The situation in the country
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
Date: 2025-06-04 15:27
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 13
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 14m
AI Summaries: 13/13 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Within the framework of the third question, Helle-Moonika Helme, as Riigikogu curator, addressed Prime Minister Kristen Michal to express her opinion on the state of the country. Helme highlighted the rapid rise in inflation and the increase in the prices of consumer goods, and asserted that the impact of tax policy on ordinary citizens is ecologically and economically important. She presented a specific example of a family with two children and asked how much such a family would lose or gain due to the tax packages being prepared for next year. The discussion centered on the impact of the state budget and tax system on the consumer, and the sustainability of politicians at the national level.
Decisions Made 4
Reduction of state budget expenditures by 1.4 billion euros over three years, agreed upon by the coalition government; pensions, teacher salaries, defense capabilities, and internal security will be preserved, but cuts will be made to the remaining expenditures.
Reduction in labor and operating costs in 2025 of approximately 1.1% – the first such step since the financial crisis.
Increasing food safety as part of crisis preparedness: the number of crisis stores will be increased from 46 to 110 by the end of 2026, equipped with generators to ensure crisis supplies; further implementation of plans and improvement of the crisis store network.
Continuing the advisory board focused on agricultural bureaucracy and economic efficiency (the advisory board for economic growth efficiency) together with representatives of agricultural enterprises, accepting proposals and implementing them to simplify entrepreneurship and agriculture in Estonia.
Most Active Speaker
Helle-Moonika Helme, a member of EKRE; right-wing (law-and-conservative bloc).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announces that today's third question is addressed to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, posed by Riigikogu member Helle-Moonika Helme, and the topic is the state of the nation.

Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme is criticizing the price hikes and the tax package, arguing that the government isn't leaving people with more money in their pockets. She presents a specific example involving a family with two children to illustrate exactly how much they will gain or lose next year because of these tax packages.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Prime Minister notes that the main cause of inflation is wage growth coupled with rising commodity prices, and to curb it, state budget expenditures will be reduced by 1.4 billion euros over three years, and growth in public sector wages will be restricted. Simultaneously, the abolition of the progressive income tax is being discussed, which could result in annual savings of approximately 1,500 euros for those earning the average salary.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the floor and invites Helle-Moonika Helme to ask a clarifying question.

Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helme accuses the government of presenting incomplete facts and claims that taxes will raise prices and inflation, which will reduce real growth and the standard of living, ultimately leading the economy into recession. He calls for an end to the sharing of misinformation and demands a reality check.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Prime Minister confirmed that Statistics Estonia is independent, and while there have been discussions and some recalculations regarding the data methodology, the economy continues to show growth in higher value-added sectors. The greatest concern, however, is the uncertainty generated by American tariff policy.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks and announces that colleague Mart Helme will ask the follow-up question.

Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme stresses that Estonia operates in the real world and that food security is vulnerable because we produce insufficient quantities of potatoes and cannot independently supply ourselves with beef, pork, or grain. Furthermore, blockades could arise during a crisis. He asks whether the government has considered halting the supply of foodstuffs, using restrictions and bureaucracy, to guarantee the security of the population.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the audience and notes that this is their time.

Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme emphasizes that the implementation of restrictions should allow for small-scale production and mitigate a potential food crisis.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and asks Mr. Prime Minister for something.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed that the food supply remains stable and the network of crisis stores is expanding: 46 stores are already equipped with generators, with a plan to reach 110 crisis stores by 2026. Simultaneously, he stressed the importance of reducing bureaucracy in agriculture, engaging businesses, and adopting specific proposals.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He/She thanks everyone and announces that the consideration of the third question will be concluded today.