Second Reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 UA)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
Date: 2024-07-29 13:17
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 292
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 5h 21m
AI Summaries: 292/292 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The first item on the agenda is the second reading of Draft Act 364 of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, previously initiated by the Government of the Republic, currently under discussion in the Riigikogu. The objective of the draft act is to introduce a motor vehicle tax starting from the beginning of 2025, which should encourage people to use less polluting vehicles and collect the necessary funds for the state to fulfill its obligations. The tax consists of two parts: firstly, an annual ownership fee paid by the vehicle owner for vehicles registered in the traffic register, and secondly, a registration fee paid upon registering passenger cars and vans in the traffic register. The system was restructured in several stages during the proceedings, and the draft act has undergone significant amendments, including the adjustment of permitted coefficients and taxation principles based on age and usage. The President of the Riigikogu declined to promulgate the draft act, citing a violation of the principles of equal treatment due to insufficient provisions regarding the specific needs of disabled persons. Subsequently, intentions to expand social support mechanisms were added to the draft act: targeted support for disabled persons, one-off compensations, and improved accessibility of assistive devices. During the proceedings, extraordinary sessions were held in the Finance and Social Affairs Committees, as well as joint committee sessions. The number of proposed amendments was exceptionally large (374 proposals were submitted); the leadership proposed three main amendments: No. 6 for technical and regulatory changes, No. 12 concerning the delivery of motor vehicle tax notices, and No. 20, which had a central impact on support mechanisms related to disabled persons. Finally, a decision was made to conclude the second reading and organize further proceedings toward the third reading; the analysis of social and judicial impact and the avoidance of obstruction were central throughout the entire process.
Decisions Made 1
The Finance Committee decided to conclude the second reading and move the draft bill to the third reading and final vote at the earliest opportunity. Furthermore, related amendments were discussed and screened, and ultimately, not a single related amendment was adopted. This procedural course of action was also linked to the discussion on how to ensure the Riigikogu's capacity to function and how to prevent the excessive use of obstruction.
Most Active Speaker
Annely Akkermann (Reform Party) – Chair of the Finance Committee. She set the tone for the initial debate and coordinated the bill’s procedure, including the review of amendments and the clarification of various positions within the chamber. Her role was both initiating and guiding, and her frequent presence at the podium underscores her active participation. Position: right (right-wing).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced today's agenda item—the second reading of Bill 364 of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic—and invited Annely Akkermann, Chair of the Riigikogu Finance Committee, to serve as rapporteur, noting that the presentation would be up to 20 minutes long and that up to two questions could be asked.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann greets her colleagues, gets their attention, and asks if they can hear her better now.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He asked for the microphones to be raised slightly and noted that the sound was already quite good now.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The report describes that starting from the beginning of 2025, there are plans to introduce a motor vehicle tax and a traffic register registration fee in order to reduce pollution and finance state obligations. However, the draft bill has received hundreds of amendment proposals, and it also involves topics concerning support and tax exemptions for disabled people. Due to the President's position, the proceedings in the Riigikogu are complicated and may affect the state budget.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the presenter, noted that there were many questions, and then called upon Aleksandr Tšaplõgin.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin posed a critical question to the Reform Party before the presiding officer of the session, asking how much longer their party intends to continue robbing the poorest citizens.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann claims that the Reform Party has never robbed the poorest citizens, and the poorest are those who are forced to live off state benefits, for which taxes must be collected.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Aivar Kokk to speak.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk criticized the Reform Party's proposed change and questioned whether this truly represents their understanding of supporting the most vulnerable, noting that the increase promised for next year is only 21 cents for a disabled person of retirement age, 15 cents for the severely disabled, and 9 cents for the profoundly disabled. He further stated that the actual goal is to introduce a motor vehicle tax, take 250 million from people's pockets, and then distribute it to disabled pensioners in increments of 10–15 cents.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann explains that the social benefits system for people with disabilities is being reformed so that the current coefficients will be replaced by specific numerical sums defined at the legislative level. These sums will be rounded to whole numbers. Furthermore, the benefit amounts will be increased in some cases across different groups, and one-off payments will be introduced. Ultimately, the plan is to phase out the coefficients entirely.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Siim Pohlak to come forward.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak stated that the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE) is categorically opposed to the car tax and criticized the Reform Party’s plan to raise taxes, the estimated impact of which amounts to 1,500–2,000 euros per person annually. He referenced a news story covered in the media in June, which showed that after expenses, the average wage earner in Estonia is left with only about negative 200 euros, compared to 500–600 euros in Sweden, Finland, and Norway. He then asked where the Reform Party expects to find the money to cover the car tax and subsequent tax hikes, and what their analysis is regarding where people are supposed to get this money.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He says he hasn't read the story and can't comment on those numbers, and he recalls Professor Janno Reiljan from his university days, who insisted that before any calculations were used, it had to be clarified where the data came from and whether it was accurate.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Andrei Korobeinik to the stage.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Korobeinik highlighted the specific question raised by a working-age person with a disability: whether 90 cents a month is actually intended to cover their car tax, and why changes to support payments only come into force six months later. He concluded by asking how the standards differ when implementing increases for the car tax versus increases for benefits.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Therefore, the draft bill provides for a one-time additional subsidy during the first half of the year to compensate for the motor vehicle tax for four target groups: children with severe and profound disabilities, and working-age people with severe and profound disabilities. The amount of this subsidy will be calculated based on the median cost of the motor vehicle tax because, due to technical reasons, it was not possible to adjust the database for the tax increase set to take effect on January 1, 2025. Furthermore, an analysis shows that these groups are the most vulnerable; the analysis is attached to the draft bill.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called Kalle Grünthal to the stage.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal emphasizes that LaitseRallyPark and the Järva-Jaani car museum constitute a cultural heritage that must be preserved under the constitution. He highlights Tuve Kärner’s life work and the nearly 600 exhibits, and questions how the proposed car tax bill relates to this, noting that the bill itself is unconstitutional.