At the opening sitting of the autumn session of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia), President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar called on the members of the Riigikogu to place national interests above party interests and said that there should be less unrestrained populism and confrontation, and more substantive discussion in our public sphere.
In his speech at the opening sitting of the autumn session of the Riigikogu, Hussar said that the Riigikogu Hall was the place where the future of the Estonian people and the Estonian state was debated. “There is room for sharp disagreement here. This is a natural part of democracy. However, our differences must not be exploited by those whose aim is to weaken democracy in Estonia. That is why we must also be mindful of our own choice of words,” he pointed out.
According to Hussar, there should be less unrestrained populism in Estonian politics and public debate. “Different political forces must propose different solutions. However, when deliberately simplified answers are offered to complicated questions, when constitutional principles are reduced to empty slogans, or when polarisation in society becomes a tool for political success, we ultimately undermine the credibility of the entire democratic system,” he noted.
Hussar said that democracy did not simply mean that decisions must reflect the will of the people. “It also entails the protection of minority rights, a balance of powers, respect for the Constitution, and a willingness to listen even to those who disagree with us. That is why it is important that there be less confrontation and more substantive discussion in our public sphere. Fewer slogans and more accountability for the decisions we make here in the Riigikogu,” he underlined.
Hussar recalled that during the spring session, the Riigikogu had adopted one hundred legal acts, and a great many decisions had been made across coalition and opposition lines. “This shows that, despite our political differences, it is possible to find issues on which we place Estonia’s interests above party interests. This is an important sign. A sign that parliamentary cooperation is possible, and that members of the Riigikogu understand their responsibility. We will need this cooperation during the upcoming session as well,” he said.
Hussar highlighted that in addition to its other tasks, in accordance with the Constitution, the Riigikogu faced two important tasks: to elect a new Chancellor of Justice for Estonia and to adopt the next year’s state budget. He also pointed out that the committees of the Riigikogu had a responsibility to keep the spotlight on issues where the Estonian public needs clarity and answers. “Even uncomfortable issues need to be discussed. Parliamentary oversight must be substantive, fact-based, and consistent,” he said.
Hussar also emphasised the responsibility regarding Estonia’s security and said that one of the tasks in that context was to help Ukraine hold out and defend its country. “A Ukrainian victory is not just in Ukraine’s interests – it is a matter of European security and our own security. Estonia must continue to support Ukraine until Russia realises that it cannot achieve its objectives through military force and is genuinely prepared to come to the negotiating table. Our goal must be a just and lasting peace, not a pause before the next aggression.”
According to Hussar, it is also necessary to be prepared for the possibility that Russia will not confine itself to military force. “Hybrid threats, information and influence operations, and attempts to divide society are part of today’s security environment. Their aim is to sow fear and division, undermine trust in democratic institutions, and influence our decisions. We must not underestimate this,” he emphasised.
The President of the Riigikogu added that it was particularly important to stand up against this at the heart of Estonian democracy – in the Riigikogu. “Our words and decisions will not remain confined within the walls of this building. They are also heard and used by those who wish to weaken Estonian society. Therefore, we need more responsibility in our political discourse. We do not need to have the same opinions. But we must have a common understanding that Estonia’s democracy, constitutional order, and national security have to be safeguarded,” Hussar said.
Speech by the President of the Riigikogu
Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)