In her speech, the President of the Riigikogu first touched on the economic situation of the state. “People are increasingly worried and they are looking towards politicians to whom they have trusted the making of the decisions which will be shaping the future of our state. All this requires serious financial policy decisions of us, in order to achieve a balance in the expenses and revenues of the state,” noted Ergma. She recommended to all, before the elections: “Let us promise less and do more.”

 

The President said that his speech on that day was carried by a deep concern about Estonian democracy, its functioning and present situation. “On the other hand, it is carried by a conviction that, at this difficult time, we can pull ourselves together and start as if from a blank sheet. With enthusiasm and passion, wholeheartedly and – most importantly – full of hope,” stressed Ilves.

 

After the opening of the Riigikogu autumn session, the Chancellor of Justice Indrek Teder replied to the interpellation concerning the police officers’ freedom to stand for election (No 307), submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Indrek Saar, Ain Seppik and Karel Rüütli on 31 August.

 

The Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications Juhan Parts replied to the interpellation concerning environmental charges (No 302), submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Lembit Kaljuvee, Vladimir Velman, Evelyn Sepp, Mailis Reps, Valeri Korb, Toomas Varek, Tiit Kuusmik, Eldar Efendijev and Kadri Simson on 11 June.

 

Parts did not have to reply to the interpellation concerning a Saaremaa shore highway (No 294), submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Kalle Laanet, Lauri Laasi, Evelyn Sepp, Mailis Reps, Tiit Kuusmik, Jüri Ratas and Ain Seppik on 11 May because the initiators withdrew the interpellation.

 

Elle Kull took the oath of office of the member of the Riigikogu.

 

During the open microphone, Rein Ratas took the floor.

 

The Riigikogu Press Service