Regional inequality
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th session, information briefing.
Date: 2025-06-11 16:51
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 7
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 4m
AI Summaries: 7/7 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The first topic concerned regional inequality, which fell under the responsibility of Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leisi. Member of the Riigikogu Jaanus Karilaid posed a question to determine how the minister saw a possible solution to reduce two major disparities – the central attraction centers of Tallinn and Tartu, and the rest of Estonia. The discussion highlighted that the size of regional inequality is significant, with Tallinn’s GDP per capita being approximately 110% of the EU average, while Southeastern Estonia remains around 50%. There was an understanding that this is a complex, multifaceted problem, the solution of which requires systemic, cross-sectoral, and long-term cooperation. The minister noted that infrastructure is one important component, but broader measures are necessary, and work must continue with both regional and infrastructure-defined forces in the name of more distant goals.
The second topic concerned the Rohuküla–Haapsalu railway project and the situation at Estonian Railways. Since the building permit in the direction of Rohuküla is valid until 2028, Jaanus Karilaid asked how far along and whether action has already begun. The response indicated that Estonian Railways has submitted the necessary documents and goals are in place, but currently no action is underway, and the Haapsalu direction's continued construction is not mentioned as a priority in the coalition agreement. The message emphasized that the main directions remain towards Tartu and Narva, and the Haapsalu railway is secondary in current plans and will remain a matter for consideration in the long term. Overall, this concerns questions of discussions and long-term goals alongside initiating activities and decisions, the further progress of which depends on the coalition's general direction and financing decisions.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made on the agenda. The topics point more towards discussion and long-term plans; decisions regarding the further development of Haapsalu will remain for action in the coming years, and further work depends on the coalition agreement and available resources.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Member of Parliament Jaanus Karilaid (pid M_I0ti5l7pQ). He represented active questioning and discussing the situation from the perspective of the minister of infrastructure. Position: other (Member of Parliament, Centre Party).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riigikogu Member Jaanus Karilaid is presenting the ninth question to Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis regarding regional inequality.
Jaanus Karilaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaanus Karilaid voiced his concern regarding the widening regional disparities, highlighting Tartu and Tallinn as powerful economic hubs, and subsequently asked the minister what concrete policies they intend to implement to narrow these gaps.
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis stated that Estonia's regional inequality is significant and multifaceted, and reducing it requires long-term, broad-based cooperation, as well as investments outside the Tallinn–Tartu–Pärnu area, including the development of roads, internet, and other infrastructure.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Today, Chairman Lauri Hussar clarified the time constraints for questions and answers—for instance, two minutes for a question and three minutes for an answer (five minutes total), as well as a 20-second question and a one-minute response—and subsequently invited Jaanus Karilaid to take the floor.
Jaanus Karilaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Rohuküla railway project has been granted a construction permit, which remains valid until 2028. All political parties have pledged to ensure its completion, and Estonian Railways is prepared to act as the implementing agency. But has the work actually started yet?
Taristuminister Kuldar Leis
AI Summary
The extension of the Haapsalu railway is not included in the coalition agreement, and it will remain a project for the coming years, because Estonian Railways is focusing on the Tartu and Narva routes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The information hour is concluded; I thank the members of the government and all colleagues for the substantive discussion, and we will resume at two o’clock with the Riigikogu plenary sitting.