Interpellation concerning men of mobilization age from Ukraine in Estonia (No. 619)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-04-01 23:13
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 55
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 4m
AI Summaries: 55/55 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Interpellation No. 619 concerned Ukrainian men of mobilization age residing in Estonia and their status. The questioners, led by Anti Poolamets, accused Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets (SDE) of misleading the public regarding the actual number of men and reproached the government for keeping and "coddling" over 10,000 men in Estonia who should be defending their homeland. According to the opposition, these are deserters, and Estonia should set an example by training a brigade's worth of these men and sending them to the front line to help Ukraine overcome the combatant crisis.
Minister Läänemets responded that there are approximately 7,000 men of mobilization age who received temporary protection and left Ukraine after the start of the full-scale war. He emphasized that Estonia operates in accordance with European Union directives, which do not permit refusing protection based on mobilization obligations. Läänemets confirmed that the Ukrainian state has not officially asked Estonia to implement any measures regarding these men, and Estonia's aid to Ukraine consists of weaponry, political support, and refugee assistance. The discussion escalated into a sharp political and personal dispute over patriotism, mass immigration, and the actions of the Minister of the Interior.
Decisions Made 1
No new formal decisions were adopted in the Riigikogu during the discussion of the parliamentary inquiry. Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets confirmed the government’s existing policy, according to which Estonia will not begin handing over Ukrainian men of mobilization age or demanding proof of exemption from mobilization from them, as this is not consistent with the EU Temporary Protection Directive, and Ukraine has not submitted the corresponding official request.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speakers included the representatives who submitted the interpellation, particularly Anti Poolamets and Henn Põlluaas, representing the right-wing opposition (EKRE). Anti Poolamets (`zlR48bRHdBw`) introduced the interpellation and delivered the closing remarks, accusing the government of pampering deserters at the expense of the Estonian taxpayer and drawing parallels with the mass immigration era under Karl Vaino. He stressed that over 10,000 men evading service in Estonia sets a poor precedent for Estonia's defense readiness and poses security risks, suggesting that the loyalty of these men to either Estonia or Ukraine is questionable. His stance was clearly opposed to the government's policy, demanding more forceful measures to aid Ukraine by sending these men to the front lines.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Riigikogu will now proceed to Interpellation No. 619, which concerns the situation of mobilization-aged men from Ukraine residing in Estonia, and to which Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets will provide the response. The representative of the interpellators, Anti Poolamets, will introduce the interpellation from the speaker’s stand.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets criticizes the Estonian coalition's aid to Ukraine, specifically pointing out that over 10,000 men of mobilization age are being kept in Estonia and coddled. He proposes genuine assistance: training a brigade's worth of men over a three-to-four-month period, providing them with basic and weapons training, and organizing information exchange with Ukraine. Furthermore, he submits six questions and requests substantive answers.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called upon Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets to take the Riigikogu rostrum and provide the answers to interpellation No. 619.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Before the Riigikogu, Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets explained that while the precise number of Ukrainian men of mobilization age in Estonia is difficult to determine, the necessary data and contacts are available through the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA). He also noted that applying for temporary protection is quicker and simpler than applying for international protection, and that granting exceptions is not permitted. Furthermore, based on surveys, most refugees wish to return to Ukraine within three years, although some plan to live in Estonia for a longer period.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the minister and invited Ants Frosh to ask questions.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch discusses preparing for crises based on the worst-case scenario, addresses mass immigration, and asks what number of mobilization-aged Ukrainian men in Estonia would constitute mass immigration and the resulting security threat (e.g., 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, or 50,000).
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
We have not set a number that would depend on whether individuals are subject to mobilization or not, and I currently do not have a personal assessment regarding that.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas invites Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller asked why the document was not made mandatory and why an individual applying for a residence permit is not required to provide proof that they are not liable for mobilization.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets explains that a certificate confirming that a person is not liable for mobilization is not issued. Instead, the question asked is whether the individual has received a mobilization summons. They do not ask if the person considers themselves liable for mobilization, because not everyone may be aware of this or they might be mistaken. Furthermore, Ukraine does not want to take any measures against those individuals who theoretically might be liable for mobilization.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas calls on Martin Helme to speak.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme criticizes the Estonian government, claiming that other border countries have found a way to check if people are evading Ukrainian military service, and asks why Estonia isn't helping Ukraine and why Estonian boys couldn't be sent to Ukraine, given that Ukraine is defending Estonian freedom—where is the logic in that?
