Second reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Date: 2024-06-05 18:06
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 343
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 8h 45m
AI Summaries: 343/343 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The second item on the agenda concerned the second reading of Draft Law 364 on the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The objective of the draft law was to establish a motor vehicle tax (annual tax) together with a registration fee, which is expected to accrue to the state budget starting from 2025, and which would direct consumption and vehicle choice toward vehicles with a lower pollution burden. The core mechanism of the draft law consisted of two components: (1) an annual tax paid yearly by the owner of the motor vehicle, and (2) a registration fee upon the vehicle's first import into the country or upon its first alienation. The study, inclusion exercise, and expert opinions highlighted several nuances: European Union requirements for equal treatment and tax concessions for disabled persons and families; age coefficients and depreciation mechanisms concerning the registration fee; exceptions pertaining to vehicles of cultural value and museum-type cars; and the alleged need for alignment with the European Commission's remarks. The Finance Committee worked on the draft law during ten sessions and organized a consultation meeting with the assistance of the Rural Affairs Committee, where interest groups and organizations presented their opinions. A significant part of the procedure involved the notification of technical standards and the discussion of European Union legal compliance issues, including remarks concerning the registration fee's connection to Article 110 and potential discrimination. The biggest change to the draft law after the first reading was the extension of the registration fee to the first change of ownership, which meant an expansion of the existing tax base; simultaneously, mechanisms for the depreciation and refund of the registration fee were agreed upon if the vehicle is taken out of the country. During the consultation meeting, opinions were raised by the Environment, Social Affairs, and Culture Committees, and these were taken into account in shaping the draft law. Finally, the Finance Committee agreed that for the second reading of the draft law, the principles of review and the consolidation of amendments must be addressed paragraph by paragraph; 831 amendments were channeled into 19 binding proposals, and many others were disregarded. Procedurally, it was decided to conclude the submission deadline for other types of amendments and to set the final vote for the second reading of the draft law on June 12, 2024. In summary, the agenda item involved a complex, cooperative, and technical procedure aimed at a nuanced balancing of the viewpoints of various interest groups and the consideration of European legal requirements.
Decisions Made 3
The second reading has concluded; the bill will proceed to the third reading and the final vote on June 12, 2024.
The Finance Committee coordinated the review of the amendments: 831 submitted amendments were categorized and consolidated into 19 bundled proposals, which were to be voted on and through which the further development of the draft bill could be controlled. The majority of the amendments did not receive the support of the lead committee and were subsequently disregarded.
Some specific amendment proposals (e.g., No. 4, No. 8, No. 14, No. 15, No. 18, No. 21, No. 24, No. 25, No. 26, and No. 27) were either advanced through voting or partially accepted within the scope of the technical procedure; the final results were partially split (for/against) and partially taken into account.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Annely Akkermann (Chairman of the Finance Committee, Reform Party). She delivered a presentation and provided explanations covering the content of the draft bill, the processes of the consultation meetings, and the context surrounding the European Commission's comments. Her role within the Finance Committee was technical and leading. Position: Right-wing (belonging to the right-wing, coalition member).
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu is debating the second reading of Bill 364, the Motor Vehicle Tax Act. The rapporteur for the bill is Annely Akkermann, Chairman of the Finance Committee.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Riigikogu is considering introducing a motor vehicle tax starting in 2025, along with a registration fee and age-dependent discounts and coefficients. The first reading regarding this measure has taken place, broad consultation has occurred, and the Finance Committee has introduced ten amendments.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi said that they have found an error and admit it, and the chamber responded affirmatively.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann describes in the Riigikogu the bundling and filtering of 831 amendment proposals and their alignment with the European Commission's comments, which results in the creation of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, along with the addition of registration fee regulations to the Traffic Act and amendments to the Taxation Procedure Act and the State Fees Act. Finally, she draws attention to the conclusion of the second reading and the time set for the third reading—June 12, 2024.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the speaker/group and announces that there are still a few questions remaining, asking Aleksandr Tšaplõgin to respond.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker thanked the chair and the rapporteur, recalled that the committee had approved the motor vehicle tax bill, and noted that it had previously rejected the version of the banks' excess profit tax bill presented by the Centre Party faction, before asking what the arguments were in favor of the motor vehicle tax and against the banks' excess profit tax.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann explains that in Estonia, banks' income is taxed with advance income tax (currently 16%, next year 18%; when distributing profit, the income tax already paid is deducted, and the tax rises to 20%–22%). Furthermore, changes are being considered regarding the motor vehicle tax in order to collect additional revenue for the state budget, shift the tax burden onto wealthier people, and set a higher registration and annual tax for larger and newer vehicles.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called upon Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He poses a practical question: When the lease ends and the car transfers into his ownership, does he have to pay the registration fee?
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The draft bill stipulates that the annual tax shall be paid by the lessee. The registration fee is payable only when the vehicle is transferred to a third party. Furthermore, both taxes are subject to an age coefficient for older cars, which is intended to incentivize the full utilization of vehicles.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi addresses Rene Kokk and asks him to come forward.
AI Summary
Following the results of the engagement event, the question is being asked whether the representatives of the other interest groups—large families, farmers, and others—are actually in favor of and support the car tax, since the only opposing vote was cast by the representative of the organization for vintage vehicle owners.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann explains that everyone who had written to the Finance Committee attended the consultation meeting, with the exception of the NGO representing vintage vehicle clubs. Furthermore, the incident involving the association of large families demonstrated that even though they had written not to the Finance Committee, but to the Social Affairs Committee and the support group for large families, they were nevertheless invited to the Finance Committee. There, they read the same letter aloud for the third time, which underscored that the topic was clear to everyone, given that people with children were present.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller's speech highlighted that farmers had not been invited to the engagement event, nor had they approached the Finance Committee, despite having written to the Ministry of Finance and having officials involved; he noted that the absence of a car tax in Estonia is simultaneously a paradox, given that Estonia is the only country with e-elections, and if we desire a European standard, e-elections should be abolished; finally, he inquired about the refund of the tax under Section 10 (§10) and explained that if the alienation (transfer of ownership) and the transfer of the right of use occur mid-taxation period, the tax is not refunded, which can lead to double taxation—for example, if a car is sold in August, the old owner pays for the entire year and the new owner pays starting from August.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
No, there won't be double taxation; the tax has been paid up to the present date, and if it is paid through the end of the year, the new owner will start paying from next year.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to speak.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticizes the commission, stating that the connection between the amendment proposals has not been convincingly explained to them. She confirms that the proposals put forth by the Centre Party and herself were substantive, and she defended them individually. She then asks why they could not be voted on separately, which amendment was considered insincere, and why the tax exemptions for disabled people, large families, and motorsports athletes failed to pass.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stated that a selection must be made from the alternative amendments proposed by various factions concerning Section 3 of the motor vehicle tax. Furthermore, the Centre Party clarifies that they do not deem the new tax appropriate during a period of severe and prolonged economic recession and are therefore opposed to it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called Priit Sibul to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul criticizes the work and procedure of the Finance Committee, recalling that he had to wait a long time in the queue and was not given the opportunity to present his proposals at subsequent sessions. At the same time, he raises the question of taxing large vehicles: if these vehicles are sent to aid Ukraine, the tax can be refunded, but if a conflict arises in Estonia, the Defence Forces will seize them, and the tax will not be recoverable.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks everyone.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Isamaa presented ten variants for 21 provisions. For example, concerning §3 (the suspension of a registry entry), the ten variants propose timeframes ranging from 85 to 150 days. Section 4, regarding the distribution of tax revenue, outlines proportions of 45–57% and 45–55%. The Riigikogu (Parliament) must choose one specific alternative for each provision, rather than implementing all variants simultaneously.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi stated that Priit Sibul has one question remaining, and he will not be taking a procedural point at this time. If the issue remains unresolved after the second question, he is prepared to address it, and he will be back at the microphone shortly.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo raises the issue that when purchasing a car, Value Added Tax (VAT) is added to the registration fee in the final amount, even though the registration fee should be VAT-exempt. He/She asks whether this topic has received broader discussion and a resolution.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann announced that the registration fee will come into effect starting January 1, 2025. It can be paid by both the buyer and the seller, and the registration entry will only be made once the fee has been received by the state budget.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Helir-Valdor Seeder to take the floor.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder asks whether among those 19 bundled proposals there is an original, standalone proposal that should not have been grouped, or whether among all 831 amendment proposals there was not a single substantive, separate proposal to bring to the plenary hall.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann said that the amendment proposals were combined, and several of them provided for a reduction in the car tax and the registration fee, as a result of which the registration fee applicable upon the first change of ownership was lowered, and the opposition could be satisfied with that.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker invites Rain Epler to take the floor.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker accuses the respondent of breaking promises made before the elections concerning budget balance and tax policy, asserting that the country's direction was radically altered after the vote. Finally, they pose a personal question: have you taken poison, or does it simply not affect you?