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stated that while the age coefficient was not applied to legal entities in the initial draft, the legislative process subsequently changed the rules such that the tax liability for the largest car collection amounts to approximately 6,900 euros. Consequently, the Ministry of Culture now sees justification for implementing the support measure, even though the final decision and the total volume of applications remain uncertain. Furthermore, most of the vehicles owned by the Järva-Jaani Firefighting Society are former emergency vehicles, and there are still several unresolved questions concerning their status in the traffic register.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called upon Anti Poolamets to speak.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets emphasizes that the new amendment creates a greater administrative burden for people with disabilities and asks for its justification. Furthermore, he highlights the issue of supporting car acquisition for large families, inquiring how the views of these vulnerable groups were determined.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stated that the re-handling of the law was based on the president's remarks, and although some issues remain unresolved, this is a step in the right direction for people with disabilities. This is because if the tax exemption does not cover the costs, the list of assistive devices required for driving will be added to the official list of aids, and the state's contribution may increase up to 90%. This measure affects approximately 150 people and their related costs, which amount to around 20,000 euros.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar calls upon Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller said that trying to improve the law doesn't actually make it better. He expressed surprise regarding the explanatory memorandum, which mentions the Motor Vehicle Tax Act adopted on June 12, 2027, and noted that they are actually discussing an amendment to that law in 2024, which might seem temporally premature.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann noted in the explanatory memorandum that on page 16, point 7, there is an obvious clerical error concerning the EKRE amendments and the Riigikogu's initial adoption on June 12, 2024, and stated that such errors will be corrected during editing; thank you very much for your attentiveness.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
A request was made to Helir-Valdor Seeder at the beginning of the speech.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder criticized the draft bill, arguing that the impact analysis was essentially lacking substance and failed to show the regional or financial effects on individuals and families. He noted that while public transport is developed in Tallinn and Harju County, allowing for free travel, a car is an unavoidable daily necessity in rural areas. He concluded by asking how significant the bill's financial impact would be on a single person or family.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann noted that a very thorough analysis had been conducted regarding this draft bill, and it had been significantly amended during the legislative process. She added that the average family doesn't actually exist, and it's impossible to say what that average family would even look like.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar noted that a second question could be asked, but that debating without microphones makes stenography difficult, and he subsequently requested that Riina Solman be called next.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman claims that the motor vehicle tax does not provide certainty for the future and generates insecurity among vulnerable target groups. She also asks what public services and support mechanisms for people with disabilities are actually being offered for the taxpayer's money, emphasizing that actions do not align with words and that lowering the co-payment for assistive devices is not a new measure.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The support for people with disabilities will increase following the introduction of the motor vehicle tax. Furthermore, the list of assistive devices will be expanded, application requirements will be eased, and 9.1 million euros will be allocated to help the most vulnerable target groups cope.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar made a brief request: "Andres Metsoja, please."
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja emphasizes that people need to see the broader picture of how taxes impact roads, arguing that additional taxes should lead to better roads, improved public transport, and specialized transport services for people with disabilities. At the same time, he warns against the dangers of underfunding and the lack of clarity regarding the allocation of these funds.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann emphasizes that the state has been spending more on public services than it collects in taxes for several years now, and that tax collection and budgetary spending must be carried out in the name of the state's interests and the welfare of taxpayers, rather than creating a separate tax for every service.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Kalle Grünthal to the stage.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal raised the concern that the work of preserving cultural heritage is being carried out by private enthusiasts, and that the car museum, which houses around 600 exhibits and incurs annual costs of approximately 30,000 euros, requires tax relief. He then asked directly what measures are in place to ensure that their work and effort are not taxed.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stated that the Ministry of Culture’s overview lacks data concerning private museums holding over 300 cars. Furthermore, Estonia’s problem is the absence of a motor vehicle tax, which means the registry could contain up to 200,000 cars that have either been scrapped or left abandoned over the years. The Road Administration and the Tax Authority are unable to distinguish between vehicles set aside for restoration and those that are simply neglected. Consequently, a 50-euro annual fee for old cars was introduced, and phantom cars—vehicles that do not actually exist—are being moved toward official scrapping for environmental purposes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The message contains only one simple request: "Anti Allas, please!"
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas asked whether the commission had discussed a special solution for vintage vehicles—specifically cars that are currently being restored or are intended only for display and will never enter traffic—and whether a solution to this issue could be found via the Traffic Act this autumn, as taxing historical value does not seem appropriate.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
This time, in the commission, we only addressed the aspects highlighted by the president, and all other discussions will be postponed until later, because an adequate debate is only possible once the vehicle register is properly maintained and the necessary data is available.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is just a short request to Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asks what the main purpose of this taxation is and why this tax is being introduced, pointing to the gradual rise of VAT (18–20–24) and the issue of junk vehicles, and further asks what is actually achieved by collecting the tax.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann explains the environmental tax model, where CO2 emissions, vehicle weight, and an asset tax form the tax component. The aim of this model is to guide people toward choosing lighter cars that consume fewer materials, and also to improve the accuracy of the Road Administration’s register. She simultaneously noted that Estonia is one of only two countries that does not have a motor vehicle tax, mentioning that Finland collects a motor vehicle tax amounting to roughly 2% of its GDP, which helps reduce the number of old cars and improves their register.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Priit Sibul to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul asks whether, according to the draft legislation, it is reasonable to take into account larger families—those with more than three, four, or five children who travel in heavier vehicles—and whether families who own a large bus should replace it with two smaller ones or continue using the larger vehicle, and exactly what they would be penalized for.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann says that families with many children are not being penalized; Estonia’s share of social spending relative to GDP is low in the European Union, but family allowances rank among the top three social benefits in the European Union, and the government collects taxes and has introduced family benefits so that these families can manage their lives.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In his speech, Helme accused his opponent of having learned nothing in university and failing to conduct impact assessments for legislation. He also highlighted that the majority of state funds are being spent on foreign aid and purchasing weapons, while simultaneously, our IT systems are collapsing.