The Minister of Culture's 2024 Report on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035" (including the implementation of the "Estonian Sports Policy Fundamentals until 2030")
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Date: 2024-04-16 14:49
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 122
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 7m
AI Summaries: 122/122 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
This agenda item included a presentation by the Minister of Culture on the implementation of the State long-term development strategy "Eesti 2035," including an overview of the implementation of the "Fundamentals of Estonian Sports Policy until 2030." The presentation focused on the cumulative impacts of promoting culture, sports, and cultural diversity, as well as developments in financing and institutional organization, which are linked to national competitiveness and identity, regional equality, and security protocols. The results of involving digital cultural heritage and international visibility were also highlighted. Furthermore, the discussion addressed the growing importance of funding, the potential for involving private capital, measures for heritage protection and building energy efficiency, and the societal impact of the culture and sports sectors during a crisis period.
The second part focused on a broader discussion concerning funding and regional accessibility: accessibility and regional disparities, integration and language learning, the inclusion of youth in cultural and sports activities, and the role of media-driven integration. International cooperation with Ukraine and issues concerning the sustainability of digital cultural heritage activities were also introduced. In summary, the need to balance ambitions through realistic funding, reduction of bureaucracy, and community involvement was emphasized.
Finally, it was announced that no decisions were taken at this stage and the discussion will continue as necessary; the goal is ongoing dialogue and practical steps in subsequent implementation and legislative rounds.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions have been made at this time. Discussion and the systematic development of the tool will continue across all agenda items; there are no specific binding decisions for this purpose during the current session.
Most Active Speaker
The most active spokesperson was Helle-Moonika Helme, a representative of the EKRE faction (shown at the podium in the photo), who made several references and delivered a lengthy address while discussing the topics of the agenda items and the corresponding responses. The character of her presentation indicates a position on the right-wing political spectrum (right), where she offered both criticism and legal and structural observations concerning the finances and policies of the state’s culture and sports sectors.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announces the next item on the agenda: a presentation by Minister of Culture Heidy Purga on the implementation of the long-term development strategy 'Estonia 2035' and the implementation of the fundamentals of Estonian sports policy until 2030. The Minister will have up to a 30-minute presentation, each Riigikogu member may ask one question, the debate will be organized solely among representatives of the parliamentary factions, and no decision will be adopted.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga’s speech presented three key development plans—Culture 2021–2030, Cohesive Estonia 2021–2030, and the Foundations of Estonian Sports Policy until 2030—and outlined their relationship with the Estonia 2035 strategy. Her remarks highlighted the economic influence of culture and sports, the advancement of national values and integration, the expansion of accessibility and digital cultural heritage, as well as the support and funding allocated for integration specifically within the context of the war in Ukraine.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas welcomed guests in the session hall, including the Prime Minister of the Principality of Andorra, Xavier Espot Zamora, the Speaker of the Riigikogu, Lauri Hussar, and Kuristiku Gymnasium. He then apologized briefly and informed the Minister of Culture that time would be extended, asking him to proceed.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
In the speech, the state highlights a sustained and significant investment in sports, culture, and the development of cultural diversity. This commitment includes three million euros in annual funding for organizing major events, support for the coaching workforce, salary increases, the resulting economic impact, and Estonia’s readiness for the Olympic year.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the Minister of Culture for the report, noting that a member of the Riigikogu is entitled to ask one oral question, and invited Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to proceed.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticizes the Ministry of Culture’s decision to leave school and nationwide amateur sports umbrella organizations without funding, pointing to the loss of half a million euros in support. She emphasizes that although the government talks about youth health and physical activity, school sports could quietly fade away due to a lack of money and coordination.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
According to Purga, the money has not been taken away, and there is still an opportunity to apply for funding for school sports. However, it is important that children are able to engage in diverse movement-related activities close to where they live, rather than just competing, because the reorganization has demonstrated that activities aimed at younger children are effective, and the future of school sports is in good hands.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse points out that theaters annually organize ticket campaigns, and the tickets sell out quickly, which makes attending the theater difficult. He notes that some theaters tour across Estonia and asks the minister if he is satisfied with this and how the situation can be improved.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Urmas Kruuse to take the floor.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
The Ministry of Culture's initiative, "Theatre in the Countryside," funds touring performances, and if theatres have a need outlined in their program or action plan, this is taken into account when subsidies are paid. Whether there could be more of this support is a question I can't answer right now, but I believe that the theatres participating are doing so to the maximum extent possible and are successfully reaching people.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The discussion is solely about inviting Margit Sutrop to speak.