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann points out that the March forecast for the Estonian economy was rosy, and her views appeared correct. However, precisely forecasting economic growth is impossible, and the final truth will only become clear over time—hindsight is an exact science, but the actual forecast may turn out differently.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi denounces indirect expressions referring to taking poison, deeming them inappropriate, and requests that their use be discontinued, calling upon Jaak Valge.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge notes that the Reform Party’s support has dropped due to the Eastern money scandal and tax hikes, adding that, based on current polling, they would only secure 21 seats in the Riigikogu in an election—17 fewer than before. He suggests alternatives, such as implementing a solidarity tax and eliminating the tax hump, and poses a sincere question: why doesn't the party care how voters view them?
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann emphasizes that the Reform Party is not a weather vane, but acts responsibly and looks further ahead at what is best for the country. The tax burden currently remains below 34% of GDP, placing it among the nine lowest in the European Union, and the redistribution of taxes is a vital part of healthy state development.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to the stage.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticizes the confusing explanation provided for tying the amendment proposals together. She confirms that the adoption of the car tax is not supported and that amendments will be submitted to mitigate its impact. Furthermore, she emphasizes that the proposed amendments are not mutually exclusive, and the references and list provided are not exhaustive.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann criticizes the 87 variants of amendments 164–250 submitted by the Centre Party, and asks on which day the draft bill should enter into force based on these, and what should be done if these variants are not mutually exclusive.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Priit Sibul wants to ask the server a question.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul points out that the rapporteur failed to draw a clear conclusion regarding the concerns of families with many children, and that the draft legislation contains no amendments regarding the taxation of vehicles for large families—a system where Land Cruisers and similar vans are taxed the same way. He then asks whether changes or restrictions are needed in that area.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann emphasized that common ground has been found with large families, and aid must be personalized and obtainable from local municipalities for those who truly need it, rather than broad-based tax concessions such as the tax-free status for a Land Cruiser.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi invites his colleagues to speak in turn, mentions the approaching change of the presiding officer, and asks Priit Sibul to pose a question to the Chairman of the session.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul asked the Chairman which version of the draft bill had reached Parliament, whether the government and Isamaa had negotiated alternatives between themselves, whether amendments or an agreed-upon solution would be put to a vote, and in what form the bill would proceed to a vote in the Riigikogu.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi stated that the draft bill had changed during the second reading, and that the parliament's role is to discuss and introduce amendments, even past the deadline, adding that taking the European Commission's remarks into account is both reasonable and appropriate.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi said that he did not want to interrupt the debate with procedural questions and would therefore refrain from raising them at today’s sitting, while remaining careful to determine whether the issue was a right of reply or a procedural question.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticizes the fact that attention was paid to personal opinion during the session, referencing Annely Akkermann’s promise to take poison and asking whether she has actually taken the poison, and notes that the respondent’s comment was completely irrelevant.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi notes that while he essentially agrees, this is one of the few situations where the use of inappropriate language must be pointed out, and the chair of the session has the obligation to do so—a duty he rarely performs and tries to restrict—and although he did not follow the debate closely and may have interpreted the content differently, it affected him more than Annely.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I also wanted to mention that you couldn't see Annely from behind, and your concern for her well-being turned out to be needless, because she was smiling broadly and answered the question.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi said that he was concerned and wanted to protect women, which is every man's sacred duty, and informed the audience that Henn Põlluaas would be next.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas asks if his speaking time has arrived, and jokingly requests that the clock start running only from the moment he is able to begin his speech.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar welcomes his colleagues and grants Henn Põlluaas the floor for a one-minute question.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas claims that the purpose of the car tax is not environmental protection, but rather to burden the people of Estonia—especially those in rural areas and families with children. He also cites the example of Germany, where the tax is lower and there is no registration fee, while simultaneously questioning the government's motives.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stated that the revenue of local governments should be increased in sparsely populated regions to support families and individuals who struggle with public transportation, particularly large families. She emphasized that levying and collecting taxes is a normal method for running a country and achieving a balance between income and expenses, even when the rise in defense spending increases overall costs.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Rene Kokk to the stage.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stated that she personally did not deal with the motor vehicle tax bill, that there was no debate during that process, and although she might be wrong, she recalls that the cut affected the future increase in child benefits, not the benefits themselves, and she will not comment further on the matter.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar turns to Helir-Valdor Seeder with a request.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder asks in a single sentence whether any of the 19 proposed amendments is original or independent, whether one of them could be sent separately to the plenary session, and whether they are all interconnected; whether, following the provision of information by the European Commission, Riigikogu members were not given a new deadline for submitting amendments; and whether it is not possible to simultaneously link some of those 19 [amendments] to instructions to amend, which would necessitate the suspension of the reading of the bill.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Finance Committee decided to uphold the core principles of the motor vehicle tax bill—a broad base, simplicity, and minimal exceptions. Although many proposed amendments could not be incorporated without interrupting the second reading, the bill's fundamental premise is being preserved, and the age, mass, and emission components remain unchanged. Furthermore, many of the levies have become more advantageous for the taxpayer.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Vadim Belobrovtsev to come forward.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev asks whether the plan drafted by the support group for large families, which promised exemptions from paying the motor vehicle tax, reached the commission and what became of it.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann said that the expansion of tax benefits did not receive support, and that these benefits should be targeted and directed at those who genuinely need them. However, the most vulnerable segment of society must not be exempted from taxes, because they have no assets or income. Instead, taxes must be collected from a broad base, and those individuals should be assisted through support payments.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Mart Maastik to speak.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik is asking how the principle of taxing the purchase of new cars aligns with the policy of getting rid of old, environmentally damaging vehicles. He points out that new cars are technologically superior and less polluting, while older vehicles can pose a danger in traffic.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
To balance the three aspects—carbon emissions, comfort, and socio-economic factors—the vehicle's weight and age are taken into account when structuring the registration and annual fees, in order to incentivize the purchase of a new, lighter vehicle with lower carbon emissions, while simultaneously applying an age coefficient to older cars that reduces the payments.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar invited Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme stated that the motor vehicle tax is deeply unacceptable because 76% of Estonians do not support it, it is unconstitutional, and the additional tax burdens rural businesses and residents, thereby threatening the development of rural regions.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann clarifies that the bill does not concern agricultural machinery. If standard vans or SUVs are utilized for farming purposes, they cannot be granted an exception and must pay the tax. However, the intention was to draw the line specifically at professional agricultural machinery, meaning only a handful of vehicles might actually fall into that category.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Andrei Korobeinik to come forward.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrei Korobeinik is criticizing the coalition for grouping together substantive, non-mutually exclusive amendments and refusing to allow separate votes on them, despite the fact that they are not obstructionist and could potentially improve the lives of Estonian people (such as tax concessions for people with disabilities or large families).
