Open mic
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2025-09-23 01:06
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 62
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 15457h 15m
AI Summaries: 62/62 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda of the Riigikogu session consisted mainly of several Free Microphone sessions, where a wide spectrum of political and social topics was addressed. Criticism was directed primarily at the government's economic and social policies and the principles of the rule of law.
Several speakers, including Kalle Grünthal and Rain Epler, sharply criticized the government's actions, ranging from tax increases to the context of the European Parliament elections. Grünthal questioned the reliability of party ratings, claiming they were manipulated in favor of the governing parties. Mart Helme addressed Kert Kingo's court decision regarding expense compensations, calling it political persecution and warning against the violation of the principles of the rule of law. The Social Democrats (Läänemets, Arhipov, Allas, Kütt) focused on the deepening of inequality, criticizing the 2026 budget plan which favors the wealthy, and drawing attention to the critical situation of special care services and low-wage workers. Anti Allas and Igor Taro took the opportunity to speak in the Võro language on the occasion of Võro Language Week, demanding that the languages of Southern Estonia be granted regional language status. Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, in light of the discussion of the Special Committee on Anti-Corruption, highlighted the exemption of Bolt scooters from the insurance requirement, pointing to possible lobbying and political donations.
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not made
Most Active Speaker
Rain Epler (EKRE, right-wing) was one of the most active speakers, taking the floor three times. He provided a comprehensive overview of world news that is not covered by the Estonian media, and sharply criticized the government's and the European Union's green and energy policies, issuing a warning to voters ahead of the European Parliament elections.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced that following the strike of the gavel, registration for the open mic session would be possible, but as there are no requests to speak, the microphone will not be opened. Today's sitting is concluded, and he wishes everyone success in their work.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman announced that after the gavel strike, all interested parties would be able to register to speak during the open microphone session, and a request to speak was submitted to Kalle Grünthal's podium in the Riigikogu.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal is calling on the Estonian people to act together in support of the teachers' strike, referencing Germany's example and the mindset of serfdom experienced in the past, and stating that together we can resist the government and reclaim our freedom.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The session is concluded, there are no further requests to speak, and we wish everyone a pleasant evening.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi said that after the bang of the gavel, there was an opportunity to register to speak during the open mic session, but no one wished to; he thanked all colleagues, especially those who stayed until the very end, and declared today's sitting adjourned.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas requested that the Riigikogu grant Igor Taro the floor.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
Village libraries are the last remaining pillars of rural culture, and their importance is immense. However, the costs associated with heating, electricity, and acquiring periodicals and books exceed local budgets, which is why state and municipal funding is insufficient. Better, permanent financing is needed so that these libraries can remain free and accessible to everyone and the cultural heritage can be preserved.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announced the round of unscheduled speeches and declared today's sitting closed, wishing everyone strength in their work.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced that following the strike of the gavel, attendees were asked to register for the open microphone, but since there were no registrants, the open microphone session did not commence. The sitting concluded, and he wished everyone success in their work and offered his thanks.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that there were no requests to speak and the floor would not be opened for general discussion. The session is adjourned, and we will reconvene tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He declares the session closed, notes that there are no further requests to speak, and thanks all colleagues.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas called upon his colleagues to sign up for the open floor and requested Rain Epler to come to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler urged everyone to cast their vote in the European Parliament elections scheduled for June 9th, stressing that Estonia and Europe are intrinsically linked, and that these elections must be used to demonstrate that the current government has performed poorly. He also cautioned against liberal promises and called for voters to choose true conservatives and conservative values.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas concluded today's sitting, stating there were no requests to speak, and thanked his colleagues, wishing them strength in their work.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
We have now reached the Open Mic session, and all those who wish to speak may now register for a turn immediately following the gavel strike.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal warns that while Ukraine must be supported, the use of long-range weapons must not be permitted, nor should war be incited, because this could lead to a Third World War. He also calls on leaders, including President Karis, to refrain from making decisions based on ignorance.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker thanks [the previous speaker/assembly] and invites Mart Helme to speak.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme claims that Kert Kingo’s conviction for fraud is political persecution and the trampling of laws underfoot, which threatens Estonia’s legal order and will lead to the end of the state, comparing the situation to Stalinism and North Korea.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He warns that it won't last, and the audience should realize this, even though he questions the limitations of their intellectual capacity.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech was a short thank you to Rain Epler and a request to Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler will provide a traditional worldview overview, addressing the impact of the green transition and the issue of CO2 fees, the growing demand for AI-related copper, the development of energy-efficient solutions, the policies of countries and companies, and anticipated science and technology news, such as AeroShield windows and Neuralink’s Blindsight.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Vice-Chair thanked the audience and announced that the next speaker is Hele Everaus.
