Trust crisis
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
Date: 2025-06-04 15:01
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 13
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 12m
AI Summaries: 13/13 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
At the session's start, the question posed by Member of the Riigikogu Aleksandr Tšaplõgin (pid: tqf_ePph_iY) to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding a crisis of confidence was addressed. Tšaplõgin referred to the assessment of political analyst Martin Mölder, stating that the support for the ruling parties is exceptionally low (approximately 20%), calling it the darkest period in recent Estonian democratic history. He directly asked why the government was not stepping down, given that the low support damages the country's ability to govern.
Prime Minister Kallas responded that the organization of state life is stipulated in the constitution and laws, and the government operates with the support of the parliamentary majority. She emphasized the government's priorities: increasing defense spending above 5% of GDP, which enjoys popular support, and reducing the tax burden. Kallas cited the increase of the income tax-free minimum to 700 euros and the abolishment of the car tax as examples.
In a clarifying question, Tšaplõgin accused the government of breaking election promises and deceiving the public, citing tax increases and claiming that Estonia's security (including economic and energy security) is the worst it has been in the last 30 years. Kallas refuted these claims, presenting figures demonstrating a decrease in the tax burden for the years 2025–2029, and called references to new taxes by the opposition political propaganda. Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart (pid: uIN2fJ9voPY) raised an additional question concerning the decline in a sense of belonging among Estonian residents, brought up by President Karis, which is a result of the government’s inconsistent behavior (converting temporary tax increases into permanent ones, car tax). Prime Minister Kallas responded that, according to a Eurobarometer survey, the credibility of the Estonian government is at the European Union average. She explained that a decline in trust is often linked to economic uncertainty, political polarization, and targeted attacks against state institutions. Kallas promised that the government would address the economic situation and called for a reduction in polarization.
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not made.
Most Active Speaker
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin (ID: tqf_ePph_iY) was very active, posing two sharp questions to the prime minister regarding the government's resignation and a crisis of confidence. His affiliation is opposition (other).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Parliament has registered 11 questions. The first of these is addressed to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, the question is being posed by Riigikogu member Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, and the topic is the crisis of confidence.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He asserts that support for the Estonian government stands at roughly 20% and the opposition at 80%, arguing that this is not a temporary fluctuation but a permanent state of affairs, and calling it the darkest period in the recent history of democracy. Because of this, he asks them directly: why won't you resign?
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stressed that, against the backdrop of Russian aggression, Estonia must increase defense spending for its protection to at least 5% of GDP (with a projected figure of around 5.4%). Concurrently, the tax burden will be lowered—corporate income tax will be abolished, the income tax-free minimum will rise to 700 euros, and car tax relief will be provided for families with children and people with disabilities. These steps have the support of the Estonian people, and the state’s administration and decisions will remain strictly within the confines of the constitution and the law.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the participants and asks Aleksandr Chaplygin to pose a clarifying question.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He questions whether the government has the right to lead the Republic of Estonia, accusing them of deceitfully obtained mandates, tax increases, breaking their promises, and allowing national security to deteriorate.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal criticized Urmas Reinsalu's articles, labeling them political propaganda. She then presented figures showing a decrease in the tax burden (36.8% in 2025, 35.6% in 2026, 35.1% in 2029), and promised that next year the progressive income tax would be abolished and the tax-free minimum income would be raised. For the average wage earner, this change translates to approximately 1,500 euros of additional annual income, a figure that can be verified using online calculators.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the speaker, and colleague Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart asks a follow-up question.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart's speech highlights that the current tax policy and the failure to deliver on promises have led to a decline in people's sense of belonging and trust in state institutions. She further emphasizes that Estonian unity is crucial for national security and asks what concrete steps will be taken to restore this.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The central message of the speech is that now is your time, and you have the opportunity to take action.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks what the answer to the President was when he posed a similar question to him.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the assembly and invites the next speaker to take the floor.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that trust in the Estonian government is at the European average level, and the reasons for the drop in confidence are economic uncertainty and political polarization, which should be addressed by greater dialogue, less name-calling, and cooperation with businesses to simplify the economy.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He/She thanks everyone and concludes the discussion on the first question for today.