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
If these amendments secure a majority in the chamber and are supported during the vote, they will be incorporated into the bill without having to choose between alternatives, and the Centre Party and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart will need to secure at least 51 votes for these proposals.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks Arvo Aller and says that he will first accept his procedural motion and then give him the floor for a question.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller pointed out that the references for the amendments in the explanatory memorandum do not correspond to the actual page numbers, and he asked whether they had been added hastily or if the pagination had not been properly accounted for.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stated that it would be best if the commission's representative answered the question, and then gave Arvo Aller the opportunity to ask a second question, which would allow Annely Akkermann to provide the most accurate answer with a very specific justification.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller criticizes the combining of amendments submitted by various factions and members of parliament into a single proposal. He requests justification for this action and, if necessary, a separate debate concerning the benefits for large families.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stated that while she acknowledged the overly enthusiastic reading out of pages, there was no reason to halt the second reading. Furthermore, the bill's proposed amendments must be assessed equally, paragraph by paragraph, as they remain united with their colleagues in the task of creating legislation for the Estonian people.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called upon Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asks whether the government has conducted a comprehensive analysis regarding the overall impact that this combination of tax changes will have on families earning the average wage, especially those with many children.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stresses that every family is different and a one-size-fits-all budget cannot be created. However, even though the share of Estonian family benefits relative to GDP is among the highest in the European Union, these payments do not significantly help boost the birth rate.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls Kert Kingo forward.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo criticized the government's tax policy, stating that it forces people to purchase old 1970s cars and hinders the acquisition of modern, environmentally friendly vehicles.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Owning cars from the 1970s is socio-economically justified, as the lower registration and annual taxes associated with older vehicles allow people who cannot afford the purchase of a new, more expensive car to continue driving.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Mart Maastik to the stage.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maastik claims that the draft bill is harmful to health and places a burden on the populace, particularly large families and residents of rural areas. This claim references the experience of Kihnu village and the necessity of a larger SUV due to severe road and snow conditions, emphasizing that bigger vehicles there are a practical necessity, not a matter of pride or display.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann says that the annual fee for the Land Rover Defender is about 50 euros, the roads on Kihnu are in good condition, and she uses the old car so as not to burden the ferry's deck space, allowing others on Kihnu without a car to travel more frequently by ferry.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that Siim Pohlak was not in the chamber, and the next questioner would be Helle-Moonika Helme.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme emphasizes that small tractors and agricultural machinery used by family businesses must not be subject to taxation, because these vehicles are indispensable for national defense purposes during times of crisis and war, and taxing vehicles temporarily removed from the register would cause harm to the state.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a call to action, saying that now is your time.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme claims that motor vehicles with temporarily deleted or suspended registration records do not produce emissions, are not involved in traffic, and do not cause damage to roads or the environment, and she asks why they are being treated in this manner.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stated that the annual tax for vehicles with suspended registration was kept in effect, and if a new law concerning scrap vehicles is introduced, the tax might be reviewed. However, there are approximately 200,000 old vehicles in Estonia that are currently out of use and need to be taken to a car dismantling facility to prevent environmental pollution. She added that the 50-euro motor vehicle tax sometimes encourages people to scrap these old cars.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls Andrei Korobeinik to the stage next.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrei Korobeinik criticized the drafting of the coalition’s amendments and the concept of the 51-vote rule, claiming that it doesn't work. He also questioned why these non-obstructionist proposals were bundled together in a way that prevents them from being voted on fairly, one after the other.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The committee must draft the bill with as few exceptions as possible, and although many amendments have been submitted by various Riigikogu members and factions, these can only be incorporated if they receive support from the Riigikogu plenary session and the coalition is willing to reduce the number of exceptions.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja criticizes the bill's broad nationwide car tax, referencing the Land Cruiser's use in emergency situations and the Porsche's use as a hobby vehicle, and notes that there is no alternative to a car in rural areas, while traffic congestion and pollution primarily occur in Tallinn.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech only mentions the name Andres Metsoja.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
While luxury vehicles may not be a widespread issue in Estonia, the revenue base for local municipalities must be increased. This would allow them to support families who cannot be provided with public transportation, as tax breaks are ineffective for people who lack income or assets. Furthermore, assistance needs to be personalized and focused on asset accumulation, ensuring the national tax burden remains low.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar invites Mart Helme to take the stage.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme said that the current government is in agony, accused it of demagoguery and legal violations, and added that by not hindering the opposition, it accelerates the collapse and end of the regime.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann thanks the speaker for the remark and says that she wishes to vote in the European Parliament for people who are not members of our party, adding that she understands you very well.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announces that it is now Aleksei Jevgrafov’s turn, and invites him to speak.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The rapporteur notes that the bill is questionable and unpopular, points to the large budget deficit, and asks whether the introduction of a temporary car tax has been considered.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann points out that the car tax is necessary for the revenue stream, and while the issue of balancing the budget prevents a temporary increase in the GDP percentage, spending pressure is rising due to the aging population and the growing number of pensioners — we are facing challenges on multiple fronts.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Andres Metsoja to speak.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja said that the car tax is primarily a taxation of lifestyle, which depends on a person's choice of residence and the availability of state services in cities, and asked whether the government is considering a congestion charge in addition to the car tax, and whether local governments can impose a congestion charge alongside parking fees.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stated that there had been no discussion of a congestion charge within the framework of the motor vehicle tax debate, and that there are currently two draft bills aimed at increasing the revenue base for local municipalities: one broadens the distribution of income tax so that income tax collected from pension payments reaches the local governments, and the second grants municipalities greater autonomy by amending the Land Tax Act. Furthermore, the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture is working on options for leveling out regional disparities and recalculating land valuations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman addresses Martin Helme and asks him to speak.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme asks why the average wage earner or a rural resident should support your party colleagues in the European elections if you are implementing a car tax that impoverishes people, reducing pensions, and increasing land tax. He also stresses that the European elections and domestic politics are run by the same coalition, and these issues must not be conflated.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He emphasizes that the question needs to be put to them directly, as it was not discussed during the motor vehicle tax proceedings, and he sees no reason to initiate a philosophical debate here, since it would be a waste of colleagues' time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Aleksei Jevgrafov forward.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov poses a simple question: why is it necessary to take money from people's pockets, and why is a bank tax not being considered, noting that we are living in difficult times.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann explains that banks pay quarterly taxation on the income they earn, currently 16% in advance, rising to 18% starting next year. Furthermore, if the income is paid out as dividends, the income tax remains 20% and 22%. The purpose of collecting taxes is to ensure the functioning of the state, and roughly half of the collected amount goes toward social benefits, which means helping the vulnerable.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls Aivar Kokk forward.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk presented sharp criticism to the commission, recalling last year when taxes were raised to fulfill the Reform Party's half-a-billion-euro promise. He further claimed that the new draft bill proposes raising the car tax and the land tax, while simultaneously stripping local governments of their autonomy. He also mentioned the sweetened beverage tax and asked how many more taxes would need to be raised to finally fulfill that promise.