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a brief call to action, because your time is now.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme said that they support all sorts of colorful LGBT organizations, but they want to scrap the car tax and the tax increases, and give the money going from the state budget to foreigners to their own people.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann notes that European Union support makes up almost 20% of the Estonian state budget, while support in other countries is around 10% compared to tax revenue. And although cooperation projects organized for IT and Ukraine aid initiatives appear to boost the export capacity of Estonian businesses, the total aid received from the Union since accession has been very substantial—the seven-year period amounted to approximately 6 billion euros—which is different from, for example, the motor vehicle tax or foreign aid provided in other sectors.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asks Helir-Valdor Seeder to take the floor.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder argues that impact analyses must be conducted for specific individuals and target groups (e.g., a Tallinn resident, a Saaremaa resident, a large family, or a disabled person), not for the average person. He further states that the government should encourage car ownership in sparsely populated areas and must not impose punitive car taxes or spend so much on organizing public transport, because it is cheaper if people cover their own transportation costs.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann argues that Estonia has an increasing number of people with two residences, and tax benefits must reflect this actual situation. She suggests that local governments could subsidize the motor vehicle tax for those who live far from public transport. However, implementing this based strictly on official residence is not feasible today, as technology allows people to live and work freely.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called upon Riina Solman to speak.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman accuses the Reform Party of co-opting the slogan "certainty" for their own use, highlights the insecurity generated by tax hikes, and questions where the motor vehicle tax revenue will be directed—whether it will fund security measures or road construction in rural areas. She points specifically to the 2% income tax increase starting from the first euro and the proposed zero allocation for the road maintenance plan. She also demands an explanation for the 400,000 euro administrative expenditure, stating that increasing administration costs simply to subsidize aids for disabled people is unreasonable. She concludes by recalling Riisalo's earlier criticisms concerning manual labor and large family benefits.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Because of the database overhaul, social benefits for people with disabilities will increase starting July 1, 2025. The estimated cost for implementing this adjustment is approximately 400,000 euros.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks that Evelin Poolamets be called to the stage.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker inquired about the total amount of administrative costs associated with the collection and oversight of the car tax, including IT development expenses, litigation costs arising from tax disputes, and subsidies for assistive devices for people with disabilities.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
9.1 million has been allocated for benefits for people with disabilities, the table is laid out in the explanatory memorandum, but the answer regarding the total procedural costs is currently lacking, especially concerning court costs, because court costs have definitely not been forecasted.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler stressed the necessity of an impact assessment regarding families living in rural areas, where consolidating the school network could potentially distance children from school and limit their access to extracurricular activities. He also requested the Ministry of Finance's tax revenue forecasts for 2025–2027.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called upon Rain Epler to speak.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann said that the tax revenue forecasts are attached to the initial explanatory memorandum, and in Saarde municipality, school transport has long been organized so that the school route and the school day do not change, and the population density is about three to five people per square kilometer.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Vladimir Arkhipov to the stage.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to Vladimir Arhipov, a regulation could be introduced as a measure to save administrative costs, which would exempt large families and people with disabilities from the car tax, in order to reduce bureaucracy.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
I believe that benefits reach those who truly need them more accurately if they are assessed based on need through the social system, rather than being distributed automatically via tax breaks and tax relief using the Road Administration and the taxpayer registry. Furthermore, taxes should be collected uniformly and with minimal exceptions, and benefits should be targeted specifically towards individuals with genuine social needs.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul notes that the draft bill has been widely discussed but lacked any analyses, and its sole purpose from the outset was to collect money (initially 120 million, later over 200 million). He also asks whether the coalition or the committee discussed not readopting the bill following the president's address.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asks Priit Sibul to come up to the stage.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
There was no such discussion, but the discussion focused on how to take the president's remarks into account and improve the draft bill.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Mart Helme to the stage.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme warns that the draft bill will cause a social catastrophe, demotivate Estonians, and compel them to turn against their own state and government, because it will lead to the catastrophe of the Estonian state as a nation-state and the alienation of the Estonian people from their country.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The state is a common good for its citizens, and tax revenue is collected to maintain its services and security. The motor vehicle tax is one way to ensure this funding.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Andres Metsoja to speak.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja emphasizes that Estonia's regional balance is skewed, and rural areas lack access to services and infrastructure (communication services, electricity connections). Schools are being closed and roads are in poor condition. He asks why the government is not implementing targeted measures, such as a congestion charge, to collect money specifically where the problems are, given that rural residents also have to pay for all costs.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann said that her primary residence is in the countryside, and there she has the same connectivity, roads, and electricity as in Tallinn, but she doesn't know how to answer that question.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Speaker Helle-Moonika Helme asserts that European Union money has corrupted the Estonian state and that a large portion of the funds remains unused, while simultaneously questioning who receives the subsidies, and criticizing the concept of the personalized state and the inconsistency regarding the traceability of car tax benefits.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Overall, I highlight the importance of a needs-based approach and personalized attention, but taxes are collected more simply, with few exceptions. Furthermore, the Estonian tax system has been the most competitive in the world for the tenth year running because the taxes are uniform.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Kert Kingo to speak.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo criticizes the situation where, in Laeva—a place where the local school only goes up to the third grade and the child lives in a student home—the father must drive his daughter to school in Lähte by car, and the government intends to tax this expense as a provision of the school commute. She asks what alternative mode of transport has been planned for this family, considering that the school bus does not operate on that specific route.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The organization of basic education is the responsibility of the local government, and if the region has long distances and low population density, municipalities may choose not to organize a school bus service, but instead reimburse the cost of school transportation by agreement with the parents.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Vladimir Arhipov to the stage.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The presenter pointed out that the municipality could compensate certain target groups for the car tax, and asked whether this was a personal opinion or related to the draft bill, while simultaneously emphasizing the necessity of funding the school bus.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