Margit Sutrop
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Margit Sutrop thanked the speaker for the overview and emphasized that the research grant of approximately 6.1 million offered by the Ministry of Culture for the creative economy is significant, but noted that funding for the humanities through ETAG and other resources is very scarce. She then asked the Minister whether this funding could be increased and whether the needs of the humanities could be better met through scholarships intended for creative professionals.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga asserts that the humanities are becoming increasingly vital and must receive greater support to foster and develop critically thinking individuals—people who can understand society, process both texts and data, and keep our society moving in the right direction.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas invited Kristina Šmigun-Vähi to speak.
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi emphasized that Estonia's sports policy until 2030 must offer grand visions and goals that motivate effort, but the reality is alarming: the number of overweight children and young people is increasing, and youth are physically less active. Therefore, as a nation, we must find ways to promote public health and motivate people to take care of their well-being.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga said that ultimately, everyone is responsible for their own health and lifestyle, and while the state can only develop infrastructure and encourage physical activity through cultural role models, the decision and the responsibility must be taken by the individual.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas apologized, mentioned the Kalev basketball team, referred to Tanel Tein, recalled Tartu Rock, and sent greetings to Signe Kivi.
Signe Kivi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Signe Kivi offered her thanks and emphasized the richness of Estonian cultural life, asking what the Ministry of Culture’s policy and support is for both traditional organizations linked to history and culture, and new initiatives that speak to the younger generation.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Purga emphasized that the state must perpetually seek a balance between upholding traditional values and supporting new culture and events, finding the right proportion while adhering to the goals set forth by the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Ratas gave Anti Allas the floor.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He thanks the Chair and asks if the Võro language may also be used in the address.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
This message is simple and encouraging: "Go right ahead," confirming that action is permitted.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas asks in the Riigikogu how the Estonian Language Council's 2023 proposal for analyzing the status of the South Estonian languages (Võro and Seto) and determining their legal status has progressed, and whether the Riigikogu can contribute to this.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
You can get a precise answer to this question from the Ministry of Education and Research, where the position of Deputy Secretary General for Language Policy has been established and which is responsible for all language-related matters.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme is called to the stage.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme asks what the purpose was for allocating 1 million euros to private media and 2 million euros to ERR for the creation of a common communication and information space, and whether control questions have been posed regarding the use of these funds, as well as regarding Ekaterina Taklaja's Russian Federation citizenship and her attitude towards the war in Ukraine, and what the corresponding answers were.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga stated that the answer regarding the background or security check of the ETV+ editor-in-chief should come from the council of the Estonian Public Broadcasting. She added that she herself cannot answer the question, but believes that if the individual had any issues, they would not be holding that position.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
This speech is merely an expression of Toomas Uibo's request.
Toomas Uibo
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
He points out the limited resources in Estonian cultural life, noting that top-tier actors earn around 1,900 euros gross, while recent graduates earn a couple of hundred euros less. He then asks whether the Ministry of Culture plans to streamline the funding model to genuinely value those who lead the high category of cultural life.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Purga pointed out that the salary for a state cultural worker holding a higher education degree increased to 1,600 euros starting in 2023, and there are approximately 3,600 such workers. However, an immediate salary increase is not feasible given the current state budget situation, and discussions must be held regarding how to secure more funding for them, defining the responsibilities of local governments and institutions, and exploring options for finding money so that managers can make decisions independently.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called on Andrus Seeme to speak.