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The plan is to collect approximately 0.2 billion euros (about 0.5% of GDP) through the motor vehicle tax, shifting the tax burden toward wealthier individuals, partly by reducing labor taxes. Furthermore, amendments to the Land Tax Act will grant local governments greater authority and allow them to retain all collected land tax revenue.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Martin Helme to speak.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme accuses the government of having the wrong priorities, claiming that billions of euros spent on Rail Baltic, Ukraine, and renewable energy will create a budget deficit of nearly 1.5 billion euros. He calls for a couple of these projects to be dropped, stating that there is no need for a car tax.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stressed the significance of Rail Baltic both for the movement of passengers and freight and from a national defense perspective, reaffirmed support for Ukraine and the necessity of bolstering state defense, and noted that all these efforts necessitate tax collection.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Mart Helme to speak.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme stated that the inviolability of private property and the state interfering with an individual's right to own a car are unacceptable, adding that it is none of the government's business. He then vowed to topple the government and confirmed that he has no link to the EP elections.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann tells Mr. Helme that what he has at home is absolutely none of his business, adding that she wouldn't have even wanted to know it, and nobody else would want to know those details either.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asks that Urmas Reinsalu be called to the stage.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu is criticizing the Reform Party's tax policy, arguing that while millionaires don't need special breaks, taxes are being raised, and next year the tax burden will exceed 35%. He claims this will create chaos and undermine the economy and general stability.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The report reveals that additional income between 1,200 and 2,100 euros is taxed with an effective marginal rate (or 'tax hump') of approximately 34%, which reduces net income and primarily affects those earning the median and average wage in Estonia.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called upon Aivar Kokk to speak.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk criticizes the income tax hike and the woes of the state budget, claiming that lower-income people will become poorer while higher-income individuals will receive extra money every month, and he questions whether this is truly the kind of country we desire.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann said that she does not know how Aivar performed his calculations and therefore cannot analyze them, adding that the commission did not examine such arbitrary calculations during the motor vehicle tax discussion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Urmas Reinsalu to speak.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu inquired of Mrs. Akkermann how much consolidated tax revenue is projected for 2025 under the amended draft bill, and what level of tax revenue is anticipated by 2031 stemming from the full realization of the car tax system, factoring in the effects of the tax scale and registration fees.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The goal is to keep the motor vehicle tax revenue at half a percent of GDP. Finland has the same target: to collect approximately 200 million euros from car owners, assuming everyone pays, although the exact calculation is not simple, and the vehicle fleet may see a higher turnover this year.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He/She thanks the server and states that there are no further questions.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann thanks all the listeners.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Hussar opens the discussion, invites Andrei Korobeinik to the Riigikogu podium, and announces, following a request from the EKRE faction, that Siim Pohlak's name will be withdrawn from the list of questioners.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
According to Korobeinik, the Centre faction does not support the car tax because it would hit rural residents the hardest, would fail to solve the tax hump issue, and would instead fund pay raises for the wealthy. Therefore, the tax should be scrapped, and child benefits and investments should be restored.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requested three minutes of extra time.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Korobeinik stated that the current government is increasing taxes, eliminating free public transport, and cutting road investments. He argued this will deepen the economic downturn and leave Estonia ranking last both within the European Union and in Europe as a whole. He hopes the coalition recognizes this wrong course and terminates the government's mandate.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanked the previous speaker and invited Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to the Riigikogu rostrum, granting her three minutes of additional time.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticizes the coalition's rapid handling and fast-tracking of unpopular taxes—including increases to the car tax, fuel excise duty, registration fee, land tax, and increased fines. She views this as a superficial problem necessary for meeting budget requirements, but one that conflicts with the constitution and European Union law. Furthermore, it offers no special exemptions for disabled people or large families. Therefore, the Centre Party will not support the bill.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker offered thanks and invited Aleksandr Tšaplõgin to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin claims that the car tax is a bad idea and that the state budget is in poor shape, arguing that the government is once again burdening the pockets of the poorest citizens. This comes as alternatives are being sought to raising VAT, excise duties, and state fees. He points to the Centre Faction's proposals—specifically, taxing banks' excess profits, implementing progressive income tax, and taxing large digital firms—and stresses that taxes must be taken from where the money is.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the speaker, and Vadim Belobrovtsev is next invited to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev is accusing the coalition of engaging in steamroller politics, arguing that over the past year, taxes have been raised and a motor vehicle tax is set to be introduced. Furthermore, he claims the coalition is failing to adhere to its coalition agreements and is ignoring the opposition's proposals just to quickly ram legislation through.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests three minutes of extra time.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev criticized the coalition’s plan to make taxes uniform for everyone, eliminating all exceptions or benefits. He stressed that this would harm large families, pensioners, people with disabilities, and rural residents, and called on the Center Party faction to reject the draft bill and seriously consider once again whether it is worth supporting.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the audience, announces that we are moving on, and invites Priit Sibul to the stage.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests three minutes of extra time.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul accuses the coalition of large-scale misconduct in tax policy and the handling of the draft bill, and calls on the opposition to refrain from adopting it, emphasizing that the changes will increase inequality and violate justice.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman calls upon Aleksei Jevgrafov to speak.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to Jevgrafov, the Reform Party's economic policy is being blamed. Operating within an Estonian economy that has been shrinking for nine consecutive quarters, this policy is deepening the crisis by raising taxes and introducing a car tax, thereby worsening the financial stability of vulnerable families and rural areas. Simultaneously, this demonstrates the government's arrogance and the freezing of investments—measures that offer no help during a crisis.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar clarifies the additional time, and Aleksei Yevgrafov requests one minute.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov asserts that the government is focused solely on raising taxes rather than developing a strategy to exit the economic crisis. He recommends abandoning the income tax reform that serves the interests of the wealthy, implementing a bank tax, and initiating a public sector personnel reform. This reform, he argues, would free up over a billion euros, thereby eliminating the need to raise existing taxes, introduce new levies, or cut family benefits. Furthermore, he calls on members of the Riigikogu (Parliament) to vote against the proposed car tax.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Thank you very much. And next, Tiit Maran is invited to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran said that he was speaking only on his own behalf, not on behalf of the faction.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Negotiations are now underway for everyone, which is why the chairman is making this request.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran argues that the car tax should function as an environmental tax. He further explains the biosphere as a thin layer of biodiversity, detailing the impact of fossil fuels and the Great Acceleration on our climate and living conditions, and emphasizing the necessity for change.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar requests three minutes of extra time.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran compares the growth of humanity to the proliferation of yeast, affirming the necessity of the green transition. However, he warns that if regional and mobility policies do not encourage giving up car ownership, the car tax cannot become an environmental tax and will simply remain a means of filling the state treasury.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanks the audience and invites Helir-Valdor Seeder to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman announced that Helir-Valdor Seeder was requesting 16 minutes of speaking time, comprising a statement on his own behalf first, followed by one on behalf of the faction, with three minutes of additional time allocated for both instances.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder is criticizing the coalition's car tax bill proceedings, labeling the proposed taxation as hypocritical and unreasonably retroactive. He argues that the measure unfairly burdens rural areas and vehicle owners, and is calling for the process to be terminated during the second reading so that the Riigikogu (Parliament) has a chance to debate the legislation more thoroughly.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar called Rain Epler to the Riigikogu podium next.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler claims that the state of the Estonian budget has deteriorated since 2021. He argues that the coalition is wasting money on wind and solar energy, massive infrastructure projects, and bank profits, all while cutting support for children and families living in rural areas and expanding the personalized state apparatus. He urges the coalition to scrap this draft law immediately.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks the audience and next invites Riigikogu colleague Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The vehicle tax is pointless and detrimental because it increases the cost of living, causes mobility poverty, and imposes costs on everyone—even those who do not own a vehicle—thereby jeopardizing the ability of pensioners and young families to travel.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks if additional time is requested.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He wants more time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The statement expresses the desire to grant three minutes of extra time.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme accuses the government of lying and using security issues for fearmongering, asserting that EKRE does not support the motor vehicle tax, will abolish the tax upon coming to power, and will disrupt the bill during its second reading.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanked [them] and invited Andres Metsoja to the Riigikogu podium.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
