Third reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the State Fee Act and Related Amendments to Other Acts (417 SE)
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
Date: 2024-06-12 20:22
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 8
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 15m
AI Summaries: 8/8 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The eighth item on the agenda concerns the third reading of Bill 417, initiated by the State Government, which proposes amendments to the State Fees Act and related amendments to other acts. The core of the bill focuses on raising state fees for various procedures, including the costs associated with passports, ID cards, expedited processing, and procedures in other related areas. The discussion emphasized that the purpose of state fees is to cover the costs associated with the procedures, but critics argued that the fee should not become an additional source of revenue or restrict citizens' access to basic services. The relationship between the development of digital services and the balance of costs was also highlighted—expedited document applications saw significant price changes, which could impact people's daily lives and freedom of movement. The debate reflected a broad response to the budget period and the bill's connection to the supplementary budget; at the central level, it was emphasized that digitalization must not turn into an expensive convenience service, and the state must ensure quality services at reasonable prices. Ultimately, the discussion was marked by strong political opposition, with the proposals and priorities of the coalition and the opposition differing significantly, reflecting a broader perspective on the state's development strategy and financial management.
Decisions Made 1
Draft Act 417 amending the State Fees Act was adopted in the final vote. The result was: 53 in favor, 22 against, with no abstentions. Consequently, the draft was adopted as an Act, and the eighth item on the agenda has been addressed.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, a representative of the Estonian Centre Party faction. She steered the debate and presented various proposals and criticism against the increase of state fees, emphasizing the budgetary rationale and the sustainable financing of digital solutions. Her role and contributions are primarily situated within the center-leaning (other) political line, as she is a member and representative of the Centre Party faction.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced the opening of the debate on the third reading of Draft Act 417, the Act amending the State Fees Act and related acts, and invited Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, representative of the Estonian Centre Party faction, to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart is criticizing the government for increasing state fees several times over, in addition to tax hikes and fines, and considers this a punishment for incompetent economic policy. She emphasizes that the fee increase has been presented merely under the guise of needing to meet budgetary requirements and was only mentioned in the context of other draft legislation.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas apologized to his colleagues and the rapporteur and asked the chamber to quiet down because it was too noisy.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticizes the increase in state fees aimed at fulfilling the budget, arguing that the administrative fees for passports, ID cards, citizenship applications, and e-residency will become more expensive and do not align with the concept of a digital state. The Centre Party submitted amendments and voted against the increases.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Riigikogu has now given the floor to Arvo Aller, the representative of the EKRE faction.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller said that raising state fees is unwarranted, placing a burden on both the public and the state budget, and the Estonian Conservative People's Party does not support these increases.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas concluded the requests to speak and the negotiations, began preparations for the final vote on Draft Law 417, and subsequently put it to the final vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Fifty-three votes were cast in favor, twenty-two against, and there were no abstentions; Draft Act 417 concerning the amendment of the State Fees Act and the amendment of related acts was adopted as law, and the eighth item on the agenda has been addressed.