Andrus Seeme
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrus Seeme thanked the speaker for the pleasant and substantive presentation, emphasizing the importance of regional accessibility to culture, while simultaneously asking how cooperation with local governments has progressed, particularly in the field of public libraries.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga stated that cooperation in the field of public libraries has been active, and a thoroughly prepared Public Libraries Act is currently being finalized. The aim of this Act is to avoid rushing the process and ensure everyone is involved, and it is hoped that it will be introduced to the Riigikogu (Parliament) as early as this autumn.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called Riina Solman to speak.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman criticizes the creation of new heritage protection regimes, raises the question of adding the Estonia Theatre extension under the protection of Tallinn Old Town, and addresses the need for heritage protection and state funding for buildings in Sillamäe city center, requesting the minister's comment.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga said that a pause has been implemented regarding the heritage protection regulations for Viljandi, Valga, and Lihula in order to resolve the sticking points and find common ground with the local municipality; the pause for Viljandi is longer. There is no current statement regarding Sillamäe, and the Old Town protection regulations concerning Estonia have not yet reached the table, but once they do, they will be gladly discussed.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas asks Vadim Belobrovtsev to come forward.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev pointed out that, unlike cultural facilities, there is no national system for state participation in the construction of major sports facility projects. He then asked a question regarding the Lasnamäe Olympic swimming pool, specifically when the state might contribute 10 million euros, given that Tallinn is also ready to provide its share of the financing and the project plans are already in place.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga said that the issue of sports facilities needs addressing, and a swimming pool would certainly be necessary, but before considering new constructions, resources must be found and ongoing projects must be completed, such as the renovation of the Tallinn Art Hall.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi asks whether we have a chance to win Eurovision and if the country is already ready for it, because winning would give a boost to the fields of Estonian culture, entertainment, and tourism.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas invited Andre Hanimägi to the stage.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga believes that everything is possible.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas addressed Anti Haugas and said, "Anti Haugas, please!"
Anti Haugas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Haugas highlighted that Estonian club sports require support due to the country's small population and resulting low ticket revenues. He proposed that through state marketing initiatives, the participation of Estonian clubs in European leagues could be subsidized by roughly 200,000 to 300,000 euros per year, thereby elevating both the domestic league and the national squad. He also pointed out that sponsors are currently struggling because of the national public broadcaster's insufficient media coverage.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Purga said that he could agree with the first point and that the discussion should continue. He added that showing the logos related to ERR’s sponsorship agreements is important, but there might be something more value-based involved than just the logos themselves. ERR must find the correct way to display the logos itself, and as a minister, he cannot give recommendations.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called on Leo Kunnas to speak.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Leo Kunnas asserts that the Estonia 2035 strategy fails to reflect the current security and economic situation, particularly due to the war in Ukraine, and should therefore be reviewed in its entirety and, if necessary, redrafted.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga stated that the context of crises needs to be taken into account, and strategies and their metrics must be correctly understood—not revised—while also paying attention to what has come to the forefront or what has deviated from the established goals.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas gives the floor to Alar Laneman.
