The Estonian state and the Estonian people
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing
Date: 2024-05-15 16:09
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 14
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 14m
AI Summaries: 14/14 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Today's sixth item on the agenda addressed the situation of the Estonian state and its people, during which Riigikogu member Kert Kingo posed a sharp question to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding the state of public finances and the economy. Kingo accused Kallas of destroying the Estonian economy over the course of three years, highlighting the national budget being driven billions into deficit, the decline of competitiveness to the lowest level in Europe, and the destruction of the business environment through tax hikes and the creation of new taxes. Kingo claimed that the government's actions are destroying rural life by closing schools and shops and taxing cars, and that the Prime Minister is serving foreign interests while ignoring the welfare of the Estonian people.
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas rejected all the accusations, calling them "false facts" and emphasizing that her term in office has coincided with three global crises (the health crisis, the energy crisis, Russia’s aggression in Ukraine), for which the government is not to blame. Kallas defended the government's actions, noting that Estonia emerged from the health crisis better than most countries and that supporting Ukraine is essential for ensuring Estonia's security. She stressed that the government has supported local municipalities in providing services and that Estonia is, in fact, a viable, beautiful, and entrepreneurial country, contrary to the picture presented by critics. In a follow-up question, Helle-Moonika Helme accused the Prime Minister of ignoring demographic problems and the threat of mass immigration, and demanded Kallas's resignation. Kallas responded that critics should use constitutional means (a vote of no confidence) if they wish to remove the Prime Minister, and affirmed that the Estonian population is viable.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The topic of today’s sixth question is the Estonian state and Estonians. The question is being presented by Riigikogu member Kert Kingo to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo accuses Kaja Kallas and the third government, stating that the decisions made to fix state finances and raise taxes are forcing businesses to cease operations or relocate, and are driving the Estonian economy to the bottom of Europe, into a deep recession, and a decline in competitiveness. She then asks whether state finances can truly be considered 'in order' if Estonia ends up being a poor and uncompetitive country devoid of enterprise.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that the health crisis, the energy crisis, and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine were not caused by her, and that the Estonian economy has successfully overcome the crises, and energy prices have fallen. She added that Estonia has supported Ukraine, but only to the extent of about 0.25% of GDP—the remainder stays with the Estonian people.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and asks Kert Kingo to pose a clarifying question.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo is accusing Kaja Kallas of implementing a tax-funded financial restructuring that is driving rural areas into poverty, shutting down schools, healthcare services, and public transportation, and destroying Estonian villages and farms, all while simultaneously handing out money to others.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas emphasizes that local governments have the discretion over the funding of schools and local services. She notes that the government has created a funding model which keeps small schools viable and levels regional inequalities. Furthermore, the state must invest in national defense even during peacetime so that we are prepared if war reaches our shores, to help Ukraine, and to hold Russia accountable for its crimes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked the previous speaker and invited Helle-Moonika Helme to pose a follow-up question.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helme calls on the Prime Minister to delve into population and demographic issues, emphasizing that the new population forecast indicates Estonians will become a minority due to mass immigration, and asks her to step aside so that the country can be led by someone who is more capable.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas affirmed that the Estonian Constitution serves as the foundational framework regulating the work of the government and the Riigikogu. She stated that anyone wishing to remove her must follow the constitutional procedure for a vote of no confidence. Simultaneously, she dismissed the fear-mongering surrounding mass immigration, emphasizing that Estonians and native Estonian speakers constitute the majority of the population.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar said that they would try to find a way to deal with this issue, and asked the Madam Prime Minister to respond.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Kaja Kallas says that women themselves want to talk more.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks for another minute and a half.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas emphasizes that Estonia is a vibrant and beautiful country where people are friendly and entrepreneurial, and the state provides support and services for families, but according to some listeners, Estonia sometimes sounds like a dreadful mud pit.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the audience and concludes the discussion on today's sixth question.