Vsevolod Jürgenson argues that the Estonian parliament, known as the Riigikogu, is too large for the country’s size and needs. He believes that Estonia has fallen behind economically compared to other European countries despite the government’s claims of success and progress. He criticizes the current government led by Kristen Michal for being out of touch and not being held accountable for their poor decisions, which he feels are harming the economy and people’s lives. The importance of government accountability cannot be overstated, as it is the foundation of transparency and trust in a democratic society.
Jürgenson expresses concern that the Riigikogu has become ineffective, acting merely as a formality rather than a body that actively oversees and holds the government accountable. Recent actions by some members, such as irresponsible behavior and poor spending decisions, have further damaged its reputation. While there are some dedicated representatives, they often get overshadowed by the antics of their colleagues.
He argues that Estonia’s Riigikogu, with 101 members, is much larger than it needs to be. For comparison, neighbors like Latvia and Lithuania have fewer representatives relative to their populations. Jürgenson proposes significantly reducing the number of members in the Riigikogu — to as few as 20 — which could lower government costs and improve efficiency. He suggests that eliminating unnecessary positions could save money better used to support families and pensioners, mainly when budget cuts are being discussed. A smaller parliament would encourage members to work harder and be more accountable to the people they represent, and this change could bring about a more hopeful future for Estonia.
