Swedish Prisoners
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th session, information briefing.
Date: 2025-06-11 15:16
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 13
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 13m
AI Summaries: 13/13 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The second question focused on the Riigikogu and concerned Prime Minister Kristen Michal, addressing the issue of Swedish prisoners. The discussion centered on the government's plan to utilize foreign prison services or maintenance options across the border, and the potential impact on internal security, the economy, and jobs. During the discussion, various examples of experiences from other countries (e.g., the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium) were brought up, reference was made to KAPO’s assessments, and it was quite clearly emphasized that the agreement must not increase the risk or undermine national responsibility.
A second topic raised, in addition to the opposition's criticism of the government's management and lack of clear positions, involved the capacity for detention, and the distribution of costs: whether the plan entails the preservation and increase of jobs, the strengthening of internal security, and whether all taxes and drafted proposals are aligned with Estonian interests. It was also noted that the state must be prepared to discuss and, if necessary, make changes, if a regular approach does not work, and that parliamentary involvement must accompany the underlying rationale.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made within the scope of this question; the discussion continues, and the subsequent steps will be decided by the government together with the prime minister.
Most Active Speaker
Martin Helme – Member of the Riigikogu, EKRE; right-wing
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Member of the Riigikogu Martin Helme is posing a question to Prime Minister Kristen Michal regarding the topic of Swedish prisoners.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme asserts that the prime minister's position in the current government is a void, lacking clear policy and accountability. He also questions the validity of Pakosta's actions and whether the draft bill will be sent to parliament.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that while renting out Estonian prisons to foreign countries has not reduced crime, it does increase internal security capacity, helps fill vacant spaces and maintain jobs, and she cited examples from the agreements with the Netherlands and Norway, along with data provided by Liisa Pakosta.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gives the floor to Martin Helme and notes that he has a clarifying question.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme accuses the government of planning to bring criminals, terrorists, and mass immigrants into Estonia, calling it the Orwellian prostitution of the state, and stressing that such a move threatens the nation's security and culture and constitutes a waste of money.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is your time.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme states that we do not agree with that.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman offers thanks and makes a request.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The prison lease agreement for the Tartu region preserves 160 existing jobs, creates at least 250 new jobs, and strengthens training for the prison service, as well as ensuring local crisis management capability and internal security, while competent authorities are responsible for risk mitigation, and the Prime Minister emphasizes that government decisions cannot be finalized without his consent.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Varro Vooglaid asks a follow-up question.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid questions why Estonia plans to build its international profile and offer services to other countries—thereby taking on risks—at a time when KAPO (Estonian Internal Security Service) assesses that threats are growing. Furthermore, he asks why a massive prison was constructed in Tartu, whose necessity is questionable and whose actual revenues, costs, and accountability remain vague.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirms that the Tartu prison is necessary for ensuring internal security and jobs, since the cost of maintaining the foreign inmates is covered by Sweden, and if the agreement is terminated, other solutions will have to be found to cover the costs associated with the empty property.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the audience and announced that he was concluding the discussion of today's second item.