Request for information regarding the establishment of a business council and the potential conflicts of interest of its members (no. 788)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2025-09-22 19:39
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 64
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 37m
AI Summaries: 64/64 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda item concerned the Riigikogu members' interpellation regarding the establishment of the Business Council and the potential conflict of interest among its members. Interpellator Tiit Maran (SDE) introduced the inquiry, expressing concern over the council's unexpected formation (March 2025) and the lack of transparency in selecting its members. Maran criticized that the council provides selected large entrepreneurs with a direct route to the government, focusing narrowly on reducing bureaucracy and economic growth, while sidelining other societal groups, such as local governments, trade unions, and environmental organizations. He also highlighted the risk of a conflict of interest, as several council members are financial supporters of the governing parties. Prime Minister Kristen Michal defended the council, emphasizing that its purpose is to consolidate practical experience for identifying sources of excessive bureaucracy and making proposals that support economic growth. Michal confirmed that the council is merely an advisory body, lacking decision-making power, and all proposals will go through the standard legislative process and inclusion. He rejected the accusations of conflict of interest, noting that the council represents companies of various sizes and sectors, as well as key business organizations. During the debate, questions were raised about gender balance (4 women out of 16 members) and the government's low level of trust, which would necessitate broader cooperation. The Prime Minister stressed that the council is essential for maintaining consistent pressure to increase state efficiency, referencing his previous zero-bureaucracy project.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The third item on the agenda is the interpellation submitted on May 21st regarding the establishment of the business advisory council and the potential conflict of interest of its members, which Riigikogu member Tiit Maran will introduce from the rostrum.
Tiit Maran
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Tiit Maran submitted an inquiry in which he expressed doubts about the transparency and the regulation of conflicts of interest within the recently formed Business Council. He also asked how this direct line to the government, the rules of procedure, and the safeguarding of public interest are organized, and whether this situation poses a risk of corruption.
Tiit Maran
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Tiit Maran submitted an interpellation concerning the Council of Entrepreneurs, which was unexpectedly formed in March 2025. The Council grants selected large entrepreneurs a direct route to the government under the guise of reducing bureaucracy. Maran sharply criticized the council's non-transparent formation, its disregard for public interests (including those of local governments), and the potential conflict of interest, noting that the membership includes financiers of the governing parties. This situation creates an impression of corruption and calls the strategic management of the state into question.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked [the assembly] and invited Prime Minister Kristen Michal to the Riigikogu rostrum to answer the interpellation.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal responded to an inquiry regarding the formation of the Council for Efficiency and Economic Growth and the potential conflict of interest among its members. She explained that the Council is a purely advisory body, whose purpose is to consolidate practical experience aimed at reducing bureaucracy and supporting economic growth. She emphasized that members were selected to represent diverse sectors and that any conflict of interest is precluded by the fact that the Council lacks decision-making power. Furthermore, all proposals must pass through a transparent and standard legislative process, which ensures the involvement of other societal groups in subsequent policy-making stages.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Council of Entrepreneurs was established to consolidate practical experience and assessments, identify excessive bureaucracy, and propose ways to improve the business environment and foster economic growth; members were selected to represent companies of various sizes and sectors, and any conflict of interest is precluded because the council serves purely as an advisory body. Furthermore, all proposals are published on the Government Office website and proceed through the legislative process, involving other societal groups where necessary.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar thanks the Prime Minister and announces that there are questions, inviting Lauri Läänemets to take the floor.
Lauri Läänemets
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Lauri Läänemets conveys the concern of many entrepreneurs whose vision does not align with that of the business representatives sitting at the government's table. They fear that the prime minister's promised rapid implementation of proposals will limit their opportunities in Estonia and create an unequal situation where some receive the green light and can move forward quickly, while others are excluded from the usual ministry processes.
Lauri Läänemets
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Lauri Läänemets expresses concern that entrepreneurs whose vision does not align with the proposals and quick promises on the table are being restricted, and he asks how it is possible that some are given the green light and can move forward quickly, while others are left out.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The website of the Government Office states the aim of the advisory council and the composition of its wide membership, which encompasses business organizations from various sectors and large organizations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Tiit Maran to speak.
Tiit Maran
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Tiit Maran emphasizes that although it is claimed there are no conflicts within the council, the recently revealed plan that 70% of Estonian forests should become intensively managed has surfaced. He criticizes the bureaucracy, the lack of planning and growth aspirations within it, and sees it as serving the interests of only one sector, while simultaneously asking how other societal groups will be involved and whether the problem needs to be viewed in a different light.