I do not support the motor vehicle tax bill, as the state should not be taxing people's way of life. This particularly impacts the investments and daily needs of families in rural areas, where relying on a car is fundamental to their existence. The lack of adequate services outside of major cities only makes this tax unfair and offensive.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests three minutes of extra time.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja's message is that Estonia's success relies on the diversity of lifestyles and the balanced development of its counties. Furthermore, CO2 reduction must be achieved through sensible traffic management, while avoiding tax policies that undermine rural areas or deepen the urban-rural divide.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar expresses his thanks and invites Mart Maastik to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik stated that the car tax is stupid and pointless, arguing that a car is a necessity, not an asset. He added that the tax will place residents of rural areas and families with children in a more difficult situation. Furthermore, he questioned the environmental claims, noting that the actual impact of producing electric cars and batteries is not as simple or credible as suggested. He concluded that the state should first reduce its expenditures to find money, rather than burdening citizens with a car tax.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests three minutes of extra time.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
When an entrepreneur is short on cash, they have to choose between cutting costs or boosting revenue. However, raising the car tax will not stimulate the economy and will only make life harder for business owners. For this reason, I do not recommend implementing the car tax; instead, I urge everyone to focus on increasing revenue and stimulating economic growth.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Arvo Aller to take the floor.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller states that EKRE opposes the motor vehicle tax and urges parliamentarians to vote against it. He argues the tax is a wealth tax that will degrade life in rural areas and drive up labor and mobility costs, violating both election promises and the principle of effective inclusion.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi asks for three extra minutes.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller criticized the fact that only 19 of the 831 submitted amendments remained. He also highlighted the shortcomings of e-voting and the continuation of existing tax policies and the planned sugar tax, which he attributes to the failure to keep promises. Finally, he urged people to vote for EKRE.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker offered thanks, invited Kert Kingo to speak, and announced that he would be requesting additional time, meaning the entire address would last eight minutes.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo stressed that implementing a motor vehicle tax will increase inequality in rural areas and jeopardize their development, which is why EKRE does not support the bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks and addresses Henn Põlluaas with a request.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas claims that Estonia is currently experiencing a tax hike frenzy because the government is increasing the tax burden during the crisis while revenue collection is decreasing, thereby harming people’s welfare and entrepreneurship. He also criticizes the motor vehicle tax, arguing that its supposed environmental justification actually burdens car owners and families.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks for three additional minutes.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas accused the government of cynical lies and tax hikes, claiming that taxes are being raised in the name of national defense, which will lead to Estonia's biggest economic recession and inflation, and called for the government's removal.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi offered his thanks and invited Siim Pohlak to take the floor.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak accuses the Reform Party coalition of economic destruction, citing the previous government's billion-euro budget deficit, along with today's increases in taxes, excise duties, and state fees. He argues that these measures will result in rising unemployment and companies laying off people, compounded by the losses related to Rail Baltic and the government's focus on ideological issues at the expense of the economy.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a brief expression of thanks, and we ask Rene Kokk to take the floor.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk argues that the proposed car tax plan will exacerbate inequality between urban and rural areas. This is because driving is essential in the countryside for getting to work, accessing medical care, and obtaining other services, and the ongoing reduction of state services forces residents to drive increasingly long distances.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi requests an additional three minutes.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk called for negotiations with the European Union to suspend the construction of Rail Baltic during the war. He stressed the necessity of increasing defense capabilities and easing the state budget, as well as discussing the tax wedge and the bank tax. He further warns that if the same political parties are elected to Brussels, they will not address domestic political problems.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi offers his thanks and invites Urmas Reinsalu to take the floor, allocating eight minutes for his address.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu accuses the coalition of pushing through the car tax without a popular mandate, arguing that the draft bill is flawed, inflationary, and unconstitutional. He also calls for a vote for Isamaa, which promises to oppose the tax and repeal it upon coming to power.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked Kalle Grünthal and invited him to speak.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal asks whether his good colleague Kivimägi would allow him eight minutes to speak.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Vice-Chair confirms that it will last eight minutes.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to Grünthal, the government coalition is implementing a "new communism" at the behest of globalists, restricting private property through taxes, including the car tax. He accuses Kaja Kallas and the Bilderberg Group, and calls on Estonians to resist and vote for those who will not impose a tax burden that makes life difficult for people.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman thanks the audience and gives the floor to Aivar Kokk.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk leveled sharp criticism against the current government's tax policy and state budget decisions, asserting that the planned increases in VAT and income tax, along with the proposed hikes in land tax and car tax, disproportionately burden pensioners and those living in rural areas, while simultaneously increasing the national debt. He further accuses the leaders of the Reform Party of making "three big stupid decisions" and Eesti 200 of failing to deliver on their promises.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi asks for three extra minutes.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk asserts that Estonia is the only country in Europe where the economy has been in recession for two and a quarter years. He argues that tax hikes will not stimulate the economy; instead, they will deepen poverty and erode purchasing power. Therefore, he urges people to vote for Isamaa to prevent taxes from increasing.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The address expresses gratitude and a request to Varro Vooglaid.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid stated that the opposition lacks influence and the coalition is pushing through its plans, including the motor vehicle tax. He promised that conservatives would repeal this and other coalition initiatives at the first opportunity.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi confirms that the standard procedure for speaking on behalf of a faction will be applied, and invites Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party faction.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He highlights that 76% of Estonians do not support the car tax, and urges the deputies from the Social Democrats and Eesti 200, along with all parliament members who represent the interests of their constituents, to consider these wishes and vote against the car tax.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi declared the discussions concluded and announced that they would now begin reviewing the proposed amendments, starting with amendment No. 1. This amendment, which was submitted by Jaak Valge, Varro Vooglaid, Rain Epler, Martin Helme, Arvo Aller, Evelin Poolamets, Mart Helme, and Helle-Moonika Helme, was decided by the leading committee to be disregarded.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He now calls for a vote on this amendment and is taking a ten-minute recess before the vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech contains only the announcement that the break will last ten minutes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi declared the recess requested by the EKRE faction concluded. He then put Amendment Proposal No. 1—submitted by Jaak Valge, Varro Vooglaid, Rain Epler, Martin Helme, Arvo Aller, Evelin Poolamets, Mart Helme, and Helle-Moonika Helme—to a vote, noting that the lead committee’s position was to recommend against its adoption.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The proposal received only 15 votes in favor, 53 against, and 0 abstentions; Amendment No. 2 failed to gain support and was therefore disregarded; the leading committee's position was to disregard it; Helle-Moonika Helme, please proceed!
