Inquiry Regarding the Security of the Southeastern Border Region of Estonia (No. 729)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Date: 2025-05-19 18:24
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 49
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 49m
AI Summaries: 49/49 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The first agenda item addressed the inquiry presented by Rain Epler (and associates) regarding the security of the southeastern border area. Parliament heard from Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who provided answers and clarifications concerning plans to strengthen border zone security and the state's measures regarding border area infrastructure, the preservation of the population, and the provision of communication services. Several technical and financially related steps were adopted, including timelines for border and infrastructure construction and the implementation of remote monitoring technology. In addition, the impacts of housing and regional development were discussed. The discussion also centered on how to ensure better communication services and internet connectivity in rural areas and what measures are being planned to promote the preservation of the population and the creation of jobs in border areas.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made. At the end of the discussion, a note was made stating that decisions were not taken and negotiations will continue.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Mart Helme (pid Bav3E8LSHIE) from the EKRE faction. His role is to describe the right-wing political line and to be critical of the government's actions; in this context he represented a strong counter-argument and expressed deep protest with an authoritarian tone in the discussion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Riigikogu begins its sitting today, and the first item on the agenda will be the consideration of the interpellation concerning the security of the Southeast Estonian border region, submitted on March 19th by Rain Epler, Evelin Poolamets, Rene Kokk, Arvo Aller, Helle-Moonika Helme, and Anti Poolamets, which will be introduced by Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler highlighted the challenges facing the Southeast Estonia region and presented the results of the 2023 study: significant out-migration, a lack of job opportunities, poor quality of housing and infrastructure, and incomes that are approximately 27% lower than the Estonian average. He stressed the importance of the region's security and called on the Prime Minister to issue clear and swift instructions to the government for improving the quality of governance and resolving these issues.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offered his thanks and invited Prime Minister Kristen Michal to the Riigikogu rostrum to answer the interpellation.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The government intends to strengthen the security of the Southeast Estonian border zone by completing the border infrastructure by 2026 and establishing drone detection capabilities by 2027. Simultaneously, it aims to improve housing and domestic policies to ensure that young people and specialists remain in rural areas, and to guarantee internet and communication connectivity in those regions. This will involve utilizing modern technical border defense methods, and rather than increasing the number of manned border crossing points, the focus will be on strengthening cooperation with the Police and Border Guard Board, the Defense League, and the Defense Forces, while also investing at least 5% of GDP in defense over the next four years.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the audience, opens the floor for questions, and invites Rain Epler to speak.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asked whether the state plans to encourage the population to settle and work in the southeastern corner, thereby strengthening security. He noted that the response in the coalition agreement points to modern solutions that do not prioritize this, and finally asked whether 57,000 connections is a nationwide Estonian figure.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal answered the questions sequentially, reiterating that the issue of 57,000 addresses affects the whole of Estonia. He also confirmed that by 2025, the fifth support measure, valued at 45 million euros, will be ready, which will enable at least 10,000 additional addresses, including those in rural areas, to connect. Furthermore, while there are no plans to establish additional manned border crossing points, modern technical surveillance will be utilized at the borders.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Evelin Poolamets.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Poolamets emphasizes that incomes in South-Eastern Estonia are 27% lower than the Estonian average, and asks the prime minister when he last visited the region and familiarized himself with the local conditions.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that Estonian people and businesses are strong and hardworking, and while some regions face a labor shortage, there are concerns regarding security, economic growth, reducing bureaucracy, and tax policy. Furthermore, although demographic concerns persist across the entirety of Estonia, opportunities are being identified in Southeast Estonia through new investments, industrial development, and the growth of the defense industry, all supported by high-quality infrastructure and a skilled workforce.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar called Helle-Moonika Helme to the floor.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme criticizes the government’s slogan “5% of GDP,” dismissing it as “number magic.” She argues that as the economy cools, this figure actually amounts to less than 3% of GDP and fails to guarantee greater security. Simultaneously, she questions whether this policy makes the defense resolve of people in Southern Estonia stronger or weaker.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that Estonia must increase its defense budget up to 5% of GDP. To achieve this, taxes must be raised, and if necessary, loans must be taken out despite the budget deficit, ensuring Estonia remains free and independent. Furthermore, by boosting the defense sector’s capabilities and equipment, the overall defense will of the entire Estonian nation will be strengthened.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Arvo Aller to the stage.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller stresses that border surveillance relies on technical capacity, and without personnel, the actual protection of borders is impossible. He simultaneously asks what steps the state is taking to bring people back to rural areas and thereby enhance national security.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that the government is directing foreign funding such that 40% is allocated outside the "golden circles" to stimulate investment across Estonia. Since 2018, over 50 million euros have been invested for this purpose, benefiting 47,000 addresses, while work for approximately 10,000 addresses remains underway. Furthermore, a fifth support measure totaling 45 million euros will be launched, providing connection opportunities for an additional 10,000 addresses. Various steps are also being taken to develop access networks and industry, ensuring a high quality of life and economic development throughout Estonia. The public is encouraged to share constructive proposals.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Mart Helme to the stage.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme accuses the respondents of demagoguery and unpreparedness, claiming that the issues concerning living standards, investments in the housing stock, and the security of border regions received no substantive response. He calls for concrete solutions to be presented so that people stop leaving the border areas, particularly Southern Estonia.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The core message of the speech is that your time has come and it is your turn to act.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The main message of the address is that you are ready for nothing.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar expressed his thanks.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme is complaining that the alarm system isn't working, and nothing at all is working.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announces that Mart Helme's time has come.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme is discussing the issue concerning the 5% threshold and its significance.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar said to Mart Helme: "Your time."
