First reading of the Draft Resolution (365 OE) of the Riigikogu concerning the resolution titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Eliminate the Russian-Language Versions of the Websites of Ministries and Other Government Agencies."
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-04-10 19:03
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 43
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 52m
AI Summaries: 43/43 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The next item on the agenda was Draft Resolution 365 of the Riigikogu, submitted by the faction of the Conservative People’s Party of Estonia (EKRE), titled: “Proposal to the Government of the Republic to liquidate the Russian-language versions of the websites of ministries and other government institutions.” The draft was submitted for its first reading and was presented at the Riigikogu rostrum by Jaak Valge. As this was the first reading, the focus was on the change proposed by the draft and its potential consequences, both for the country’s linguistic reputation and for crisis communication needs. The aim of the draft was to reduce Russian-language websites and promote the use of Estonian-language information in the public sphere, which raises questions about the state’s language policy and the accessibility of information, and how information reaches all citizens during crises.
Decisions Made 1
The Riigikogu decided to place the draft bill on the plenary session agenda and hold the final vote; the date for the final vote was confirmed by consensus as April 9th, although it was later noted that April 9th was changed to April 10th.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Jaak Valge (EKRE faction), a member of the Riigikogu and the proposer of the bill. He represented the right-wing political spectrum (in the broad sense). He led the discussion and presented the main arguments and comments concerning the bill's objectives.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Draft Resolution 365 of the Riigikogu, submitted by the EKRE faction, recommends that the Government of the Republic abolish the Russian-language versions of the websites of ministries and other government agencies. This marks the first reading of the draft resolution, and Riigikogu member Jaak Valge will serve as the rapporteur.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge introduced a draft bill that calls for the abolition of the Russian-language web versions maintained by ministries and other government institutions. He also proposed four steps to improve Estonian language proficiency and enhance the status of the state language: ending mass immigration, transitioning to Estonian-language schooling, making the public space Estonian-speaking, and raising the overall prestige of the language.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the rapporteur, noted that there was a substantial number of questions, and called upon Rene Kokk to begin the questioning.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk made an ironic remark, pointing out that even though the draft bill emphasizes integration and access to information, some members still fail to turn up for the vote in the chamber. He then cited the lack of a Russian-language version of the Ministry of Defense's website as an example, asking why the Russian language isn't immediately available.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge noted that several agencies lack a Russian-language website (e.g., the Competition Authority, the Defence Resources Agency, the Foreign Intelligence Service, the Language Inspectorate, and the National Heritage Board). And although the committee discussed amending the law so that these pages would no longer be required, the Ministry of Defence has abandoned its Russian-language website without changing the law, or perhaps even in violation of the law.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The speech is simply a request to contact Irja Lutsar.
Irja Lutsar
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Irja Lutsar emphasized the need to deliver quick and understandable health information during crises for all people living in the state of Estonia, and asked how the proposal would function if not everyone speaks Estonian yet.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He stresses that flexible conduct is necessary both during a crisis and at any other time, and ceasing the duplication of Estonian-language websites into Russian does not mean stopping the dissemination of information—crucial information must nonetheless always be made accessible.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman called Peeter Tali to speak.
Peeter Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Tali notes that not all websites are in Russian (the Ministry of Defence's, for example), and urges people to check the facts and clarify the background of the decision. Otherwise, the claim remains confident, but its credibility will suffer.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge explained that his claim regarding all Estonian ministry websites being available in Russian was a slip of the tongue, and he has reviewed them all and found that not all of them have Russian versions, and he offered an apology if necessary.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Signe Kivi to the stage.