Alar Laneman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Alar Laneman poses the question of what Estonia's ambitions are in elite sports and how those goals can be achieved. He stresses that high-performance sports is not simply the concern of sports federations or an individual matter; rather, it influences people's behavior and fosters national pride and the will to defend the country.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga stated that the amendment to the Gambling Tax Act moved the money intended for elite sports into the general state budget pool, and finding balance remains difficult. The Estonian Olympic Committee is the primary operator, and while the state assists as much as possible, the situation is complicated. She recommended reading the magazine *Overview of the Implementation of the Fundamentals of Estonian Sports Policy until 2030 in 2023*.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
This address is simply a request to invite Heljo Pikhof to the stage.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Heljo Pikhof thanks the respected Chairman of the session, the Minister of Culture, and the Riigikogu Culture Committee for their good cooperation, and poses two questions: why the Ministry of Culture’s share of the state budget has dropped by almost half over the last 20 years and what is planned to be done to reverse this trend, and whether culture is uniformly accessible across Estonia and what steps are planned to be taken to eliminate the existing shortcomings.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
The drop in the Ministry of Culture's proportion of the state budget is mainly due to one-time investments, and this proportion is expected to stabilize once those projects are finished. The proposed solution involves attracting private capital and boosting institutions' self-generated revenue in order to create broader opportunities.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas asked Lauri Laats to come onto the stage.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats highlighted that the Centre Party initiated the football hall project, the halls of which have either been completed or are currently under construction in Rapla, Haapsalu, Viljandi, Pärnu, and Tartu, and projects for which are currently underway in Narva, Viimsi, Kuressaare, Paide, and Rakvere. He then asked whether the government led by the Reform Party intends to continue this work and how they view the development of football following the significant boost provided by the Centre Party.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Culture Minister Heidy Purga states that she naturally commends the project initiated by the government at the time. However, due to the very erratic and not particularly sustainable involvement of local municipalities, some projects have been extended to allow the local governments time to catch up. Despite this extension, many municipalities have still opted out of the projects, choosing to prioritize another sport instead of football.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Vice-Chair calls upon Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to Arvo Aller, abolishing central libraries in county centers and moving those jobs to the capital would be detrimental under the public library reform. He also questions the government's priorities regarding the financing and construction of local and regional sports facilities.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Purga stated that the debate on the Libraries Act will begin in the Culture Committee. Criticisms will be addressed via the final document, and simultaneously, they are considering the mechanism for establishing sports infrastructure objects of national importance. However, there is no quick fix, and the Riigikogu will have to debate the matter.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch is asking how it happened that the main program for Tartu 2024 includes an LGBT+ Pride event, yet the "140 Years of the Estonian Flag" celebration, which promotes national values, was completely overlooked.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Ants Frosch to speak.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Purga stated that he was unable to comment on the preferences of the people of Tartu or the Tartu 2024 program, and recommended addressing that question to the people involved. He also noted that looking for a parallel or a cause-and-effect link in this context might be a bit arbitrary and could cause annoyance, but both occasions will be marked with dignity.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Ratas asks Mart Helme to take the floor.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme pointed out that although the topic of Ukraine is central to the address, the issue of integrating non-Estonians and Ukrainian refugees must be resolved. He argued that if, over the course of 30 years, we have failed to teach the language to and integrate the people who remained here from the Soviet era, then how exactly is it planned to integrate this uncertain group, concerning whose long-term stay there is no clear information? Furthermore, if this integration effort fails, Estonia will remain a nation-state merely by inertia.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga stated that the proportion of people of other nationalities who lack Estonian language skills has dropped to 4%, and the results of integration are visible and measurable. She highlighted the findings of nine integration monitoring surveys, which show significant long-term progress in integration—58% of the non-Estonian-speaking population relates positively to the Estonian state and is integrated, with young people having made an especially large leap in this area. Furthermore, 76% of new immigrants claim they have adapted very well in Estonia. Purga emphasized that the transition to Estonian-language education is a crucial step in strengthening the assimilation of Russian-speaking youth into our cultural space and public life.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Siim Pohlak to take the floor.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak stresses that the defense of independence must also function in the cultural field, given the external pressure exerted by great powers and mass culture. He is therefore asking the minister about plans and ideas for involving the younger generation and safeguarding cultural traditions.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga’s 2024 presentation, 'On the Implementation of the State’s Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"', addresses the execution of the strategy and presents proposals regarding tasks, resources, and activities. However, she emphasizes that these are not the core issue of the strategy and require a separate discussion, which she is happy to engage in at greater length.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Ratas invited Aivar Kokk to speak.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk is criticizing the state funding allocation and questioning why theaters operating in rural areas, like Vana Baskin's Theater and the Improv Theater, are left unfunded compared to those based in central Tallinn.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
