First Reading of the Draft Resolution (410 OE) of the Riigikogu titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Find a Solution for the Construction of an Extension to the National Opera Estonia"
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-05-07 13:53
Total Speeches: 55
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 28m
AI Summaries: 55/55 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated Draft Resolution No. 410, submitted by the Cultural Affairs Committee, which aims to find a solution for constructing the extension of the Estonian National Opera 'Estonia' and, if necessary, to initiate a national special plan. The draft is in the form of a resolution, and its adoption requires an absolute majority of the Riigikogu membership. Twenty minutes were allocated for the report, and each member had the right to ask one question. Representatives of parliamentary factions and committees participated in the negotiations, and the discussion primarily centered on the project's legal, spatial, and ecological framework, and the extent to which international norms and the significance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site must be taken into account.
Decisions Made 1
The Riigikogu adopted Bill 410 as a resolution, the aim of which is to find a solution for constructing an extension to the Estonian National Opera and, if necessary, to initiate a national special planning procedure. The result of the final vote was 68 in favor, 0 against, and 0 abstentions.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker at the Riigikogu podium was Vadim Belobrovtsev (pid), whose addresses primarily focused on the necessity of finding compromises between heritage conservation, nature protection, and spatial planning in order to advance Estonian cultural life. His role is that of a parliamentary discussant of the cultural apparatus, who presented strong arguments supporting a balanced solution for the existing Estonia building and its proposed extension; position: other.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced the first reading of Riigikogu draft decision 410, submitted to the Cultural Committee as the second item on the agenda, concerning the construction of an extension to the National Opera Estonia. He noted that its adoption requires a majority vote of the Riigikogu membership. The presentation will last 20 minutes, and each member may ask one question. Representatives of factions and committees will participate in the ensuing debate. He then invited the honorable Riigikogu member Siim Kallas to the Riigikogu rostrum to deliver his presentation.
Siim Kallas
AI Summary
Siim Kallas urged the Riigikogu to consider the option of an extension to the Estonian National Opera (Estonia) as a cheaper and more comprehensive solution. This solution would create a theater quarter architecturally consistent with the Estonia building and the drama theater, and would require, if necessary, initiating a national special planning process and organizing an international architectural competition, while taking into account the interests of heritage protection and UNESCO.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks his colleague and invites Margit Sutrop to ask a question.
Margit Sutrop
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presenter thanks the initiative and emphasizes that the main question is how to balance the preservation of UNESCO heritage with the expansion of space for culture, theater, and art, taking into account what has already been done in the bastion zone and the compromises being planned.
Siim Kallas
AI Summary
Siim Kallas stresses that Estonia is facing a complex dilemma between heritage preservation and the construction of a decent opera house, and a compromise must be found to finally get a truly proper opera theater, because without it, the Estonian narrative lacks character.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev was asked during the announcement to come up onto the stage.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev said that if there are clearly defined nature and heritage protection restrictions, their implementation must take into account the opinion of experts. He then asked whether political pressure is forcing experts to change these restrictions, and whether the same situation would arise if the opera house were expanded at the expense of Town Hall Square.
Siim Kallas
AI Summary
Siim Kallas emphasized that heritage protection is not the fundamental law, and compromise is possible since environmentalists are not arguing against it. Ultimately, the future Estonian legislature will make the final decision, as rules can be amended over time.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi asks Anti Poolamets to come forward and speak.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets noted that the discussion regarding alternatives has been quite sparse, and highlighted the idea of the Linnahall as a 5000-seat hall that could be restored and reconstructed, which could be used multifunctionally in cooperation with the City of Tallinn, and asked why this alternative has been dropped.
Siim Kallas
AI Summary
Siim Kallas said that discussions have taken place and various options based on the Linnahall complex have been considered, but they are not practical, and Linnahall is not suitable for constructing a new theater.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to take the floor.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speaker voiced concerns that the lifting of restrictions on protected heritage sites, depending on the ruling coalition, could in the future allow for the rewriting of nature and heritage protection regulations, even though the current criteria do not appear to be met.
Siim Kallas
AI Summary
Siim Kallas stresses that a balance must be found within the Old Town conservation area: not every single stone is a critically important heritage site, and compromises need to be made. However, he does not agree with demolishing Paks Margareeta for the sake of the Estonia Theatre.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Enn Eesmaa to take the floor.
Enn Eesmaa
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Enn Eesmaa thanks his colleague for the initiative and expresses his view that the annex to the Estonia Theatre is inappropriate for that specific spot in the park, suggesting it should be a glass pavilion instead, arguing that Tallinn already has plenty of dining and drinking establishments. Furthermore, neither the heritage protection authorities nor the UN were directly opposed to the proposal.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
It was a brief thank you.
Enn Eesmaa
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Eesmaa asks whether it was really a major international issue back then.
Siim Kallas
AI Summary
Siim Kallas stated that the issue was resolved quietly and the discussion was barely perceptible. He added that suitability depends on many factors—architects, historical context, and public opinion—and he voiced concern that the extension built onto the Estonia Theatre should not resemble the addition made to the Security Police Board (KAPO) building on Endla Street. Instead, an architecturally appropriate solution must be found.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The announcement invites Valdo Randpere to speak.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He claims that the Security Police must strike fear, and that is why you are on the right track.