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme stresses that there is a reason why you shouldn't drown yourself.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman expresses his thanks and addresses the Prime Minister with a request.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Kristen Michal said he was confused whether there was a question in that tirade, and noted that if there was no question, there is no answer.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar continues to chair the sitting; Anti Allas poses the next question, but Mart Helme asserts that no answer will be forthcoming, and calls the respondent—who fails to answer—to order, stressing the importance of mutual respect and compliance with the House Rules and Procedures Act.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas is asking the Prime Minister to clarify how the ideas contained in the Hartman memo regarding bringing jobs and investments to the regions are reflected in the new coalition agreement.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Prime Minister noted that he couldn't immediately recall the memorandum, wasn't sure if he had even seen it, and promised to review it later, since it might contain good ideas.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar asked Varro Vooglaid to come and speak.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid acknowledged that genuine regional tax differentiations should be implemented to retain residents in the peripheral region of Southeast Estonia, because payments should reflect the public services provided, such as schools, hospitals, police, and the road network.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that regional tax incentives will not solve the labor and investment shortage in Estonia, and that faster planning, targeted measures, and cooperation between local governments—including support for major investments for job creation—are more effective.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Hussar thanks the Prime Minister, announces that there are no further questions, opens the debate, and invites Rain Epler, the representative of the interpellators, back to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticized the Prime Minister's vague answers regarding living conditions and communication services in border areas, and called for her to resign.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks everyone and invites Mart Helme to the podium.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme stated that Kristen Michal is unsuitable for the role of prime minister and that the Reform Party is linked to corruption. He claimed that EKRE did not cut investments, but rather implemented them, initiating the construction of the eastern border control line and the four-lane Mäo–Tartu highway. At the same time, he accused the current government of operating a "bulldozer regime" that harms Estonia's will to defend, the demography of Southern Estonia, and the issues surrounding Nursipalu.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests three minutes of extra time.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme is accusing the government of corruption and funneling money to their own people, criticizing the delay of Rail Baltic and high salaries, and specifically accusing Kristen Michal of having brought us practically to the brink of military conflict with Russia, concluding by calling the government unfit to govern and irresponsible.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Evelin Poolamets.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
It is emphasized that the border region of Southeast Estonia is not merely a geographical periphery, but an area of critical importance for Estonian security, where the population is declining and services are contracting. Therefore, the state must invest in housing, road and communication infrastructure, and the preservation of schools and essential services. Furthermore, it must improve the mobile network and internet connections, strengthen volunteer and rescue services, increase police presence, and establish more flexible loan and regional support mechanisms so that communities remain and young people return here. Otherwise, the border will vanish, and the integrity of the state will be jeopardized.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks everyone and invites Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helme expresses profound sadness regarding the situation in South Estonia, where government neglect and the reduction of services are forcing people to leave. He argues that the closure of facilities, such as the Põlva maternity ward, demonstrates the severe threat facing our defense readiness and national security. He specifically blames the leadership of the Reform Party and the establishment of the Nursipalu training area for these misguided actions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The presentation asks if the participants require additional time.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He is expressing a wish to take three minutes of additional time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests three minutes of extra time.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme accuses the government of ignoring the interests of the people and dividing the will for national defense, saying that the state’s policies are forcing residents of Southern Estonia to leave and sell their property, thereby causing them to lose faith in the state, which is a delight for Putin.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman offers his thanks and announces that there are no further requests to speak, asks the Prime Minister if he wishes to take the floor, closes the debate, and concludes the consideration of today's first agenda item.