The Ministry of Culture supports theaters performing outside major centers and assesses their suitability as a criterion for one of the grant measures, the decisions on which are made by a special commission. Furthermore, the issue of funding for the Vana Baskin Theatre is not new, as it has been in a similar situation in previous years as well.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas calls Kalle Grünthal to the stage.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal emphasized that rural libraries, in addition to their lending services, function as meeting and gathering places for local residents, thereby ensuring the survival of the rural area. He then asked the minister whether they support sustainable life in rural regions coupled with the preservation of these libraries.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga said that the Public Library Act, developed in cooperation with libraries and local governments, guarantees the continued functioning of libraries and diverse services, including computer assistance, printing services, and tourist information points, and that strong cooperation allows the system not to be interrupted, but to be further developed.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas invites Henn Põlluaas to speak.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He argued that the work of the Deputy Secretary General for Cultural Diversity and the activities funded by this taxpayer money diminish the scope of Estonian language and culture and are pushing Estonia toward multiculturalism, which violates the constitution.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga confirmed that we are not creating a multicultural environment; instead, we are creating conditions for newcomers to integrate and find work so they can manage better. However, the main priority is looking after our own people, while simultaneously offering assistance to those who wish to contribute to the cultural sphere.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
During the address, Henn Põlluaas was asked to raise a procedural question.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas asserted that the Deputy Secretary General for Cultural Diversity is tasked with preserving the culture and language of minority peoples, and doing so with taxpayer money. This, he claimed, is directly contrary to the minister’s stated goal—that immigrants should integrate into Estonian culture.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas said that he understood your procedural question.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker is expressing concern over the discrepancy in the minister's answers and is asking what to do.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Riigikogu Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas explained that a Member of the Riigikogu may ask a minister a question in the form of a written inquiry, a formal interpellation, or during an information hour, and can also informally corner the minister in the corridor—by grabbing them by the lapel—to ask how the matter stands.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Poolamets raises the question of whether the development strategy Estonia 2035 includes planned events for maintaining the cultural ties of the Muslim community, and why the strategy does not emphasize the preservation of Estonian children's roots and cultural heritage.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Culture Minister Heidy Purga said that our children are not participating in the program "Integration and Adaptation," and nothing is being offered regarding Muslims.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
This is simply a request to invite Kert Kingo to the stage.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo is criticizing the 1 million euros allocated from the state budget in 2023 to Russian-language journalism in private media channels. She questions whether views, such as those expressed in Andrei Shumakov's comments on Delfi, can be considered quality journalism and whether they should be financed by the state budget.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga stated that support for private media has been crucial for establishing the most democratic opinion platform possible in our society. This platform allows Russian-speaking citizens living here, and others, to receive fair information and form their own opinions.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Unfortunately, the content of the speech is missing from this text; it is only a call to Priit Sibul. Please provide the complete speech so that I can draft a one-sentence summary.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul raised the question of whether the funding for nationally important cultural objects will continue during the next or the subsequent parliamentary term, and what the current status is of those objects, as well as the projects related to the National Broadcasting House and the Estonia Theatre.
Kultuuriminister Heidy Purga
AI Summary
Purga stated that first, the cultural objects currently on the list must be completed, and only then can new decisions be made—a process that will take years. Simultaneously, we must resolve the issues concerning the funding and maintenance costs for the Narva Kreenholm cultural quarter, the extension required for visitors to the Estonia Theatre, and the ERR building. This is necessary to ensure that before moving forward, the figures are finalized, unfunded promises are ruled out, and a sustainable plan is guaranteed.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the Minister for the report and the answers, announced that there were no further questions, opened the debate, and invited Tanel Tein, the representative of the Estonia 200 faction, asking if he required additional time.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speech focuses on expressing a desire.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas requested three minutes of additional time during his speech.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The presentation emphasized that the main goal is public health, and to achieve this, steps must be taken to increase sports participation among children and parents in schools and sports clubs, upgrade school gymnasium equipment, secure private sector funding, establish a national financing system for sports facilities akin to the Cultural Endowment, and grant sports an economically vital role so that the nation remains healthy and competitive in the future.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Helle-Moonika Helme, the representative of the EKRE faction, to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He says he will also take extra time.