from office to the President in Kadriorg.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed that Estonia is strengthening its defense capabilities and supporting Ukraine. While bureaucratic requirements have caused delays, processes must be accelerated, and Estonia will never be brought to its knees.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the previous speaker] and invites Raimond Kaljulaid to ask a clarifying question.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid criticized the Minister of Defence for the year-and-a-half delay in processing the implementing acts and for missing the January 1st deadline, emphasizing that the deadline has now been exceeded by over 133 days, and making the urgent necessary changes to the defense industry requires swift action from the Prime Minister.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Prime Minister stressed that time is limited and developing the defense industry is a priority for the entire government. To achieve this, defense industry parks are being established, funding and regulations are being fast-tracked, and deadlines are being strictly adhered to in cooperation with the defense industry association and relevant companies. Furthermore, if projects are not completed on schedule, this must be reported immediately so that rapid solutions can be found.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks the audience and announces that Reili Rand will ask the supplementary question.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand emphasized that the government must move quickly to strengthen national defense and criticized the protracted implementation of amendments to the Arms Act in the defense sector, asking whether there are still significant tasks left undone or if the delays are merely exceptions.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that he is prepared to address potential delays in the defense sector and will provide full support to the Minister of Defense, the Ministry of Defense, the Defence Forces, and the defense industry to ensure that tasks are completed on schedule and, if necessary, faster than in other countries.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks everyone and concludes the discussion on today's fifth question.