Siim Kallas
AI Summary
Siim Kallas says that opera doesn't have to be compulsory.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere criticizes the power of the heritage protection authority and reminds us that in 1999, the Tallinn City Hall (Linnahall) was granted cultural monument status under Jaak Allik, but today he views the protected site as a "pile of garbage" that is also obstructing the development of the city center, and he asks whether some minister will finally offer a solution.
Siim Kallas
AI Summary
Siim Kallas argues that decision-making must happen clearly and quickly, flexibly reshaping bureaucracy when necessary, and demands cooperation with heritage preservationists and the City of Tallinn so that projects are implemented—and an opera hall is missing, which is embarrassing.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced that the Reform Party faction had submitted a proposal to extend today's sitting until the agenda is exhausted, but no later than 14:00, and asked for a vote in favor of it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Sixty members of the Riigikogu voted in favor of the motion, 13 were against, and there were no neutral votes; the sitting has been extended until the agenda is exhausted, but no later than 14:00. Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi then opened the discussions, and on behalf of the Eesti 200 faction, I called Kadri Tali to the podium, who requested and was granted three extra minutes.
Kadri Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadri Tali emphasized that the annex to the Estonian National Opera serves as a backbone that strengthens the future of Estonian culture and the nation, as well as the country's export potential and international collaboration, and consequently, it must be supported uniformly and decisively.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the assembly and, on behalf of the faction, requests the floor for Heljo Pikhof.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Heljo Pikhof stresses that Estonia is in urgent need of a true opera and ballet hall designed specifically for musical theatre. The current Estonia Theatre hall was designed for spoken drama, which restricts visibility, acoustics, and the scale of productions. This not only impedes international collaboration but also limits Estonia's potential to enhance its cultural influence and security.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi wishes to add three more minutes.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Heljo Pikhof stresses that the international recognition of Estonian music theatre and the national opera, as well as the development of high culture infrastructure, hinges on the Estonia Theatre expansion. This expansion would enhance acoustics and staging capabilities, providing the opportunity to bring world-renowned orchestras and ballet companies here. She further expresses hope that the Government, in cooperation with the City of Tallinn, will find an appropriate solution and that the Riigikogu's decision confirming the Estonia extension will be implemented.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks and gives the floor to Tõnis Lukas on behalf of the Isamaa faction.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas asserts that the only solution for the Estonia premises is an extension featuring a new large hall, arguing that the current hall, which seats over 800, fails to meet current needs. He also criticizes the approach taken by the Tallinn leadership and certain architects, who favor a smaller addition and internal reconstruction, simultaneously stressing the responsibility of the nation's capital and the need for a broader vision in urban development.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi requests that the discussion last for three more minutes.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas stresses that the Tallinn National Opera must continue its work, and the only sensible solution is to construct a suitable new hall right next to the existing building. This would ensure the repertoire continues uninterrupted and would prevent a four-to-five-year hiatus and the demolition of the Estonia building.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks and, on behalf of the EKRE faction, submits the request made by Helle-Moonika Helme.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme acknowledged that the extension of the Estonian National Opera represents a major step in promoting high culture. She further emphasized that funding for the cultural sector must be drawn from the state budget, and that there is no need to change the location, as the ensemble deserves a modern venue and improved rehearsal spaces.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He/She is asking for three extra minutes.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme called for support for the extension of the Estonian National Opera, emphasizing that the new building must be compatible with the historical urban environment and adhere to heritage protection requirements. She also advocated for involving a wider circle of specialists and the public, ensuring that Estonian high culture can continue with dignity in the 21st century.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas invited Signe Kivi, the representative of the Reform Party faction, to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Signe Kivi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He thanks them and immediately asks for three more minutes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas requested eight minutes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The time starts running when you begin your speech.
Signe Kivi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Signe Kivi called on Riigikogu members to vote for the draft bill to initiate a discussion about the Estonia Theatre's extension and agree on a common solution that would bring the theatre a larger stage and better acoustics, and preserve the cultural life of central Tallinn.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
He/She thanks [the previous speaker] and now invites Vadim Belobrovtsev, the representative of the Estonian Centre Party Faction, to the podium.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev expresses criticism of the large-scale plan envisioned as an extension to the Estonia Theatre, noting that it is driven more by political pressure, disregards expert restrictions, and is potentially harmful to cultural heritage and historical institutions. He calls for considering alternative locations or a longer timeframe, and for not pressuring officials to change the restrictions.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas poses a simple question: "How much do you want?"
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
This is a very short talk that will only last a couple of minutes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
He is asking for two minutes.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev called upon the Estonia Society, the City of Tallinn, and the Government of the Republic to come to the negotiating table and seek a compromise, taking into account the recommendations of the heritage protection board, to discuss whether to construct a new building elsewhere or next to the existing one, to follow the current restrictions, and to find the necessary funding, if this is a state priority.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas offers his thanks, introduces the representatives of the parliamentary groups, and requests the microphone be given to Siim Kallas.
Siim Kallas
AI Summary
Siim Kallas asks whether the final word is possible.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
While a closing statement is an option, it must be delivered by the Chancellor of Justice or a member of the Government of the Republic who desires to do so. However, they have declined this opportunity. Consequently, the debate is concluded, and preparations for the final vote on Bill 410 will commence. No amendments have been submitted, and its adoption requires a majority vote of the entire Riigikogu composition. — Please state your position and cast your vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Riigikogu adopted Draft Resolution 410, submitted by the Culture Committee, concerning the finding of a solution for the extension of the Estonian National Opera, and the consideration of the second item on the agenda has concluded.