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas requests eight minutes.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme criticizes the long-term development strategy for the cultural sector, arguing that it fails to reflect reality—participation in cultural life has dropped, funding has decreased, and issues related to immigration and the financing of Russian-language media do not support the achievement of strategic goals. Consequently, she argues that the dignity of culture and language, along with integration, must be advanced more effectively.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanks his colleague and now invites Heljo Pikhof, the representative of the Social Democratic Party faction, to the podium.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Heljo Pikhof noted that although the Ministry of Culture's budget has fallen and the salaries of cultural workers must be made competitive, it is important to ensure social security for creative professionals through amendments to the Cultural Endowment Act and the Gambling Tax Act, and to use freely accruing funds for the construction of a new television building and the completion of cultural facilities.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas requests three minutes of additional time.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Heljo Pikhof, speaking from the perspective of a Tartu resident, stresses that a nationally significant cultural building—SÜKU—must be constructed in the city center. Furthermore, in light of the criticism surrounding the location of the Estonian National Museum (ERM) on Lillemägi, she emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen Tartu's core to prevent the city from devolving into a provincial backwater.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanks [the assembly] and invites Vadim Belobrovtsev, the representative of the Estonian Centre Party faction, to the Riigikogu rostrum to begin his address.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev pointed out that culture and interest education suffer during challenging times because people’s incomes are falling and they more readily give up cultural activities. He noted that the salaries of cultural workers and coaches are not rising, the state has frozen the wages of police officers, rescue workers, and border guards, and funding for school and recreational sports has been reduced. This situation necessitates clear solutions from the state.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas requested three minutes.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev emphasizes that the state should focus more on sports facilities and youth activity, and stop the underfunding of sports caused by the prioritization of culture. This is crucial because many important sports buildings lack funding and are becoming dilapidated, a situation that could be resolved by establishing a dedicated portfolio with a separate sports minister.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas offered thanks and invited Riina Solman, the representative of the Isamaa Party faction, to the Riigikogu rostrum to deliver her address.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman emphasizes that although the Minister of Culture gave a good presentation, the government is deceitful and passive, failing to make quick decisions for culture, education, and sports. Consequently, teachers will miss out on salary increases, and the support for directors and other theater professionals will gradually diminish to a low level. Rally Estonia will disappear, and tax revenues are being directed to Latvia, which necessitates a budget review. Finally, she asks whether the support for extracurricular activities for large families will cease and how this will affect the 2032 Olympic Games.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas requested three minutes.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman stresses that cuts to funding for culture and youth sports, coupled with new heritage protection regulations, will make culture unaffordable for families and inaccessible in rural areas as the cost of living increases. She calls on the government and the Minister of Culture to act swiftly to safeguard culture, delegate protective powers to local municipalities, and respect the rights of private property owners.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas grants the floor to Kristo Enn Vaga, the representative of the Reform Party faction, and requests three minutes of additional time, totaling eight minutes.
Kristo Enn Vaga
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vaga emphasizes that Estonian sports policy must be a state priority, focusing on promoting recreational activity and elite sports, involving private funding, developing modern sports infrastructure, and organizing major competitions, because this brings health benefits, economic growth, and enhances Estonia's reputation.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked [the previous speaker] and invited Rain Epler to ask a procedural question.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler thanks the Chairman of the session, states that due to work commitments he missed Kristo Enn Vaga’s speech, and asks whether he was critical of the government, requesting a response.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas stated that the question was not procedural, asked for work duties to be organized so that participation in the sitting would be possible, and invited Kert Kingo to present a procedural question.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kingo raised the concern that the Minister of Culture’s presentations should reach the members of the Riigikogu about a week before the session, so that the materials could be properly reviewed, rather than just hastily grabbed off the shelf, and asked whether this issue could finally be addressed.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the Minister of Culture for the report and the answers, noted that the fifth item on the agenda was almost concluded, and requested that Helle-Moonika Helme's procedural question be addressed quickly.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She emphasizes that they don't want to speak for long at all.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas notes that this is truly news.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
During the negotiations, I raised several issues regarding the development plan and was hoping for the minister's closing statement, but it is unknown whether he intended to speak or was simply prevented from doing so due to lack of time.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
I had no information that the Minister wished to take the floor during the discussions. I thank you for the work we have done here today. We have concluded the proceedings on this agenda item. We will not open the next item on the agenda, and I will take a three-minute recess. Today's session is concluded. Thank you, and I wish us success in our work.