As far as I know, my electoral district, Lääneranna and Saarde, is very sparsely populated, and the local government has found solutions to ensure that students can get to school or extracurricular schools.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk pointed out that no substantive impact analysis had been conducted regarding the draft bill, and he asked whether an analysis concerning future traffic safety and the number of accidents had been carried out, and what the conclusions of that analysis were.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Rene Kokk to the stage.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann says that she doesn't know for sure whether traffic accidents are linked to the age or size of the car; this wasn't discussed in the Finance Committee, and she is hearing for the first time that the number of accidents might be related to the car's weight.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev said that the Centre Party faction submitted 63 substantive amendments with the aim of improving the draft bill, not organizing obstruction, and that the basis for these proposals was a legal analysis they had independently commissioned; he asked how these proposals would still be taken into account and ensured they would not be bundled together.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called on Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann noted that the Centre Party failed to track the changes in the bill's numbering, submitted amendments concerning text that was not actually present in the law, included changes regarding tax exceptions and tax exemptions, and these are being voted on in bundles, the support for which could be used to interrupt the second reading.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Kert Kingo to speak.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo criticized the situation, arguing that the family is being punished by being stripped of their only option—driving the child to school by car—and forced into a distant boarding school. She also questioned whether it is acceptable in modern society for a teenager to be forced to live in a Soviet-era dormitory simply because no better solution exists.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stated that school transportation should be organized by the local municipality, and this is more of a debate for the municipal council than a debate about the motor vehicle tax.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Mart Helme to speak.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme asserts that the state and the government are placing local municipalities and families in a difficult position with this bill. He questions what right they have to do this and where their moral and legal authority originates, pointing out that 73% of people oppose the car tax for practical reasons.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Constitution grants the Riigikogu the right to levy taxes and prohibits the submission of tax matters to a referendum.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk raises the issue of the increasing danger posed by aging vehicles and the topic of more severe traffic accidents. He then asks whether there has been any discussion regarding the implications of a rise in accidents involving uninsured vehicles, and how the heavy tax burden influences this situation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a brief request addressed to René Koka.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann said that Estonian vehicles are currently covered by compulsory motor insurance, but added that this topic was not part of the proceedings and she lacked the necessary data to answer. She suggested that the question should be addressed to the Traffic Insurance Fund.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls Vadim Belobrovtsev to the stage.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Supreme Court ruling grants all individuals and businesses the right to challenge the car tax in an administrative court and to question whether it complies with the constitution, which could lead to an avalanche of court decisions next year.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In a state governed by the rule of law, individuals have the right to appeal to the administrative court, and it is the Parliament's duty, when processing legislation and utilizing taxation, to establish the state’s revenue base fairly.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Urmas Reinsalu to take the floor.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu criticized that the proposed increases in compensation for disabled people presented to the parliament, along with the logic used for rounding them, are difficult to accept. He also asked what the opinion was regarding the involvement of pensioners' associations in this matter, and how much the reconstruction and management of the system would cost the taxpayer—estimated to be about 600,000 euros over two years for the rebuilding of the information systems.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann clarified that the rounding of cents in disability support payments is merely a rounding adjustment, and the underlying principle will be changed so that the benefit amount is henceforth displayed in full euros. Furthermore, this transition from the current rate to full euros is not connected to compensating for the motor vehicle tax. Simultaneously, support payments for children with severe and profound disabilities, as well as for working-age individuals, will be increased, and the discussion concerning these matters will be forwarded to the Social Affairs Committee, where the entire draft legislation will be tabled during the Riigikogu's working week.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called Tõnis Lukas to speak.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas said that Estonia ranks eighth in the world this year in terms of outdoor air quality, and he asked how much the introduction of a motor vehicle tax would make the outdoor air and environment cleaner.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
This isn't the only objective: the motor vehicle tax exhibits characteristics of a property tax, and while collecting state revenue is necessary, the motor vehicle tax law likely won't impact the overall aggregate figure.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Siim Pohlak to speak.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak is asking the Reform Party for specific figures and sources regarding the major tax increases, as well as an explanation of where the necessary resources will come from and how much tax burden the people and businesses of Estonia can actually bear.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stated that Estonia aims for social and healthcare services comparable to those in the Nordic countries, and achieving this requires raising the tax burden, as the current level of 34–35% of GDP is insufficient to cover the increasing social and defense expenditures.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Urmas Reinsalu to take the floor.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu referred to the explanatory memorandum, which promises to mitigate the impact of the motor vehicle tax by increasing social benefits for people with disabilities and benefits for pensioners with special needs (9, 21, and 15 cents per month, according to the severity of the disability), and asked how large the administrative cost of this cent-calculation system would be.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann said there were 400,000 euros in the explanatory memorandum.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the presenter, stated that there were no further questions, greeted his colleagues, and declared the debate open, inviting Martin Helme to step up to the podium.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He is asking for more time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He is asking for three minutes of extra time.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme stated that the faction wishes to halt the second reading of the bill because there is no need to proceed with it, arguing that the tax increases will worsen the lives of the Estonian people and the economy, and increase poverty. He also called on the public to protest and 'vote with their feet,' even by purchasing cars from Latvia or registering them in another country.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanks the colleague and invites Andrei Korobeinik to approach the Riigikogu rostrum.