Tiit Maran
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Tiit Maran casts doubt on the council’s alleged impartiality, citing the climate minister’s unexpected announcement that 70% of Estonian forests should be designated for intensive management. He sharply criticizes this proposal as purely serving the raw material interests of a single sector, arguing that it contradicts the council’s stated goals of reducing bureaucracy and supporting economic growth. Furthermore, he questions why all other societal stakeholders, apart from a narrow circle of entrepreneurs, have been excluded from the decision-making process.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal defended the composition of the Business Council, emphasizing that its very purpose is to provide the government with ideas from diverse economic sectors. She also affirmed that broader proposals are always discussed with other interest groups, while simultaneously viewing the 70/30 principle as a good balance between nature conservation and the timber industry.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that the entrepreneurs' advisory council comprises various sectors (agriculture, timber industry, environment, circular economy, and maritime affairs). Their role is to submit ideas and proposals to the government, which will then be debated within the normal legislative process. He also stressed the importance of balancing the 70/30 principle when considering both nature conservation and the timber sector's perspective.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called on Tanel Kiik.
Tanel Kiik
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Tanel Kiik criticizes the government, arguing that despite talk of widespread inclusion, the established advisory council is intentionally narrow, involving only selected businesses while excluding employee representatives (trade unions), healthcare workers, and environmental NGOs. Consequently, this constitutes neither equal treatment nor a broad-based public debate.
Tanel Kiik
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Tanel Kiik is criticizing the prime minister, arguing that the Advisory Council for Entrepreneurs only includes business owners, excluding trade unions or other societal representatives, which fails to guarantee equal treatment.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The goal of involving entrepreneurs is to find efficiency and economic growth, and that is why entrepreneurs specifically were invited to participate in the Business Council, while other sectors are participating in the debate as a logical step.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirms that the initiative is aimed at seeking efficiency and economic growth, and precisely for this reason, only entrepreneurs have been included in the business council, stressing that this specific approach is logical because other relevant sectors participate in policy shaping in other debates.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Züleyxa Izmailova.
Züleyxa Izmailova
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Züleyxa Izmailova criticizes the government for the lack of transparency in the selection of members for the Economic Growth Council and, specifically, for the gender imbalance, stressing that only a quarter of the council's 16 members are women. She demands an explanation as to why it was not deemed important to ensure more equal representation, which, stemming from social democratic values, would help shape a more cohesive and fairer society.
Züleyxa Izmailova
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Züleyxa Izmailova criticized the transparency and gender balance of the Government's Council for Economic Growth and Entrepreneurs. She specifically questioned why women constitute only a quarter of the 16 members and why ensuring more equal representation—which would reflect societal diversity and foster a more cohesive community—was not considered important.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal expressed support for gender balance (as men and women were equally represented in his first government), but emphasized that the composition of the council is primarily determined by the willingness of participants and the involvement of entrepreneurs, meaning the makeup may change over time.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that she wants a gender-balanced council and that its membership will be assembled based on the willingness to participate, involving various business leaders, although the composition may change over time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Helmen Kütt to speak.
Helmen Kütt
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Helmen Kütt asks why the leaders of all the parties represented in this hall have not been convened to jointly discuss the situation that has arisen in Estonia and the possible ways to solve the problems.
Helmen Kütt
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Helmen Kütt is concerned about the decision-making process, but her main question to the Prime Minister is why the government has not utilized a format where the leaders of all parties represented in parliament are convened to discuss the problems facing Estonia and find solutions through broader cooperation, considering that the people elected representatives to the Riigikogu from several parties, not just the coalition.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
He remarked that it's not a bad idea at all, and perhaps it would be worth using it.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal offered his thanks and announced that he considered the submitted idea a good one and was weighing its utilization, noting that it was apparently not a bad idea at all.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Jaak Aab to speak.
AI Summary
He raised the question of why the entire operation appears to be a campaign and why there is such an extraordinary atmosphere, referencing previous attempts at state reforms and cutting bureaucracy, and stressing that ministers should listen to entrepreneurs daily and implement their proposals.
AI Summary
In a question directed at the Prime Minister, Jaak Aab expresses doubt as to whether the state reform and the reduction of administrative burden are merely campaign-driven activities, emphasizing that ministries should be dealing with reducing bureaucracy and listening to entrepreneurs constantly and daily, rather than treating it as an extraordinary action.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Mihal announced that, in order to make the functioning of the state more efficient, an advisory council will be established for reducing bureaucracy and reviewing regulations. This council will involve entrepreneurs and focus on the priorities of security and prosperity. Furthermore, approximately 700 proposals have already been received, which are intended to make the Estonian economic environment faster, simpler, and corruption-free over the next five to ten years.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal explains that while ministries handle the daily concerns of businesses, making the state function more efficiently and eliminating the bureaucratic excess that accumulated during good times requires a council established under the Prime Minister. The council’s aim is to use the pro bono contribution of top entrepreneurs to make Estonia’s economic space faster and less bureaucratic, a move that recalls a similar zero-bureaucracy project that later stalled between 2015 and 2016.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech is a brief request to invite Reili Rand.