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Estonia provides substantial assistance to Ukraine—including weaponry, political support, intelligence information, and aid for Ukrainian citizens who have sought refuge in Estonia. We provide this support primarily based on the requirements officially requested by Ukraine, without imposing our own terms. Furthermore, to my knowledge, no one in Estonia has decided that any member of the Estonian Defense Forces or the Defense League should be sent to fight in Ukraine.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Jaak Valge to speak.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge asked why there is such a large proportion of mobilization-age men (about 37%) among the Ukrainian citizens who entered Estonia via the Russian border, compared to about 40% at other borders, and who these men actually are.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets stated that he would endeavor to answer to the best of his ability, but he might not always respond in the manner desired or adhere to the logic presented in the chamber. He stressed the diversity inherent in democracy and requested that people not take offense, further adding that he might not be fully up to date with the latest figures or the specific individuals mentioned.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas asked Jaak Valge not to interrupt and to allow the respondent to answer so that the listeners could hear.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that everyone arriving at the eastern border is checked, and only those who can be verified as refugees permitted entry into the European side are admitted. He added that many continue their journey elsewhere in Europe or to Ukraine.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas invites Evelin Poolamets to the stage.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets asks the minister how significant the contribution of draft-eligible Ukrainian men is to Ukraine's defense capability through Estonian taxes, and how that contribution reaches Ukraine.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets said he couldn't give an exact assessment, but logically, the indirect contribution is when you send money to your family, pay taxes, and ensure that women and children in Estonia are able to manage.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas approaches Mart Helme and asks him for something.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme asks what Estonia would do if Ukraine requested suitable men from us to fight on the front line, and whether we have the necessary data and capacity to gather them and arrange their transport to Ukraine.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
If Ukraine asks, we can take action. We know where these individuals live and who is here in Estonia, and if necessary, Estonia will locate them, and the government will discuss, decide, and act accordingly.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas invites Varro Vooglaid to speak.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid emphasized that protest is normal in parliamentary discussion, and asked the minister whether Ukraine does not issue a document confirming departure from the country to men of mobilization age, where he got such a claim, and why other countries check for the existence of the same document when dealing with Ukrainian citizens applying for temporary protection.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said that most Ukrainian refugees currently arriving are coming from the east, across the eastern border, and added that Ukraine does not issue such certificates in Russia.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asks Henn Põlluaas to speak.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas recalls the old days at the Defense League course, expresses surprise at Lauri being a social democrat today and his indifference toward mass immigration and Ukrainian deserters, and finally asks what has happened to him.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
I confirm that an Estonian patriot can hold diverse views, and patriotism is not dependent on a political party. However, it is crucial to help Ukraine and protect Estonia's security.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
My experience tells me that two longer speeches are coming up soon, so we could take Anti Poolamets's question and listen to those speeches, but we will proceed as the order of business dictates; Jaak Valge, please, a procedural question—not a historical review or overview.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge asks about the practice of the Chairman of the Riigikogu, inquiring when and how he interrupts the respondent and reminds them to answer the question if they deviate from the topic and provide long, irrelevant answers.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas commented on the previous speech concerning his youth and worldviews, and stated that he would not pass on greetings to the Speaker of the Riigikogu; instead, those who wished could greet the Speaker themselves, concluding with a procedural question directed at Mart Helme.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme says that when someone refers to him by name and accuses him of being pro-Soviet, it offends him personally. He then recalls his contribution to achieving Estonian independence and the departure of Russian forces, and asks that such insinuations be avoided in the future.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas said that the question was not procedural, and he strongly agrees that playing the Russia card and letting such talk pass one’s lips is excessive here and mostly pointless.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets stressed in his speech the accuracy of facts and the understanding of history, accusing the opposing side of not knowing history and comparing today's massive immigration to that of the Karl Vaino era, pointing to identity issues.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites the public to ask questions.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets says that their loyalty to Estonia and Ukraine may be called into question because they are not fighting for their own land in Ukraine.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Ratas turns to the questioner and announces that it is now the questioner's time to ask questions.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets confirmed that the government does not plan to increase immigration or flood Estonia, emphasizing that the focus remains on aiding Ukrainian refugees and defending the country. He also stressed that history will not be rewritten, even though life is complicated.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Riigikogu Vice-Chairman Jüri Ratas thanked the minister, announced that there were no further questions, opened the debate, and invited the representative of the interpellators to the podium, explaining after the confusion that Anti Poolamets had introduced the interpellation and Henn Põlluaas had confirmed it and requested to speak.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas accuses the government of allowing approximately 11,000 Ukrainian deserters, and immigrants more broadly, into Estonia, claiming that patriotism means defending the Estonian state, culture, and independence, and that the current policy constitutes sabotage and is against the people.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests three minutes of extra time.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas states that Estonian patriotism must stem from the heart and from defending the interests of Estonians, standing firm against dismantling and destruction. He adds that, if necessary, men must be mobilized to Ukraine in accordance with the law, because genuine patriotism cannot be mere pretense, and the Estonian state is currently in danger.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked [them] and invited Anti Poolamets, the representative of the interpellators, to the Riigikogu rostrum to speak.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets criticizes the fact that roughly 10,000 men are evading mobilization and living comfortably at the taxpayer's expense. He emphasizes that military service obligation and setting an example are crucial for young people, and these men should be contributing either on the home front or in logistics.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks if you would like extra time.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He said yes and asked for three minutes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He is asking for three minutes of extra time.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets accuses the political party and the government of being entangled in a Russian influence network through the money and money laundering activities of Putin’s favorite oligarch, Usmanov. He asserts that the sheltering of deserters is part of this scheme, and he calls upon the Minister of the Interior and the Security Police (Kaitsepolitsei) to seriously address the situation, stating that individuals recruited by Russian special services and the threat emanating from across the border endanger Estonian security.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker offered thanks and announced that there were no further requests to speak, before inviting the Minister to take the floor at the Riigikogu rostrum.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets told the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) that true Estonianness is manifested in defending Ukraine and stopping Russia's aggression, and that Ukrainians or war refugees must not be blamed or treated with double standards, because patriotism is diverse and Estonia must act according to Ukraine's wishes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concludes the debate and, before moving on to the next item on the agenda, asks Mart Helme to raise his hand and pose a question regarding the procedure of the sitting.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme claims that the questioners are not praising Russia and that this is a fabrication by the minister. He emphasizes that the question is why the government is not helping Ukraine, for example, by sending aid to the front line, and that if the minister continues to accuse those asking the questions of favoring Russia, his entire way of thinking is flawed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stated that he could not deem this a procedural matter and considered today's eighth item on the agenda to have been addressed.