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrei Korobeinik stated that the Center Faction does not support the car tax bill, arguing that it will deepen inequality and worsen the situation of the poor, residents of rural areas, and people with disabilities, diminish the Estonian economy, and points to potential legal violations resulting from governance failures, necessitating intervention by the President or the Chancellor of Justice.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Thank you. Next up is Kalle Grünthal, who requests additional time and is granted three minutes.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal accuses the establishment of the car tax bill of being manipulation and serving as a backdoor for ELAK, claiming that the decision was adopted a long time ago, and calls upon President Alar Karis and members of the Riigikogu to block this unconstitutional draft legislation.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The presenter is thanked, and next, Aleksandr Chaplygin is called to the podium.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, the current tax policy is terrible and the situation for the poor is worsening, but as an alternative, he proposes investments in the economy and shifting the tax burden onto the wealthy, with the goal of implementing a bank tax and a progressive income tax, rather than increasing sales tax, income tax, and car tax.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller announced that Mart Maastik was scheduled to speak next, but unfortunately, the next registered speaker, Helle-Moonika Helme, will be called upon.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She thanks them and immediately takes three extra minutes.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller requested three minutes of additional time.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme voices strong opposition to the car tax, accusing the government of damaging the welfare of the public and businesses, neglecting to carry out an impact assessment, and affirming that the state has abandoned the interests of its people.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech urged the audience to take action, saying that their time had come.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme stated that this is not just a tax for car owners, but a tax for everyone, and she and her party will not support a bill that makes life more complicated for the Estonian people.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller thanked the previous speaker and announced that Rain Epler would be next, inviting him to the podium.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler warned against the car tax and other tax increases being pushed through during extraordinary sessions. He accused the coalition of acting against the interests of the Estonian state and its people and called on Riigikogu members to reflect on their conscience and submit objections to prevent the negative consequences of the tax cascade, such as people leaving the country or an economic downturn.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller expresses his thanks, then calls upon the next speaker, Kert Kingo, who requests additional time and is granted three extra minutes.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo accuses the Reform Party-led government of raising taxes and service fees over the course of three years and implementing a car tax, stating that the promise not to raise taxes was broken, which is punishing rural residents and thereby increasing poverty and the country's vulnerability.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller thanked the speaker and announced that Aleksei Jevgrafov would be next.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In his presentation, Aleksei Jevgrafov stated that the car tax proposed by the coalition is detrimental and places a heavy burden on families and rural regions. He accused the Reform Party of failing to deliver on its promises and urged a vote against the measure, proposing alternative funding solutions (a bank tax, abandoning income tax reform, and personnel reform) that could potentially free up over a billion euros, thereby avoiding tax hikes or cuts to family benefits.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Thank you, Andres Metsoja will now take the floor.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She thanks the presiding officer and the people of Estonia, and requests a total of eight minutes of time.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speaker promised to give three minutes of extra time.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja argues that tax hikes are inappropriate during challenging times, as they damage competitiveness and regional parity and could erode public trust in the state. Therefore, the focus must be on economic growth and guaranteeing regional equality, rather than simply seeking additional revenue.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Vice-Chairman thanked the rapporteur and then called Vadim Belobrovtsev to the podium next.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev claims that while Estonia has a new government, the coalition remains the same, and the working style hasn't changed. Furthermore, he states that the flawed bill contradicts the constitution, a fact confirmed by legal analysis. The opposition has submitted numerous amendments, all of which are voted down by the coalition majority.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller requests three additional minutes.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev is criticizing the coalition's car tax bill, which would impose taxes on all disabled individuals and eliminate existing exemptions. He further argues that the six-month transition delay being offered constitutes a loose interpretation of the law. He urges that the bill be consigned to the dustbin of history and that efforts instead focus on stimulating the economy.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller thanked the rapporteur and called the next speaker to the rostrum, but no one showed up, and eventually, Urmas Reinsalu requested three minutes of additional time.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Isamaa is against the car tax law and promises that, should it enter into force, its burden will be short-lived. The party also calls on the ruling coalition to halt tax hikes and improve the state budget position in order to reduce uncertainty and meet the expectations of society.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The next speaker for the presentation is Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He thanks you and asks you to take 16 minutes just in case.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller said that there are 16 members in total, including the faction.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He also promises to deliver a speech on behalf of the faction.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller simply said that everything was clear.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder is criticizing the car tax draft bill as unconstitutional, arguing that it lacks a clear objective and has not undergone sufficient impact analysis. He further claims that it will harm rural areas and regional balance, and calls for the reading of the bill to be suspended.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Vice-Chairman thanks the speaker and requests a quick response, as the rapporteur mentioned Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asked whether an impact analysis exists for this tax concerning families with children, particularly those living in rural areas. He stressed that the quality of schools, kindergartens, and public transport is deteriorating, often necessitating two cars, and accused Akkermann's response of being condescending and showing insufficient concern for families' financial coping ability.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The response address has been delivered, and Mart Helme will take the stage next.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme claims that Estonia's current government is completely corrupt and is pushing through a bill that destroys the fundamental foundations of the state, ignoring logical arguments and causing widespread harm to the people.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller said that three minutes of extra time would be given.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme warned that raising VAT and other taxes would exacerbate the corrupt system and plunge the Estonian people into agony, and he called on the coalition not to vote for the car tax, arguing that this would be the first step toward repentance.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech emphasizes that your time has come.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asserts that you are voting in favor of scattering the Estonian people across the world.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Next, Jaanus Karilaid is invited to the podium.