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He requests a vote on this amendment and takes a ten-minute recess before the vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi said that the break would last ten minutes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi declared the recess requested by the EKRE faction concluded and put amendment proposal No. 2 to a vote. The proposal was submitted by Rain Epler, Martin Helme, Aivar Kokk, Andres Metsoja, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Jaanus Karilaid, Jüri Ratas, Mart Maastik, Priit Sibul, Riina Solman, Tõnis Lukas, Urmas Reinsalu, Mart Helme, Helle-Moonika Helme, Henn Põlluaas, Rene Kokk, and Ants Frosch, and the lead committee’s position is to reject it; members are asked to take a position and vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted: 15 in favour, 52 against, 0 abstentions; Amendments No. 2 and No. 3 failed to gain support, and the leading committee decided to disregard them.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He thanks the chair, raises a procedural matter, and asks if it could be addressed before the discussion.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
I will hear your proposal and treat it as a procedural step, and if you wish for a recess, I will call a break.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She genuinely wishes to vote on this amendment and requests a ten-minute recess before the vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Urmas Reinsalu before announcing the recess.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu expressed complete confusion regarding the conditionality of co-authorship for a group amendment proposal involving 30 people, and demanded a very specific answer: who is authorized to withdraw such a bundled amendment proposal? Can only one element of the mosaic be withdrawn, or must the entire super-amendment proposal be withdrawn? And, referencing the Rules of Procedure Act, what voting majority is required?
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi explained that an amendment submitted to the plenary session can only be withdrawn if more than half of the initiators are in favour of it; otherwise, it cannot be withdrawn. He recalled the previous option of withdrawing it in the committee on one's own behalf before the lead committee had merged the amendments, and announced that two procedural questions would be taken up, followed by a recess at the request of the EKRE faction.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu pointed out the ambiguity surrounding the rules for withdrawing proposed amendments, requesting specific references to the Rules of Procedure Act. This is because, in his view, the proposer should be able to withdraw an amendment at any time, not just before the second reading procedure or solely based on the consent of a large number of people.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi explains that withdrawing an amendment requires the approval of more than half of the submitters, and he commends the Finance Committee for its generosity, arguing that greater inclusion increases the probability of the amendment being adopted.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal said that the law allows the initiator of a draft bill to withdraw the bill initiated or submitted by him at any time, and it is not necessary for all or half of the submitters to agree to it; if Reinsalu wishes to withdraw the amendment proposal, he can do so immediately, because actions taken by the committee's merger must not be contrary to the law.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speaker stated that he had the right to withdraw his amendment, asked for the minutes to be checked, and noted that we are discussing amendments, not the withdrawal of the bill, and the EKRE faction requested a ten-minute recess.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi said that after the recess, the matter would proceed to a vote, and the proposed amendments could no longer be withdrawn because the documents had been prepared by the committees. They will be put to a vote as Amendment No. 3, submitted by several members of the Riigikogu, and the lead committee recommends that it be disregarded.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
11 voted in favor, 52 against, and 0 abstained; Amendment No. 3 failed to gain support; No. 4, submitted by the Finance Committee, could be fully taken into account according to the position of the lead committee; finally, Helle-Moonika Helme was called.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He thanks the assembly for the floor, requests a vote on the amendment, and calls a ten-minute recess before the vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announces a ten-minute break.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that Amendment Proposal No. 4, which was submitted by the Finance Committee and which the lead committee wishes to fully consider, would be put to a vote; due to technical malfunctions, the vote was interrupted and a recess was announced in order to fix the console or consider other options.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi greeted his colleague, thanked the technical personnel, and congratulated Helir-Valdor Seeder on receiving his new console. He then announced that amendment proposal No. 4, submitted by the Finance Committee, would be put to a vote, along with the lead committee's position "to fully adopt," and asked members to take a stand and cast their votes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced that Amendment No. 4 had been adopted (51 votes in favor, 12 against, 0 abstentions), and a procedural matter would be addressed before the next vote.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu protests that he was not allowed to withdraw the third amendment proposal, highlights the chairman's two contradictory interpretations, and requests clarification regarding the current Rules of Procedure Act.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi stated that amendments can only be withdrawn in writing and before the voting begins. Once the vote has started, it is not possible to withdraw them during the plenary session, as doing so would lead to anarchy and render the work of the Riigikogu inefficient. For this reason, he called upon Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder asks the Chair for clear instructions on how and in what manner he may withdraw the amendment he submitted, which is connected to 19 related amendments—specifically, whether he must withdraw the entire linked package or only his own portion—and requests that this guidance and explanation be provided in writing, as the situation is procedurally complex to interpret.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi emphasized that the withdrawal of amendments is permitted only before the start of the vote, preferably before the documents are submitted to the plenary, because otherwise, the entire process will descend into anarchy.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu stated that confusion and conflicting interpretations had emerged in the Riigikogu proceedings concerning the timing for withdrawing amendments and the requirements for submitting documents. He requested clarification from the presiding officer, and later, the opportunity to take the floor.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi said that the withdrawal of amendments is not possible at the current stage of proceedings, and that this can only be done orally in the lead committee. However, according to the formal requirement, it must be formalized in writing, and before the vote, the committee must have the proper documents prepared so that the vote is clear.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak asserted that the handling of the car tax bill was irregular, requesting that the bill be withdrawn and the process restarted from scratch. He cited the rules of the Yellow Book, which permit the withdrawal of proposals before a vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi emphasized that, since the voting procedure had already begun, it was no longer possible to withdraw amendments in the current procedural phase. He intended to bring amendment No. 5 to a vote, noting that the lead committee recommended its rejection, and invited [them] to hear the comments of Helle-Moonika Helme and Urmas Reinsalu.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu asked for clarification on how and when a bill or an amendment proposal can be withdrawn (for example, whether in writing in the morning or only at the committee meeting, and whether the day before or on the same day), and requested an interpretation of this matter within the framework of the Rules of Procedure Act.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi emphasizes that the rules for withdrawing a bill and withdrawing amendments are different, and the bill itself can be withdrawn at any time. He wishes to extend the time so that the lead committee can prepare the materials for the chamber, but the final decision rests with the board, and the voting has already begun.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu stated that he has a great many questions and asked whether the Chairman of the sitting is correctly interpreting the vote under the law, noting that according to their understanding, the voting begins with the first amendment proposal and concludes with the processing of the final amendment proposal.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi stressed that his interpretation is clear and consistent: the withdrawal of an amendment is permissible only before voting commences. Failing this, anarchy will ensue, and Parliament will cease to function. Consequently, the procedure must adhere strictly to established rules.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme asks what vote must take place before the amendment proposals are withdrawn—whether it is the vote on the first distinct amendment or the motion to close debate for the final vote—and requests a clear answer to this question.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi stated that the voting on the amendments commenced with the vote on the first motion, and motions could be withdrawn up until that point, but not afterward. He then offered the option of a recess before the vote and handed the microphone over to Helle-Moonika Helme.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme requests a vote on the amendment and calls a ten-minute recess before doing so, emphasizing that this is already the fifth vote and is completely different from the previous and subsequent ones.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced that the break would last ten minutes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Dear colleagues, the recess is over. We have reached the fifth amendment, and the leading committee recommends rejecting it, asking you to take a position and cast your vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The voting result was 15 in favor, 49 against, and there were no abstentions; the sixth amendment proposal was submitted by Siim Pohlak, and the leading committee decided to disregard it.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak submitted two proposals, which, if both are passed, will result in the car tax being scrapped. He also requested a technical clarification from the 'yellow book,' as it states that the representative of the faction, the representative of the commission, and the submitter of the amendment have the right to announce which specific amendment they require a vote on, even though there are several amendments listed.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas apologized and called for quiet, stating that there was a din in the chamber and he could not hear the procedural question (or point of order).
