Third Reading of the Draft Act amending the Penal Code and other related Acts (increase of the fine unit) (415 SE)
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
Date: 2024-06-12 18:50
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 12
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 20m
AI Summaries: 12/12 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu proceeded to the third reading of Bill 415, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the Penal Code and related amendments to other acts (increase of the fine unit). During the debates, the parliamentary groups expressed opposing views. The parliamentary groups of the Estonian Centre Party and EKRE sharply criticized the bill, calling the doubling of fines (e.g., a parking fine up to 80 euros) a new tax and a consequence of government incompetence. Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart (Centre Party) emphasized that the increase in fines is aimed at filling budget holes, not improving behavioral culture, and warned that it would create difficulties for lower-income people who might not be able to pay the fines. Kert Kingo (EKRE) supported this view, noting that the goal is merely collecting money, not calming traffic or preventative work. Liisa-Ly Pakosta, speaking on behalf of the Estonia 200 faction, supported the bill, stressing that the deterrent effect of fines must be maintained amid inflation and the rising cost of living, and expressed hope that higher fines would increase legal compliance.
Decisions Made 1
Bill 415, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the Act on the Amendment of the Penal Code and the Amendment of Other Related Acts (increase of the fine unit), was adopted as a law with 58 votes in favor (24 against, 0 abstentions).
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart (Estonian Centre Party faction), who presented the longest and most detailed criticism against the draft bill, emphasizing its social injustice and the government's incompetence. (Position: left)
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi introduces Draft Bill 415, the third reading of the second item on the agenda (amendments to the Penal Code and related acts initiated by the Government), and opens the debate. Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart speaks as the representative on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party Faction.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticizes the doubling of parking and other fines as an unreasonable, revenue-generating move that burdens the public, making it harder for residents to make ends meet, exposing the government's incompetence, and raises the question of who these fines are actually intended to benefit.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi gave his thanks, and Kert Kingo, on behalf of the EKRE faction, requested an additional three minutes.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo argues that the true purpose of this draft bill is merely collecting money through fines, and not traffic calming or increasing preventative measures; therefore, she is voting against it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the assembly and announces that Liisa-Ly Pakosta will speak on behalf of the Eesti 200 faction, and he requests three additional minutes.
Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
He thanks the judges and court staff on behalf of Eesti 200, especially Villu Kõvet, and emphasizes how important the rule of law and independent courts are for Estonia.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that the handling of this agenda item has been concluded, and the colleague is likely late, but it’s no big deal.
Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Liisa-Ly Pakosta asks whether we should be talking about those fines right now.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Acting on behalf of the faction is permitted for those who wish to do so and possess authorization, but it is not mandatory.
Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
According to Liisa-Ly Pakosta, the Eesti 200 faction will vote in favor of raising fines because fines serve as a deterrent measure, the impact of which increases as the cost of living and inflation rise. She added that this helps maintain public attentiveness and legal compliance, reduces preventable violations, and protects society.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He concludes the discussions, puts Bill 415 to the final vote, and emphasizes that its adoption requires a majority vote of the Riigikogu membership, requesting [members] to take a position and cast their vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Bill 415 was adopted as law: 58 in favor, 24 against, 0 abstentions, and the consideration of the second item on the agenda is concluded.