Jaanus Karilaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaanus Karilaid describes the current situation as political chaos, blaming the Reform Party for its long-term tax policies and for draining the state treasury. He believes that this tax cascade poses a threat to the economy, which is why he is voting against the bill.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman thanked the presenter and invited Rene Kokk to speak next.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk called the government’s car taxation plan historically illogical and a scheme designed solely to enrich the state through heavy taxation, stressing that it places a burden on residents and businesses in rural and remote areas who rely on vehicles daily. He also touched upon national defense needs, criticized the road infrastructure and public transport, and affirmed that EKRE does not support this tax and will terminate or reverse it if necessary.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
According to Arvo Aller, three minutes of added time will be given.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk called for the reading of the draft legislation to be halted and urged against supporting it, arguing that the bill jeopardizes road safety, accelerates the aging of the vehicle fleet, and compels businesses and individuals to leave Estonia, thereby damaging the state's tax revenue.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Vice-Chairman thanked the presenter and announced that Mart Maastik would take the floor next.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik emphasized that Estonia needs a unified and well-thought-out development plan and energy policy. He criticized the raising of taxes and the impact of energy costs on competitiveness, warning that without a clear plan, both businesses and citizens might leave the country.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller requested three minutes of extra time.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik emphasized that Estonia must eliminate budget deficits and reduce expenditures, and, if necessary, take out a loan for national defense (approximately 1.6 billion euros)—a loan that does not count towards the Maastricht 3% limits. Simultaneously, they must fund child and family benefits and maintain a long-term, statesmanlike plan, while avoiding the car tax and rushed tax policy.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Vice-Chairman thanked the speaker and called upon Aivar Kokk to speak next.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk blames the tax decisions made by the previous and current coalitions, which have led to a continuous rise in new taxes and a reduction in support measures. (These include, for example, the €500 million income tax exemption for high earners planned for 2026, cuts to child benefits and tax exemptions for pensioners, and increases in land tax and motor vehicle tax.) He emphasizes that these steps are detrimental to families and birth rates.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The announcement is very brief and simply states that three extra minutes will be given.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk rhetorically asks whether the president wants to see the coalition make life even harder for the weakest. He criticizes the planned taxes and allowances affecting the disabled, children, and old-age pensioners, and stresses the necessity of cars in rural areas, warning that people earning the average wage will lose about 2,000 euros annually starting in 2026.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The phrase "Your Time!" is a brief, powerful call urging listeners to take immediate action.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk said that the draft bill would result in pensioners losing at least one month's pension, and for that reason, he absolutely cannot support either this government or the bill.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The server is thanked, and next, Riina Solman is invited to give her speech.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman affirmed Isamaa’s stance that they do not support the motor vehicle tax, arguing that the state must prioritize the interests of the people and vulnerable target groups, rather than dealing with the consequences of an incompetent party leader’s actions. Furthermore, funds must be secured through smarter spending plans and structural reforms, not through tax increases.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi said that three extra minutes are needed.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman argues that the motor vehicle tax will neither improve the roads nor the state's financial situation, as the funds will not be directed toward road maintenance and will deepen the insecurity of vulnerable people. Therefore, she calls for the abandonment of the tax implementation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Jaak Valge to take the floor.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The report, citing OECD 2023 data, highlights that Estonia's standard of living and labor productivity have fallen compared to Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania. We are lagging behind the European Union average, and simultaneously, wealth inequality has increased—in 2021, 5% of households owned 48% of the net wealth, giving Estonia the second-highest level of inequality in the European Union, trailing only Cyprus.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi requests three additional minutes.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge said that the Estonian economy has stalled in recent years due to the impact of high energy costs and the import of cheap labor, despite the average of 1,742 working hours recorded in 2023. He also stressed the necessity of favoring alternative measures and opposing tax hikes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He thanks the audience and invites Priit Sibul to take the floor.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul claims that the current government and the policy of the Reform Party, which adapts to the wishes of its partners, is generating increasingly higher taxes and tax increases, and is eroding public trust, which he illustrates with historical examples concerning the relationship between the state and the citizen and the issue of private property.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked [the previous speaker] and called upon Anti Poolamets.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets requests three minutes of additional time.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi requests three more minutes.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets accuses the Reform Party of lying and pandering to Brussels, asserting that the proposed car tax and the overall tax burden will primarily make life harder for rural residents and large families, while failing to genuinely promote environmentally sustainable consumption or economic growth.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announces that it is now the turn of the man from Võrumaa, and turns to his colleague Anti Allas.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas stated that the car tax is necessary due to the ongoing crises and state budget deficits. He noted that the coalition has attempted to make the tax more sensible—older cars will receive relief, the registration fee has been lowered, and less polluting vehicles are more affordable. He also stressed that special solutions are needed for disabled people, old-age pensioners, those living in sparsely populated areas, large families, and owners of vintage technology, adding that further details will be worked out during the amendments to the Traffic Act.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks [the assembly/previous speaker] and invites Siim Pohlak to take the floor.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak says that the new government is sticking to the old path and preparing for a wave of new tax hikes that will batter the country. He calls for a vote against tax increases to protect Estonian businesses, reduce bureaucracy, and fight corruption.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker thanks the previous speaker and invites Evelin Poolamets to take the floor.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Poolamets emphasizes that in order to secure the country’s economic growth and budget, it is crucial to understand the drivers of growth, increase exports, foreign investments, and domestic consumption, while simultaneously curbing tax hikes and avoiding import reduction, and preventing capital outflow, because failure to do so will deepen the economic crisis.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi requests three additional minutes.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets believes that the Estonian government does not understand the economy and should focus on economic growth and exports, improve competitiveness, and attract foreign investments. Simultaneously, they should reduce the outflow of investments and savings, decrease and tax imports, and notably, refrain from implementing a car tax.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks and passes the floor to Tõnis Lukas.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas asserts that the governing coalition failed to utilize the opportunity granted by the president to reconsider the vehicle tax, and he holds both the Reform Party and the opposition politically accountable.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi asks for three more minutes.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas warns that the closure of rural schools and the reorganization of the school network will lead to long school commutes, causing families to leave the countryside and accelerating the out-migration of young people, which ultimately jeopardizes the achievement of the state's objectives.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the listeners.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Estonia will retain its population only if we give people the chance to live in the countryside as well. Let's give them that opportunity, and let's not pass the car tax law today.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The address began with thanks, and Arvo Aller was invited to take the floor.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller stated that EKRE does not support the motor vehicle tax law because it has been flawed from the very beginning. Furthermore, the money will be directed into the budget instead of being used for environmental improvement, and taxes will increase. He therefore urged everyone to vote during the second reading to terminate the car tax proceedings.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi declares the negotiations closed and announces that 33 amendments will be reviewed, noting that the leading committee recommends rejecting amendments No. 1, 3, and 4 (submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme) as well as amendment No. 2 (submitted by the Isamaa faction). Finally, Urmas Reinsalu requests the floor.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
This address seeks to clarify who is authorized to put amendments to a vote—whether it is solely a member of the faction's board, or also a faction member acting under verbal authorization—and notes that this issue has been debated in the chamber and that the presiding officers may follow different practices.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi stated that the opposition’s goal in entering the chamber was to initiate a debate, but an oral mandate is insufficient. Furthermore, the position of the leading committee regarding amendment proposal No. 5, submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, is to reject it.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He thanks the Chair and wishes to vote on the amendment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announces that Amendment Proposal No. 5, submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, will be put to a vote, and the lead committee recommends rejecting it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi informed the Riigikogu of the voting results and concerning three proposed amendments: No. 5 received 26 votes in favor, 54 against, and 0 abstentions, and was consequently not supported; No. 6 was submitted by the Finance Committee, and the lead committee’s position is: “to adopt in full”; No. 7 was submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, and the lead committee recommended “not to adopt.” Helle-Moonika Helme, please!
