Riigikogu speaker bans speech by Finland’s education minister

Photo: Peeter Langovits / Postimees

As a matter of significant national issue, soc dems desired to discuss education, next Thursday; among others, they invited Finnish education minister Krista Kiuru to hold a speech on «Equality of educational options as guarantee of state success – regional and socioeconomic view point» at Riigikogu.

Also, 20 minute presentations would have been held by Tallinn University professor Aaro Toomela (on regional unavailability of education in Estonia) and soc dem Riigikogu member Mart Meri (on smart organisation of education).

On Tuesday, however, President of the Riigikogu Ene Ergma sent soc dems word that, availability of education indeed being a matter of significant national issue for Estonia, inviting a member of another country’s government would be problematic – seeing that Estonia’s education minister Jaak Aaviksoo (IRL, as Ms Ergma) had not been invited nor included in the debate. «Board of the Riigikogu is of the opinion that such behaviour is not in accordance with good parliamentary practice, while also disrespectful towards the honourable education minister of our esteemed neighbouring country, who is thereby drawn into an uncomfortable situation,» Ms Ergma wrote in her response to soc dems.

Ms Ergma proposed that Mr Aaviksoo be included among the speakers; soc dems refused. «We would also underline that Riigikogu is the legislative body of Estonia, where solutions for Estonian problems are discussed and sought after; these discussions are participated by representatives of Estonian state and nation, not politicians of other countries,» Ms Ergma also wrote.

Soc dems were perplexed by such behaviour. «Intervention by Board of the Riigikogu into sole competence of a parliamentary faction in this issue is regrettable,» soc dems’ leader Sven Mikser wrote back to Ms Ergma, noting this would not be the first time that Board of the Riigikogu deviates from Riigikogu Rules and Procedure Act.

Namely, the Act prescribes that Board lay down length, speakers and time allotted for questions and speeches as proposed by committee or faction initiating the discussion. It is not in the competence of Board to decide who speaks.

Since November 2009, when right for Riigikogu factions, opposition included, to initiate discussions of matters of significant national issues at plenary assemblies of the Riigikogu was restored, it has been utilised at 12 occasions. Up to now, no minister has held a speech at discussions initiated by the opposition. As foreign expert, head of the Estonian representation of Republic of Finland’s Kymenlaakso County, Pekka Linnainen, has held a speech. «Thus, it is unbecoming that President of the Riigikogu uses the so-called telephone right to put pressure on our faction to include education minister Jaak Aaviksoo among the speakers,» lamented Mr Mikser. «Should Board of the Riigikogu be granted rights to dictate to opposition factions whom to invite, the entire concept of discussions becomes meaningless.»

Also, procedures of the Riigikogu allow for ministers to speak on any issue on the agenda. And: upon agreement with speaker of Riigikogu, ministers have the option to make political statements. For instance, the right to speak up on any issue on the agenda was used at discussion of matter of significant national issue «Quality and availability of Estonian education», in 2008, by then education minister Tõnis Lukas.

Mr Mikser added that Finland being at absolute world top when it comes to availability and quality of education, Finland’s experience is invaluable for Estonia.

«The fact that Finnish education minister speaks Estonian provides for a rare opportunity to share this experience directly with the parliament in Estonia,» said Mr Mikser. «Inviting Krista Kiuru to speak, we thought it self-evident that the minister would only introduce the Finnish experience and avoid any intervention into Estonian domestic policy. The fear expressed by President of the Riigikogu, by phone and by letter, that the invited foreign guest might, in an unbecoming manner, interfere into Estonian domestic policy, is disrespectful towards a member of the Finnish government, not to say insulting.»

Mr Mikser acknowledged that the Finnish minister now finds herself in a regrettably uncomfortable situation, not by any fault by Estonian soc dems faction as the inviting party nor by Ms Kiuru by giving her consent – but by unlawful behaviour and disrespect of principles of parliamentary democracy by Board of the Riigikogu.