Government Decisions
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-01-17 14:01
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 15
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 13m
AI Summaries: 15/15 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The discussion of the Riigikogu’s first question focused on the government's controversial decisions and security issues. Riina Solman (Isamaa) criticized Prime Minister Kaja Kallas for sending the car tax bill to the Riigikogu despite a lack of consensus within the coalition. She also questioned why the same approach was not being applied to the security issue concerning the suspension of voting rights for Russian and Belarusian citizens. Prime Minister Kallas confirmed that the car tax bill is on its way to the Riigikogu for substantive debate. Regarding voting rights, Kallas explained that constitutional objections (raised by both the President and the Chancellor of Justice) are preventing a quick solution, which is why the Ministry of Justice is currently working on an option to amend the constitution. In a follow-up question, Solman highlighted the unexpected departure of Commander of the Defence Forces Martin Herem, linking it to the government's alleged unwillingness to fully consider the recommendations of defense experts (e.g., the creation of a tank battalion), especially given Kallas's recent warning about the Russian threat within three years. Kallas defended the government's actions, emphasizing the increase in defense spending to 3.2% of GDP and the need to balance defense investments with other social sector needs. Mart Helme (EKRE) posed an additional question, criticizing the government's economic policy, which is driving businesses in rural areas into bankruptcy and creating an inescapable situation for rural residents through the car tax and the abolition of free public transport. Kallas responded that the economic difficulties in the timber industry are due to the abandonment of Russian and Belarusian resources, and stressed the need to direct investments into the regions and focus on developing skilled labor and innovation.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riina Solman asks Prime Minister Kaja Kallas the first question concerning the government's decisions.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman said that a coalition agreement to cancel the teachers' strike had been expected, but the government announced instead that the car tax bill was being sent to the Riigikogu, despite a lack of consensus within the coalition on the matter. Meanwhile, the bill to revoke the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens has been shelved for months. She asks why the same swift debate is not happening and why that bill is not reaching the Riigikogu so that the security issue can be discussed jointly.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kallas stated that the car tax bill will reach the Riigikogu for debate, and the coalition intends to avoid obstruction. Meanwhile, the suspension of voting rights for Russian citizens was discussed as a quick fix, which is impossible without amending the constitution. The next step, therefore, involves a new analysis by the Ministry of Justice and a proposal for a constitutional amendment, the achievement of which requires either a large majority or two consecutive parliamentary compositions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks [the previous speaker/the floor] and asks Riina Solman to pose a clarifying question.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman asks whether the government is listening to the recommendations of the Commander of the Defence Forces, General Martin Herem, regarding the development of capabilities (e.g., a tank battalion and drone defense), or if it is implementing them selectively, considering his departure and the warning about the Russian threat to NATO borders within three years, which was highlighted in The Times interview.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stresses that the government is utilizing taxpayer funds, noting that we have increased defense spending to over 3% (currently 3.2%). We are adhering to the recommendations put forth by the leaders of the Defense Forces and NATO plans. Simultaneously, we are addressing the needs of teachers, rescuers, police officers, and the social sector. Furthermore, she warns that if Russia succeeds in Ukraine, it may take the next step. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain strong alliances and readiness, and to continue strengthening the country's defense capabilities.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the speaker, announced that there would be one additional question, and invited Mart Helme to take the floor.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme claims that Russia does not fear NATO, and although the Reform Party affirms the NATO alliance, the government’s policy is creating an inescapable situation in rural areas due to job losses, company bankruptcies, the abolition of free bus lines, and the car tax. He asks what is being offered to these people and whether the solution is simply moving to Tallinn.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar's speech emphasizes that it is your time to act.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She claims that people are losing their jobs due to your tax policy and other economic policy decisions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the Prime Minister and presented a request to her.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that Estonia is not alone thanks to NATO, and that strength must be demonstrated through investments, innovation, and regional unity. This approach will ensure the sustainability of defense and the economy, and will direct resources toward higher value-added jobs and structural changes, all while avoiding empty promises and tax hikes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This address clearly states: now is your time to act.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
The problem is what the taxpayer gives him.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offered his thanks and announced that he was concluding the consideration of today's first question.