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speaker thanks the Chair and asks for a vote on this amendment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that preparations for the vote on Amendment No. 7 were commencing, sought consent from the floor, and subsequently put to a vote the lead committee’s position: “to reject.”
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Twenty-six members of the Riigikogu voted in favor, 54 were against, and 0 abstained; amendment proposal No. 7 failed to gain support, and proposal No. 8, which was also submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, was left unconsidered based on the position of the leading committee.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme stated that she wanted to show the entire Estonian nation that she is against the car tax, and asked them to vote in favor of the amendment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This address is an expression of thanks and a request for Urmas Reinsalu to deal with a procedural matter.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu asked the presiding officer for a position on whether it is appropriate to proceed with the draft motor vehicle tax law, which has been declared unconstitutional and which violates the principle of legitimate expectation according to the current Tax Procedure Act.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He/She stated that this was a substantive matter, shared the position of the Speaker of the Riigikogu, and proceeded to hold the vote on amendment No. 8, which had been submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme and which the leading committee had recommended rejecting.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted 27 in favor, 54 against, and 0 abstentions; Amendment No. 8 failed to gain support, and No. 9, which was submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, was not considered due to the position taken by the lead committee.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme said that the EKRE faction does not support the car tax bill and requests a vote on its amendment proposal.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that we would proceed with preparations for the vote on amendment proposal No. 9, and he asked [us] to take a stand and vote, even though the leading committee recommends rejecting it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
During the vote held in the Riigikogu, there were 26 in favor, 53 against, and 1 abstention; amendment proposal No. 9 failed to gain support, and proposal No. 10, submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, was not taken into consideration.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme stated that the EKRE faction and a large part of the Riigikogu do not support the motor vehicle tax and requested that the corresponding amendment proposal be put to a vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi is putting to a vote Amendment Proposal No. 10, which was submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme and which the lead committee recommended rejecting.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted on the draft bill: 27 in favor, 54 against, and 0 abstentions; amendment proposal No. 10 failed to gain support, and No. 11, which was submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, was not taken into consideration.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helme emphasizes that nearly 80% of the Estonian people do not support the car tax and stands in solidarity with them, urging a vote for this amendment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that Amendment Proposal No. 11, submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, would be put to a vote, and noted that the leading committee recommends that it be disregarded.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu resolved that Amendment Proposal No. 11 failed to gain support (27 in favor, 53 against, 0 abstentions). The Finance Committee recommended fully adopting Amendment Proposal No. 12 and rejecting Amendment Proposal No. 13. Helle-Moonika Helme.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme asks that you vote for this amendment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The address describes the preparation for the vote, the submission of Amendment No. 13 by Helle-Moonika Helme, and the lead committee's position: to disregard it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted on the amendments: 27 in favor, 52 against, and 0 abstentions. Amendment No. 13 failed to gain support, and No. 14 (submitted by the Isamaa faction) was disregarded based on the position of the lead committee.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder asks to vote on this amendment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi puts to a vote Amendment Proposal No. 14, submitted by the Isamaa faction, which the leading committee recommends rejecting.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted on the proposed amendments: 26 in favor, 53 against, and 0 abstentions. Amendment No. 14 failed to gain support, and proposal No. 15, which was submitted by the EKRE faction, was not taken into consideration.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He is protesting that all our faction's proposals have been bundled together, states he is against the motor vehicle tax, and requests a vote on it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi called for a vote and announced that Amendment No. 15, submitted by the EKRE faction, would be put up for a vote, but the lead committee recommends that it be disregarded.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted 20 in favor, 53 against, and 1 abstention; amendment No. 15 failed to receive support, and it was decided that amendment No. 16, which was submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, would be dismissed.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme thanks the Chair and requests a vote on this amendment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi puts to a vote Amendment Proposal No. 16, submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, which the lead committee recommends rejecting, and then asks for a position to be taken and a vote to be cast.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted: 27 in favor, 51 against, 0 abstentions. Amendment No. 16 failed to gain support, and the position of the lead committee regarding Amendment No. 17, submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, remained: to disregard it.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme stated that the goal of the amendment proposal is to ensure the livelihood of low-income families and residents of rural areas, and she requested a vote on it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi announces the preparations for the vote and puts to a vote Amendment Proposal No. 17, submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, which the lead committee recommends rejecting.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted: 27 in favor, 52 against, and 0 abstentions; amendment proposal No. 17 failed to gain support, and No. 18, submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, was disregarded.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She thanks once again for the opportunity to speak.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi requests that his colleagues quiet down and listen, as Helle-Moonika Helme has something new to say.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme stated that the purpose of this amendment is to significantly lessen the negative effect of the motor vehicle tax on the financial stability of families with children, and she urged everyone to vote in favor of it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls for a vote on amendment proposal No. 18, which was submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme and which the leading committee recommends rejecting, and invites the participants to take a position and cast their vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted 28 in favor, 53 against, with 0 abstentions; Amendment No. 18 failed to gain support, and No. 19, which was submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, was not taken into consideration.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She thanks the Chair, stresses that there is no need to rush the process so quickly, and wishes to vote on this amendment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi offered his thanks and finalized the preparations for the vote. He then sought consent from the floor to proceed with the vote and put Amendment Proposal No. 19, submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, to a vote. The leading committee is of the opinion that this proposal should be disregarded.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted: 28 in favor, 51 against, and 0 abstentions. Amendment No. 19 failed to gain support. Amendment No. 20 was submitted by the Finance Committee, and the lead committee recommends adopting it in full. Amendment No. 21 was submitted by Jaanus Karilaid, and the lead committee recommends rejecting it. Mr. Jaanus Karilaid, you have the floor!