Hele Everaus
AI Summary
Based on her experience in Jerusalem, Hele Everaus stresses that the complex situation between Israel and Palestine requires wisdom and responsibility from both sides. Furthermore, she urges that Estonia, through its parliament and its people, must convey an empathetic message for the sake of peace, recognizing that pain is never one-sided.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller offered his thanks and announced that no further requests to speak had been submitted, and the sitting was concluded.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Now we've reached the open mic, and after the hammer falls you can sign up to speak at the open mic.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas called for strengthening the Võro language and for obtaining regional status for the South Estonian language (consisting of Võro, Seto, Mulgi and the Tartu language), presented the vitality of the language and existing initiatives, and emphasized increasing visibility through the Riigikogu, Vanal-Võromaal and Uma Mekk.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chair thanks the audience and then introduces Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler warns that fake news and decisions in foreign and domestic politics that distract attention, together with mistakes made in energy policy, could seriously damage Europe's competitiveness and welfare, and he provides examples regarding the US–China space warfare, the functioning of the British court system, and the state of German industry, to show that far-reaching and prudent decisions are crucial.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, thanked and invited Igor Taro to take the floor.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
In short: it is requested that the Estonian state recognize Võro and Seto as separate languages, enable the use of these languages in state affairs, and ensure that their speeches can be written down using stenography.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked everyone, noting that at the open mic one may speak in some dialects, elsewhere one remains in the standard language and there is a need for a translator, and he noted that today’s open mic was very emotional and pleasant and the session ended.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
After the gavel strike, the vice-chairman Arvo Aller opens the open microphone and announces that Kalle Grünthal has registered for it.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal claims that polls and their sponsors are manipulative, therefore these results do not reflect the true opinion, and the Reform Party's high popularity is not reliable.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller closed the meeting, thanking everyone, and announced that there are no requests to speak and that the meeting has ended — good evening.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
After the gavel falls, registration to speak at the open mic opens.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart claims that the motor vehicle liability insurance requirement established due to the 25-kilogram limit creates an uneven playing field in the market, benefits Bolt, and points to the influence of lobbying and donations to political parties behind the decisions.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the listeners.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks why this topic is under discussion in the committee, and notes that if not topics like these, then which topics should still be brought up for discussion.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks Anastasia.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The topic is currently being discussed by the Anti-Corruption Special Committee.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks and asks for Anti Poolametsa's help.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets said that the green transition is not environmentally friendly, threatens natural landscapes and the economy and democracy, and in Estonia it is necessary to end the fake green transition — the only party that could do it is EKRE.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Despite subsidies, Estonia faces the same fate if we let ourselves be stripped bare.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech begins with thanks, and Lauri Läänemets is invited onto the stage.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets warned that the government's plan for flexible employment contracts and ten paid hours per week will lead to unstable incomes and will reduce workers' social protections, including the removal of overtime pay, and the Social Democrats will defend workers and call on responsible parties to oppose this.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman thanked everyone and asked Vladimir Arhipov to speak.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov highlighted the rape that occurred in a care home against a vulnerable client and asked whether the prosecutor's office protects victims or the perpetrator, and he stressed the need for independent oversight and clear political attention, as well as a strong legal system that protects human dignity.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
They thank everyone and note that they are probably the only Riigikogu member in the hall, and declare the session closed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that following the gavel strike, it would be possible to register for the open mic session. He then invited his colleague, Vladimir Arhipov, to the Riigikogu podium, adding that things were steadily improving.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arkhipov criticizes the 2026 budget plan, arguing that although a unified tax-free minimum and the cancellation of the income tax increase have been promised, these measures increase inequality because the poor pay more and the rich receive more, and calls on the government to follow the principle: the strong help the weak and the rich support the poor.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanks the previous speaker and invites colleague Helmen Kütt to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt highlighted the issue of underfunding for specialized care services and urged the government and the Riigikogu (Parliament) to boost state budget allocations by 40% in the upcoming fiscal year. She stressed that these services are essential human rights provisions, and their potential discontinuation poses a threat to approximately 6,000 individuals who rely on them.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the previous speaker] and next invites colleague Anti Allas to speak from the Riigikogu rostrum.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas is criticizing the government’s decision to increase frontline workers’ salaries by 117 million while simultaneously implementing a tax gift, stating that during a crisis, it would be more appropriate and fairer to direct that money toward raising the wages of teachers, rescuers, and police officers, or toward postponing the tax burden threshold to 4,000 euros.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks his colleague, notes the arrival of the evening’s grand finale, and invites Lauri Läänemets to the Riigikogu podium.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets requests three minutes of extra time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that speeches from the rostrum are limited to a maximum of five minutes and may not be extended, meaning they must fit within the prescribed time limits.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets stresses that inequality in Estonia is high and that the government’s loan-based distribution of funds, which favors the wealthy, is dangerous. He calls for fairer taxation, increased income for middle- and low-wage earners, and higher salaries for teachers, police officers, and rescuers, ensuring the state budget is sustainable and that no one is left behind.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that today's Riigikogu session has concluded, that the open microphone period and all requests for speeches have ended, and that we will meet tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock for the plenary session.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller, after striking the gavel, declared the open microphone period underway, but since no requests to speak were received, he immediately closed both the open microphone session and the entire meeting, wishing the audience a good evening.