The proposal of the “Fatherland” in the parliament on the closure of the border between Estonia and Russia failed

On Thursday, March 14, the Estonian parliament (Riigikogu) voted against the bill proposed by the Fatherland Field, which involved the closure of the temporary control line between Estonia and the Russian Federation. 14 deputies voted for the proposal, 61 against – no one abstained. The decision caused stormy debates, in which the arguments about security, humanitarian consequences and political expediency collided.

« Fatherland » was alone

The initiator of the bill, the leader of the Fatherland party Urmas Reinsalu, insisted on the need to close the border, referring to the threat of security.
“Our special services and European partners warn of an increased risk of sabotage and terrorist acts from Russia. We see examples: Estlink 2 explosion, attacks on the cars of politicians and journalists. Closing a border is not only a security issue, but also a signal of Russia that we will not tolerate its provocations,” Raynsalu said.

He also emphasized that neighboring countries, such as Finland and Latvia, have already closed or limited crossing the border with Russia. “Estonia should follow their example. We cannot remain a weak link,” he added.

The faction of the reformist party, which is part of the ruling coalition, opposed the bill. Maris Lauri, a party representative, said that Estonia did not face the same threats as Finland or Latvia.
“We must act on the basis of expert assessments, not emotions. The government has already instructed the special services to prepare a new analysis of the threats that would be ready for April. Only after that you can make decisions,” Lauri said.

“Today's voting is not the end of the discussion, but only the beginning. We will continue to fight for the safety of Estonia,” Urmas Reinsalu promised after the announcement of the results.

She also expressed concern about the consequences of closing the border for residents of border regions. “Many people in Narva have relatives in Russia. Closing the border will tear these connections and create humanitarian problems,” she said.

Either fear, or populism

The Center Party, traditionally enjoying the support of the Russian -speaking population, also opposed the bill. Alexey Evgrafov, a party representative, called the initiative of the “Fatherland” “meaningless”.
“The closing of the border will hit ordinary people. Many Estonians have real estate in Russia, families, relatives graves. This is not a solution to the problem, but political populism,” Evgrafov said.
He also recalled that the Ministry of the Interior does not see sufficient grounds for closing the border. “Former Minister Lauri Laurinemeth said that the government knows when and under what conditions to close the border. Now there is no such need,” he emphasized.

Lauri Laurinemeth, a former Minister of Internal Affairs and a representative of the Social Democratic Party, also criticized the bill.
“Estonia should not tremble before each action of Russia. We are ready to close the border, if necessary, but now there is no such need. Closing the border can lead to escalation and require huge resources,” said Lesemette.

He also noted that the current situation at the border is under control. “The police and border guards cope with the situation. We do not see mass migration attacks, as in Finland,” he added.

The atmosphere in the parliament has hot

The most acute disagreements arose between the party of the “Fatherland” and coalition parties. Urmas Reinsalu accused the government of inaction:
“We have been waiting for 70 days until the government decides. During this time, threats are only growing. This is irresponsibility,” he said.
In response, Maris Lauri from the reformist party called the initiative of the “fatherland” “emotional and rash”: “We cannot make decisions based on fears and assumptions. Security is a serious issue, and it requires cold calculation,” she answered.
Lauri Laurinemets, in turn, accused the “fatherland” of trying to “inflate a panic”: “Closing the border is not a solution, but populism. We must act reasonably, and not succumb to emotions,” he said.

« Fatherland » does not refuse to

Despite the hot debate, the bill was rejected by a majority vote. This decision reflects the dominant position of coalition parties, which believe that the closure of the border in the current conditions is unjustified. However, the issue of safety and sanctions raised by the “Fatherland” remains relevant and will probably be discussed in the future.
“Today's voting is not the end of the discussion, but only the beginning. We will continue to fight for the safety of Estonia,” Urmas Reinsalu promised after the announcement of the results.
Meanwhile, the government continues to wait for the analysis of threats from special services, which is expected to be ready by April. The question remains open: what will happen if threats are confirmed?

The Post The proposal of the “Fatherland” in the parliament on the closure of the border between Estonia and Russia failed FIRST Appeared on gazeta.ee.

View Original Source