Jaanus Karilaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaanus Karilaid thanks and requests a vote in favor of this proposal.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi notes that preparations for the vote are complete, asks for the chamber's consent, and puts Amendment No. 21 to a vote—an amendment that the lead committee recommends rejecting.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted: 26 in favor, 52 against, and 1 abstention; Amendment Proposal No. 21 failed to gain support, and Amendment No. 22, submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, will not be considered, based on the position of the lead committee.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme stated that the idea of the motor vehicle tax is fundamentally flawed and completely unacceptable, but she has submitted 22 constructive amendments related to a single proposal, and she wishes to put it to a vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi announced that Amendment No. 22, submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, which the lead committee recommends rejecting, would be put to a vote, and he asked the chamber to take a position and cast their votes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted: 22 in favor, 52 against, 0 abstentions; amendment proposal No. 22 failed to gain support, and No. 23, submitted by the Estonian Centre Party Faction, will not be taken into account based on the position of the lead committee.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks everyone to vote in favor of this amendment, urging them to consider before casting their vote that it is a very good proposal and should be supported.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that amendment proposal No. 23, submitted by the Estonian Centre Party faction, which the lead committee recommends rejecting, would be put to a vote, and he called upon the chamber to take a stand and cast their ballots.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted: 27 in favor, 52 against, 0 abstentions; Amendment Proposal No. 23 failed to gain support; Amendment Proposal No. 24, submitted by Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, was disregarded despite the leading committee's position; Mr. Vadim Belobrovtsev, please!
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He strongly urges voting in favor of this amendment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi begins preparations for the vote, introducing Amendment No. 24, which was submitted by Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, and which the leading committee recommends rejecting, asking those present to take a position and vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
During the vote in the Riigikogu, there were 27 votes in favor, 52 against, and 0 abstentions; amendment proposal No. 24 failed to gain support, and proposal No. 25 (from the Isamaa faction), along with the position of the leading committee, was not taken into consideration.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He is calling for a vote in favor of this amendment, and not just a vote, but full support for it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced the preparation of the vote, asked members to proceed to the vote, and presented Amendment Proposal No. 25 from the Isamaa faction, which the leading committee recommended rejecting.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The report stated that the amendment received 28 votes in favor, 50 were against, and there were no abstentions; amendment No. 25 was not supported; and regarding amendment No. 26, submitted by the Isamaa faction, the leading committee's position is: to disregard it.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder requests a vote on this amendment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that Amendment No. 26, which was submitted by the Isamaa faction and which the lead committee recommends rejecting, would be put to a vote, and he asked [members] to take a position and cast their vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted: 26 in favor, 51 against, 0 abstentions; Amendment No. 26 failed to gain support, and Amendment No. 27, submitted by the Isamaa faction, was disregarded based on the leading committee’s position; Helir-Valdor Seeder, please proceed!
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder thanks the assembly and requests that this amendment be put to a vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi prepares the vote, announces Amendment No. 27 from the Isamaa faction, states that the lead committee's position is to disregard it, and asks [members] to take a position and vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted: 25 in favor, 50 against, and 0 abstentions; amendment proposal No. 27 failed to gain support, and No. 28, which was submitted by Jaanus Karilaid, was disregarded based on the position of the lead committee.
Jaanus Karilaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speech includes thanks and a call to vote in favor of this proposal.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi, the Deputy Speaker, begins preparations for this vote, asks for permission to proceed to the vote—the chamber agrees—and subsequently puts to a vote amendment proposal No. 28, which was submitted by Jaanus Karilaid and which the lead committee recommends rejecting.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Twenty-five members of the Riigikogu voted in favor of this proposal, 52 were against, and 1 abstained; amendment proposal No. 28 failed to gain the support of the Riigikogu, and proposal No. 29, which was submitted by the Isamaa faction, was disregarded based on the position of the lead committee.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder naturally asks you to vote in favor of this amendment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announces that Amendment Proposal No. 29, submitted by the Isamaa faction, and the lead committee's position to disregard it, will be put to a vote, and he asks members to take a position and cast their votes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted: 26 in favor, 52 against. Amendment proposal No. 29 failed to gain support, and No. 30, which was submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, was disregarded.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme presents a specific amendment proposal aimed at reducing the registration fee, noting that the reduction would depend on the user's number of children, and stipulating that vehicles 20 years of age or older would be exempted from the registration fee. She then requests a vote in favor of this proposal.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi presides over the preparation for the vote and puts to a vote Amendment Proposal No. 30, submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, which the leading committee recommends rejecting, requesting that a position be taken and a vote cast.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted on the proposal: 21 in favor, 53 against, and 1 abstention; amendment proposal No. 30 failed to gain support; No. 31, submitted by the faction of the Estonian Centre Party, was not taken into consideration based on the leading committee's position; Vadim Belobrovtsev, please!
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev is still asking, at the very last moment, for people to vote and support it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi stated that the entire chamber is ready to vote, and amendment proposal No. 31, which was submitted by the Estonian Centre Party faction and which the lead committee recommends rejecting, will be put to a vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Twenty-seven members of the Riigikogu voted in favor of this proposal, 53 voted against, and there were 0 abstentions; amendment proposal No. 31 did not receive the support of the Riigikogu; amendment proposal No. 32 was submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme, and the lead committee is of the opinion that it should be disregarded.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He thanks the Chair and requests that this amendment be put to a vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi opens the floor for voting on Proposal No. 32, which was submitted by Helle-Moonika Helme and which the responsible committee recommends rejecting, and calls upon his colleagues to take a stand and vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted: 27 in favor, 54 against, and 0 abstentions. Amendment No. 32 failed to gain support, and Amendment No. 33, submitted by the Isamaa faction, will be disregarded in accordance with the recommendation of the lead committee.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She thanks everyone and urges them to take the final opportunity to vote in favor and lend their support.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi called a vote on Amendment No. 33, submitted by the Isamaa Faction, which the lead committee had recommended rejecting.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that Amendment No. 33 related to the second reading of Draft Law 364 did not receive support (27 in favour, 54 against, 0 abstentions). He then called for a vote on a proposal of the same content by EKRE and Isamaa, which seeks to discontinue the second reading of Draft Law 364, the Motor Vehicle Tax Act.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu did not support the suspension of the second reading of the bill; the second reading has been concluded. The vote tally was 28 in favor, 54 against, and 0 abstentions.