Georgia is One of the Most Progressive Neighbourhood Countries if Not the Most

In this interview with MP Marianne Mikko, she shared insights into parliamentary oversight function in Estonia, the Riigikogu as a success story and talks about ways to hold governments accountable. She did not fail to also talk about her success in the world of politics within Estonia and in Europe.

How do you assess the Parliamentary oversight function in Estonia?

Estonia is a parliamentary republic. Therefore, the Parliament and its decisions are very important for the country. Huge development has taken place since the restoration of her independence. Members of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) today are certainly more professional as politicians than in the beginning of the 1990s, when there was much enthusiasm, but less policy-making skills in the Western sense. When you ask if the parliament has strength and is independent, then the answer is firm “yes”. On the other hand, a parliament is the reflection of election results. Those who got a better result, form the majority. In other words, it is not a tragedy in Estonia when a coalition party becomes an opposition party, and vice versa. It is very therapeutic for democracy.

What are the measures that you take to hold the government to account on behalf of the people?

The best example is our European Union Affairs Committee. All ministers going to Brussels to participate in the sittings of the Council of the European Union must give a report about their platforms to this Committee, which is in a way like a mini-Riigikogu, because all standing committees and political factions are represented in this “grand committee”. As I am a member of the European Union Affairs Committee for the second time, I can assure you that we vote on the positions of the Government – not always, but still quite often. Sometimes we reject a position or request amendments.

What is your success story?

Personally, I have been in politics for 16 years. This includes five years of work as a member of the European Parliament, and for the second time, I am a member of the National Defence Committee and the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu. The European Parliament taught me to strive for consensus; Europe works slowly, but purposefully. Without looking for compromises, it is not possible to do anything in Europe. My time in the Riigikogu has taught me to be patient. Without patience, it is not possible to survive in politics. I am a politician who says things straight out, but life has taught me that you have to regret what you said and not what you did not say. Still, a politician has to be brave enough to say what others are afraid to say. Courage is important, also the courage to make mistakes and to admit your mistakes.

How do you view the progress Georgia is making and what would be your recommendations for further improvements?

I wish Georgia success. It is one of the most progressive Neighborhood Policy countries, if not the most progressive. Georgians are an educated nation, and therefore I am sure that the people will make a good choice at the elections. I am happy to acknowledge the fact that Georgia has taken the European Union and NATO as its absolute priority. It is the right thing to do; these two powerful organisations go hand in hand. One is not more important than the other. The European Union and NATO complement each other. Generally, the member states of one organisation are also the members of the other.