Reili Rand
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Reili Rand acknowledges that this council has yielded some successes, pointing to the reduction of bureaucracy as a crucial issue. She suggests forming separate councils to address local government/regional inequality and environmental issues, emphasizes the importance of continuity in state governance, and reminds us that the Climate Council she previously established has been terminated and should be brought under direct government management.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand acknowledges the work of the council in question regarding the reduction of bureaucracy, a task long overdue, but she poses a critical question to the Prime Minister: whether implementing necessary changes requires creating a separate advisory body for every topic (like regional inequality or the environment). She also referenced the fact that the Prime Minister’s previous climate council had ceased operations.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that although there are many proposals to bring these councils under the Prime Minister, the capacity of the Prime Minister and the Government Office is limited. They are trying to do their best, and in the future, they do not rule out taking on initiatives in any field.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal explained that while there are many recommendations to bring various councils under the Prime Minister’s direct oversight, the limited capacity of the Government Office places constraints on this. However, she affirmed that they will strive to do their best and that no sectoral initiative will be ruled out in the future.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Peeter Ernits to speak.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits starts by offering sincere praise to the Prime Minister for an excellent initiative, but then poses a critical question regarding why the government has been too reserved and soft-handed in "culling" officials—meaning the forceful reduction of state bureaucracy—referencing the need to "thoroughly air out" the civil service.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits praises the prime minister but questions why he has gone so soft on officials, despite the fact that over 700 proposals have been submitted and already implemented for the benefit of Estonia.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal asserted that the government is undergoing continuous cuts and bureaucracy will be reduced by nearly 20%. He emphasized the need for greater efficiency and regulatory simplification, which will reduce the number of civil servants and allow for potential salary increases where necessary.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal rejects the notion that dedicated civil servants pose a problem for the state. At the same time, she affirms that the government is engaged in continuous and systematic bureaucracy reduction (including the agreed-upon 10% cut and future additional reductions) to keep the budget lean and secure funds for salary increases. She stressed that the true focus should be on simplifying requirements and regulations, which subsequently reduces the necessity of complying with them.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut is requested to speak during the address.
Riina Sikkut
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Riina Sikkut notes that the bureaucracy that has accumulated over 30 years must be eliminated or eased, and that it is possible to simplify processes using technology. However, since this falls under Erkki Keldo’s area of governance and is a kind of expression of distrust, she finally asks whether the position of Minister of Entrepreneurship could be cut in the name of reducing bureaucracy.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut commends the Prime Minister's initiative to reduce the bureaucracy that has accumulated over 30 years and simplify business, calling it praiseworthy. However, she poses a counter-question: if cost savings and bureaucracy reduction are so important, should the position of the Minister of Entrepreneurship itself be cut?
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that Estonia is expecting the beginning of modest economic growth, and the feedback from entrepreneurs regarding the country's economic activity is positive. New investments have been made in the industrial sector, and although the review of regulations affects several areas, it is a field of cooperation between the prime minister and the other ministers.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal defended Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry Erkki Keldo against accusations of creating a political intrigue, emphasizing his excellent work, positive feedback from entrepreneurs, and positive indicators in the Estonian economy, such as nascent growth and industrial investments. She added that a comprehensive review of regulations is a multi-sectoral issue requiring coordination at the prime ministerial level.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the Prime Minister, announces that there are no further questions, opens the debate, and invites Tiit Maran to speak on behalf of the interpellators.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the Prime Minister, declared the round of questions closed, and subsequently opened the debate, giving the floor first to Tiit Maran on behalf of the interpellators.
Tiit Maran
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Tiit Maran emphasizes that the state and society are something more than mere business, which is why bureaucracy must be curbed holistically, taking into account both social and environmental limits, rather than proceeding solely from the viewpoints of a single interest group, while accusing the government of abandoning strategic and comprehensive state governance.
Tiit Maran
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Tiit Maran states that the state and society are not merely entrepreneurship; they require a comprehensive outlook that incorporates diverse perspectives and considers the boundaries of the economy, the environment, and social well-being. This involves avoiding a campaign-style, unilateral approach and ensuring strategic governance alongside the reduction of bureaucracy.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Vice-Chair thanks the audience and calls upon Peeter Ernits.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits praises Kristen Michal's initiative and emphasizes that, in order to develop the Estonian economy and the state, it is necessary to broadly involve entrepreneurs, the scientific community, and institutional leaders, and to shed light on the matter, thereby reducing siloing and increasing cooperation and trust.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits sincerely commends Prime Minister Michal’s initiative to establish an economic advisory council, viewing it as a positive step akin to the former ‘club of economic friends.’ However, he emphasizes the urgent need for the government to break free from its isolation and “bring light into the house,” expanding consultations beyond just entrepreneurs and the Academy of Sciences to include the leaders of other associations and political factions. This is necessary to improve genuine cooperation and restore the currently low level of trust in state governance.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a short question that Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks a colleague: Does he want additional time?
Peeter Ernits
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The speech will only last a couple of minutes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He asks for two more minutes.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits sincerely praises Prime Minister Michal, noting that time is short, the situation is tense, and the elections are right around the corner, but he adds that this is a superb initiative and there should be more of them.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits is giving Prime Minister Michal rare and sincere praise for some excellent initiative, emphasizing that such positive steps are especially needed in the current tense political situation (which he compares to sitting in a trench), since elections are just around the corner.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the attendees, declared the debate closed, and confirmed that this concluded the consideration of the third item on the agenda.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the parties, closed the discussions, and announced that the consideration of the third item on the agenda had been concluded.