Country Life
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-04-03 16:00
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 11
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 15m
AI Summaries: 11/11 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The fifth question posed in the Riigikogu centered on rural life and was directed at Regional Minister Madis Kallas, addressing the impact of work and rest time requirements related to seasonal labor on the economies of rural regions. Questioner Andres Metsoja highlighted that a 2023 ruling by the European Court of Justice establishes new rules for protecting workers' health, and the requirement for 11 consecutive hours of rest time and a maximum of 13 hours of working time could result in fines—especially for small businesses where the use of collective agreements is restricted. The discussion aimed to evaluate how this regulation affects agriculture, fishing, and forestry, and what specific mitigation and support measures the Estonian government plans to implement. Concerns were also raised regarding the preservation of rural life and the future of regional policy, including options for restructuring the revenue base distribution for local governments to ensure that rural areas maintain viability and food security is preserved.
Decisions Made 1
No final decisions have been made. The government and relevant ministries are continuing negotiations with the sectors to find relief measures and standardized regulations (including practical implementation plans for work and rest time requirements). Also under consideration is the proposal for the redistribution of the revenue base of local governments during the spring session, with the aim of strengthening the economy and food security in rural areas.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Riigikogu member Andres Metsoja, whose speech and questions were central, and whose points continued to draw responses on various topics. His position is often comparatively viewed as "other," or that of an outsider on the political spectrum, as his appearances do not articulate a clear right-wing or left-wing ideology.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Member of Parliament Andres Metsoja asks Regional Minister Madis Kallas about the topic of rural life.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
When discussing life and economic activity in rural areas, Andres Metsoja highlighted that the 11-hour consecutive rest period, mandated by the 2023 European Court of Justice decision, generates additional bureaucracy and potential fines that impact seasonal work and small businesses. He then asked how Estonia plans to cope with this situation and what message should be given to farmers and seasonal workers.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar addresses the minister with a request and says yes.
Regionaalminister Madis Kallas
AI Summary
Regional Minister Madis Kallas stated that the agricultural sector needs relief, and negotiations are currently taking place to achieve this, given the importance of rural life and food security. Furthermore, during the spring session, they hope to introduce a proposal to the Riigikogu concerning the redistribution of the revenue base for local municipalities, a measure intended to strengthen rural regions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks the previous speaker and invites Andres Metsoja to ask a clarifying question.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
According to speaker Andres Metsoja, the Estonian economy is shifting excessively towards seeking short-term profit and sanctions, thereby forcing rural workers to contend with foreign labor and jeopardizing both practical rural wisdom and the viability of regional economies.
Regionaalminister Madis Kallas
AI Summary
Regional Minister Madis Kallas said that in addition to fisheries, the simplification of bureaucracy and reporting must be strengthened, and in a crisis situation, measures from the Rural Development Foundation (Maaelu Edendamise Sihtasutus) should be activated to improve the liquidity of small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises. Furthermore, a format must be found that genuinely reaches the farmers, taking inspiration from the practices of other countries, such as Portugal.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Arvo Aller to present a follow-up question.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller pointed out the complexity involved in calculating seasonal working hours, the growing bureaucracy, and the fear of sanctions faced by farmers. He also referenced the issues surrounding bird protection and the 4% of land that must be taken out of production, concluding by asking what simplifications would actually be implemented in the 2024 area subsidy application.
Regionaalminister Madis Kallas
AI Summary
Regional Minister Madis Kallas said that the topics concerning the e-farm register have been reviewed, and the subsequent extensions, the reduction of the bureaucracy package, and the abolition of the requirement to exclude 4% of productive land depend on the European Commission's solutions, which are expected as early as 2024. At the same time, the deterrent hunting of geese and three main problems for the fishing industry—the growing populations of geese, cormorants, and seals—are being addressed. Furthermore, there are currently no specific changes regarding area subsidy applications; however, weekly meetings are held with PRIA (the Agricultural Registers and Information Board) and information is exchanged with the sector to ensure the timely payment of funds.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar expresses his thanks and announces that he is concluding the consideration of today's fifth question.