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He says he's starting over.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
He says we shouldn't start over, but rather pick up where we left off.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Yellow Book states that the submitter or the faction's representative has the right to specify which amendment on the list they wish to call a vote on, but if I only want to vote on the first one, that is currently not possible, even though the book permits requesting a vote on only one specific amendment from the list.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
We are currently voting on the sixth amendment, pursuant to the Steering Committee's decision. This amendment is being considered as a single proposal.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Thank you! Chairperson, there are clearly two proposals on the list right now.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas stated that the Steering Committee had said that it was one [or: that they were unified], the chamber laughed, and subsequently a procedural question was put to Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
At the beginning of the address, the speaker notes that the chairman did not participate in our previous discussion.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas said that the answer is no.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder emphasizes that we will continue where we left off, taking procedural economy into account, and asks whether his two written proposals concerning the withdrawal of the amendment have reached and been forwarded to the presiding officer, given that the previous presiding officer has departed.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
All correspondence and demands have been left here and are available, and now we request that the microphone be given to Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder posed a question on how to vote on and how to withdraw the forcibly bundled amendment proposal, and requested an explanation along with the corresponding section of the Rules of Procedure.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas stated that he had not participated in the discussion, and requested a five-minute recess for himself.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Board of the Riigikogu decided that amendments may be withdrawn before their consideration, but they may not be withdrawn during the consideration, and this is based on clause 18 of subsection 2 of section 13 of the Rules of Procedure Act.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder criticized the previous chairman's interpretation regarding the voting on amendments and familiarization with materials, and emphasized that the process for democratic debate and the withdrawal of amendments must remain unambiguous, even when the session's working time concludes or a weekend begins.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas affirmed the unified stance and said that, irrespective of any slippage in the schedules, the procedure for reviewing the proposed amendments remains open and must be handled in the same manner.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas stated that the current situation is unprecedented and absurd. He highlighted that 15 completely different amendments did not overlap with his own proposal, and that the commission's arbitrary and unlawful decision is ongoing. He then asked whether they should start from scratch to review this entire mass of amendments for the sake of unity.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas stated that the linking of amendments is not correct, and determining the connections is up to the lead committee; if they are linked, that is also the lead committee's decision. He does not wish to start over from the beginning, and asked Helir-Valdor Seeder to pose a procedural question.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder voiced his protest against an interpretation under which amendments cannot be withdrawn during the voting process, warning that this sets a dangerous precedent and runs counter to the proper functioning of parliament and the Supreme Court’s previous interpretation; he added that if numerous amendments are submitted and the distribution of materials is not currently feasible, it will be possible to redistribute those materials after a recess week, which constitutes a significant difference.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas stated that a custom and precedent has developed regarding the review of amendments, and that the best thing to do is generally to link them together to avoid technical problems and ensure the work proceeds smoothly.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak stated that the proposed amendments should not be linked, and the car tax should be scrapped altogether; if this current amendment passes, the car tax bill will be nullified, and he requested a ten-minute recess before the vote so that the coalition could determine whether the wealth tax is still necessary.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
He asks that the microphone be returned to Siim Pohlak and inquires whether a vote is also desired.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He wants a vote, and there will be a ten-minute break before that.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas said that the break would be ten minutes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced that the recess has ended. We are now addressing the sixth amendment proposal (submitted by Siim Pohlak), and the position of the lead committee is to reject it. He asked us to state our position and proceed to a vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The result of the vote was 15 in favor, 44 against, with no abstentions; Amendment proposal No. 7, submitted by Evelin Poolamets and Arvo Aller, did not receive support, and the lead committee recommended rejecting it. Procedural question, Helir-Valdor Seeder, please!
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder asks the presiding officer for clarification on how this current interpretation of the rules of procedure should function, whether the voting has begun, and whether the written motion for adjournment can be withdrawn.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announced that the motion for suspension could be withdrawn.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak affirmed that the car tax should not be implemented, and he requested a vote on the proposal, as well as a ten-minute recess for the EKRE faction prior to the vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas announced a ten-minute recess.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced that the requested recess has concluded, and amendment proposal No. 7 has been submitted by Evelin Poolamets and Arvo Aller, and the lead committee wishes to reject it; Siim Pohlak, please proceed!