Signe Kivi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Signe Kivi said that the draft bill was clear in broad strokes, and Margit Sutrop asked whether a solution would be satisfactory where ministries make more selective decisions and share translated information only when necessary. She was fundamentally agreeable to that option, suggesting that a more concrete and precise, less rigid draft bill could be drawn up, while simultaneously asking whether the Russian-language versions should ultimately be abolished, stressing that the final goal is clear to everyone.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge stressed that the total elimination of Russian-language websites is unnecessary, and that brief, essential information can be provided in Russian without being legally mandated. He further suggested that the Prime Minister’s advisor should contact the institutions by phone to ascertain whether a fully duplicated Russian-language website is genuinely needed.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
This is a call for Henn Põlluaas to speak.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The report summarized the annual number of immigrants and our capacity to teach them Estonian. It also noted the improvement in language proficiency and raised the question of whether a long-term forecast for language acquisition is feasible, or if current trends render it impossible.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
If current trends continue, this is impossible. However, if mass immigration were halted and the migration balance remained zero or slightly positive (as it was between 2011 and 2021), then roughly 1% of the foreign-origin population could acquire Estonian annually. In that scenario, within about 50 years, all native Russian speakers might know Estonian—but this is only possible if there is no mass immigration.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Ratas invites Mart Helme to speak.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme criticizes the coalition, stating that despite the big promises made regarding Estonian-language education and Russia's assets, they lack consistent resolve on the matter. He further points to double standards and the constant shifting of the political parties' views.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge asserts that the draft bill originated from the EKRE think tank and was submitted in their name. Although EKRE’s bill has not been passed during the last year and a half, he believes it is better not to take a symbolic and unpleasant step—the impact of which would only be felt years later—because the coalition parties are afraid that their voter base might shrink as a result of such a move.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Helle-Moonika Helme to take the floor.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme emphasized that the draft bill would result in savings and that the Riigikogu should vote in favor of it. She recalled extreme proposals from the crisis period (such as restricting information and the unavailability of vaccination and medical care), noting that this time she would not be highlighting the aspect of protecting the Estonian language.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge states that he cannot answer directly since it is an EKRE bill, but he stresses that information accessibility has improved thanks to translation programs. He adds that even if someone doesn't speak Estonian proficiently, they can download the information and use Google Translate as a language learning tool. Furthermore, adopting the bill will not lead to excessive costs.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas raised a procedural question and addressed Irja Lutsar.
Irja Lutsar
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Her name is mentioned at the beginning of the speech, and she introduces herself as her colleague, Helle-Moonika.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked Irja Lutsar for withdrawing the procedural question, emphasizing that the session is currently limited strictly to questions and answers.
Jaanus Karilaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaanus Karilaid remarked that the current government lacks resolve, and both the removal of voting rights and the confiscation of Russian assets have only advanced rhetorically. He also raised a question concerning the visitation rates of Russian-language publications and the resources necessary for their maintenance.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge said that he currently doesn't dare to offer specific figures, and although the resources are not large, this is a symbolic step that sends a signal to other institutions regarding the elimination of Russian-language websites.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The speech begins with the invitation of Evelin Poolamets.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker notes that not all state institutions have Russian-language pages, and while this is not strictly mandatory, Russian-speaking people ask why Estonian is not being learned. If the websites are available in Russian, it might create the impression that Estonian is not prestigious enough, which is why it is necessary to offer both options.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge stresses that the Estonian language and its reputation must be valued, because if we ourselves fail to care for them, others won't either — and this is confirmed by the Estonian-language policy of state institutions and his assumption regarding the pride of Russian people.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the rapporteur for the presentation and the answers, noted that there were no questions, and then invited Signe Kivi, a member of the Culture Committee, to address the chamber from the Riigikogu podium.
Signe Kivi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
At the meeting of the Riigikogu Cultural Affairs Committee, the 2023 monitoring of the integration of Estonian society and issues concerning the translation of ministry websites were discussed. A position was adopted to reduce redundant translation, and the draft legislation was moved to the plenary session. Signe Kivi was designated as the lead committee.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas declares the debates open and invites Margit Sutrop, representative of the Reform Party faction, to the Riigikogu podium to deliver an address.
Margit Sutrop
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Margit Sutrop emphasizes that the complete elimination of Russian-language websites is unnecessary, and instead, need-based translation should be utilized. Furthermore, it is important to maintain the Estonian-language public space and the state language, and during crises, ensure that reliable information reaches the people, alongside the continuous monitoring of information sources.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas states concisely that the required item is at your disposal.
Margit Sutrop
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Margit Sutrop stresses that Estonian-language information regarding the educational transition and other crucial matters must reach the public, and that young people acquiring the Estonian language and boosting the prestige of the Estonian language is a priority for the Reform Party, a goal they are committed to achieving.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Riigikogu Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Mart Helme, the representative of the EKRE faction, to the podium.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme emphasizes that the official language of the Estonian state is Estonian, and the use of the Russian language in state institutions must be terminated, offering translation and English-language support if necessary. He further accuses the government of employing double standards and leading the country toward decline.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas confirmed that only one representative of a faction may speak during the first reading, and Evelin Poolamets raised a procedural question.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
She asks if the procedure involves a "nojah" comment and giggling, and whether discussing one's own Estonian language skills is part of that procedure.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas declares that the debates are concluded and, pursuant to the proposal of the lead committee, the final vote on Bill 365 shall be taken. He then invites his colleagues to state their position and cast their votes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
With 13 votes in favor, and none opposed or abstaining, Bill 365 failed to gain support and is dropped from the proceedings, resulting in the conclusion of the discussion on agenda item nine.