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He thanks the esteemed Chairman and requests a ten-minute recess before the vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas stated that a second recess could not be taken, and subsequently put Amendment No. 7 to a vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The result was 13 in favor, 42 against, with no abstentions. Amendment Proposal No. 8 was submitted by the lead committee (the Finance Committee) but failed to gain support, and the position of the lead committee must be fully considered.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats requests a ten-minute recess before the vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asks if you also want a vote.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She requests a recess before the vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas asks if you also wish to vote.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats stresses that the vote must still be carried out.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas says that once they start working on the matter, they will see it through to the end, followed by a ten-minute break.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced that the recess had ended and that the eighth amendment proposal submitted by the Finance Committee must be fully considered, and he requested that a position be taken and a vote cast.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas stated that amendment proposal No. 9 is currently under debate, it was submitted by several individuals, and the lead committee recommends rejecting it. However, the Riigikogu Board has stated that it cannot be withdrawn, as that would have only been possible before the amendments were reviewed, and now Helir-Valdor Seeder is raising a procedural question.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder is asking whether today's agenda includes convening the Board and discontinuing the practice of taking recesses during the voting on amendments, in order to advance the Riigikogu's work more smoothly, citing the mandate granted by the Supreme Court to organize the work more broadly.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas stated that he does not plan to propose ending the practice of taking recesses during board meetings. He recalled a previous decision that had been adopted by the plenary without consensus, adding that no such plan has been mentioned recently.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He noted that the amendment was submitted by the Center Party faction, together with Jüri Ratas, and asked whether the speaker himself remembered submitting it together with the Center Party faction.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Ratas said that the bundling of amendments is improper, and the leading committee should hold the right to make that decision, since the presidium has stated this position and the coalition usually holds a majority.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas is protesting the illegality of what took place here and the violation of the Constitution, and is requesting a precise clarification regarding the substance of the amendment proposal we are voting on, because it contains a variety of different proposals.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas explained that Amendment Proposal No. 9, which originated from the steering committee, will be put to a vote. The substance of this proposal has been thoroughly documented across seven and a half pages, and Lauri Laats is requested to state his preference regarding it.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats asks the chairman of the session to put the substantial amendment proposal for item nine to a vote, and the Estonian Centre Party faction requests a ten-minute recess before the vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announced a ten-minute break.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas states that the Centre Party faction is returning from the recess. The ninth amendment proposal will be addressed, and the leading committee recommends leaving it unconsidered, after which Helle-Moonika Helme will be asked if she also requires a break.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme smiles and answers affirmatively.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asks if this is desired and how many minutes are needed for it.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme expresses her wish to vote and take a recess.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announced that he was putting the ninth amendment up for a vote and requested everyone to state their position and cast their vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Amendment No. 10 failed to gain support (12 in favor, 44 against), there were no abstentions, and the lead committee decided not to take it into consideration.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats announced that he wished to vote on Amendment No. 10, and that the Estonian Centre Party faction was requesting a ten-minute recess before the vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called a ten-minute recess.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The recess requested by the Estonian Centre Party faction has ended. The list of submitters for the tenth amendment proposal is now being considered. The standing committee's position is to reject it, and they request that the body take a position and proceed to a vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The result was 13 in favour, 47 against, with no abstentions; Amendment No. 11 failed to gain support, and the lead committee decided to dismiss it.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats requests a vote on the amendment, and on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party faction, he asks for a ten-minute recess before the vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announces that the recess will last for ten minutes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced that the recess requested by the Centre Party faction had concluded. He then introduced the list of submitters for amendment proposal No. 11 (Aivar Kokk, Andres Metsoja, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Jaanus Karilaid, Jüri Ratas, Mart Maastik, Priit Sibul, Riina Solman, Tõnis Lukas, Urmas Reinsalu, and Kert Kingo), and stated that the leading committee recommends that it be disregarded, asking the members to take a position and vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The vote was 11 in favor and 46 against, with no abstentions; amendment proposal No. 12 was submitted by Arvo Aller, Evelin Poolamets, Mart Helme, and Helle-Moonika Helme, and the leading committee decided to reject it.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats announced that he wishes to vote on Amendment Proposal No. 12, and prior to the vote, the Estonian Environmental Faction is requesting a ten-minute recess.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announced a ten-minute recess.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Ratas said that the recess requested by the faction has ended, and we have moved on to the 12th amendment proposal, which was submitted by Arvo Aller, Evelin Poolamets, Mart Helme, and Helle-Moonika Helme. The leading committee’s position is to disregard it, and we were asked to state our position and proceed to a vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The parliamentary vote yielded the following result: 11 in favor, 41 against, and there were no abstentions. Amendment proposal No. 13 was submitted by several members of parliament, including Jüri Ratas, but it was subsequently withdrawn through Helir-Valdor Seeder. The responsible committee recommended non-consideration, and Ratas, confirming the statement made via the chairman's letter, noted that while the formal drafting was correct, the proposal should have been submitted before the process of addressing amendments began.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats announced that he wishes to vote on Amendment Proposal No. 13, and the Estonian Centre Party faction is requesting a ten-minute recess prior to the vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked everyone and announced that the break would be ten minutes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker announced that the recess requested by the Centre Party faction had concluded. The 13th amendment proposal was then presented, which the lead committee had recommended rejecting; members were asked to take a position and vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The result was 12 in favor, 43 against, and there were no abstentions. The Finance Committee submitted Amendment Proposal No. 14, and the responsible committee recommended its full adoption.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Thank you for the floor. I see that you are continuing the discussion, and I ask that you vote on this amendment. Before that, I will call a ten-minute recess.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas thanks the audience and announces a ten-minute intermission.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Ratas thanks [the members] for their cooperation, announces the conclusion of the recess, and introduces Amendment Proposal No. 14, submitted by the Finance Committee, which the lead committee recommends adopting in full, requesting that a position be taken and a vote cast.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Steering Committee decided that some proposed amendments would be fully accepted (e.g., No. 21), while others would be disregarded (e.g., Nos. 22–23), a decision that reflected the involvement of multiple factions and the shift in the pace of proceedings in the chamber.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk thanked them and said that, since he was the one who originally made the proposal, the amendment was so good that he would put it up for a vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Let us begin preparations for the vote; I present Amendment Proposal No. 23, submitted by Aivar Kokk, Andres Metsoja, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Jaanus Karilaid, Jüri Ratas, Mart Maastik, Priit Sibul, Riina Solman, Tõnis Lukas, and Urmas Reinsalu; the lead committee recommends rejecting it; please take a position and vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Parliament voted: 14 in favor, 41 against, with no abstentions recorded; the Finance Committee submitted Amendment Proposal No. 24, and the lead committee holds the view that it must be fully taken into consideration.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The address calls for a vote on the amendment, and prior to that, the Centre Party faction is requesting a ten-minute recess.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asks if you are sure, notes the change in pace, and announces a ten-minute recess.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited colleagues to take a stance and vote on Amendment Proposal No. 24, which had been submitted by the Finance Committee and which the lead committee, following deliberation, recommended accepting entirely.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The vote resulted in 45 in favor, 10 against, with no abstentions. The proposal was supported, and amendments 25 through 27 must be fully taken into account, but the lead committee decided to disregard amendment 28. Aivar Kokk, you have the floor.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He said that this very good cluster of amendments, which also includes his own amendment, should be put to a vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called for the vote, tabled Amendment No. 28, and announced that the lead committee recommended rejecting it.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced that the vote on the second reading of Draft Act 364 concluded with 11 votes in favor, 45 against, and zero abstentions, and amendment proposal No. 29 failed to gain support. The lead committee recommends rejecting it, and letters have been received from the EKRE and Isamaa factions regarding the suspension of the second reading. No letters have been received from the Reform Party, Eesti 200, or SDE factions. Martin Helme, please!
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He requests a ten-minute recess before the vote on the motion to adjourn.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asks if a vote is desired, and then announces a ten-minute recess.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced that the joint proposal by the Centre Party, Isamaa, and EKRE factions is to interrupt the second reading of Draft Legislation 364, and members were asked to state their position and cast their vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The voting result for the second reading of Bill 364 was 21 in favor, 47 against, with no abstentions, and the proceedings for the second agenda item are concluded.