Draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE) - first reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Date: 2024-10-16 22:18
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 175
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 45m
AI Summaries: 175/175 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu discussed the draft law on the 2025 state budget in the first reading, number 513. Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi was appointed to deliver the presentation. Issues were raised regarding twists and turns in tax and budget policy and defense spending, reference was made to the balance between economic growth and inflation, and significant investments and managed volumes from both national and European Union funds were highlighted. Concerns were also raised regarding superficial questions about transparency and fixed resource allocations, and a discussion was held on the balance between sustainable security and economic growth. The final objective of the draft law is clarity in the activities of budget institutions and transparency in the state budget, and cooperation between the governing coalition and the opposition in the name of balance between security, the social sphere, and the economy.
Decisions Made 1
Bill 513 failed on its first reading with a vote of 20 in favor of rejection, 56 against, and 0 abstentions. Therefore, the proposal to reject it was not adopted, and the bill's first reading concluded without that change; the deadline for submitting amendments remains October 30th at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
Aivar Kokk (Isamaa) was the most active speaker on the agenda; he spoke repeatedly, asking questions and commenting on issues of budget transparency, subsidies, and off-budget funds. His position is right-wing (right), as he belongs to a right-wing faction and represents the positions of Isamaa.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair continues with the agenda, and the next item is Draft Act 513 of the 2025 State Budget Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic, which will be presented by Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
The 2025 budget is consolidated and maintains a 3% deficit and a 1% structural shortfall, increases defense expenditures and investments aimed at supporting the economy, while simultaneously implementing cost reductions and a reform of the unemployment benefit system by 2026, in order to keep the tax burden and the debt burden low and ensure fiscal sustainability.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the Minister, notes that there are many questions, and first calls upon Vadim Belobrovtsev.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
This address questions whose life in Estonia will improve thanks to this budget, which primarily consists of tax hikes and increased specialist doctor visit fees, and whether families with children, people with disabilities, or pensioners will truly be better off because of it, or if any of them actually benefit at all.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that although the lives of all people may not improve, the lives of Estonian citizens will improve overall due to a sustainable state, and they will gain a sustainable and healthier country where security is guaranteed and which is more efficient than before.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal criticized Ligi’s rhetoric as weak and pointed out the protests among cultural workers and teachers, as well as the planned strike by employers' associations and the Estonian Railway trade union. He then asked what the minister is doing and how he plans to react in connection with this, since it could escalate into a nationwide strike.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Kalle Grünthal to the stage.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
He views the situation as unavoidable and stresses that the country cannot sustain itself without cutting costs and raising taxes. Therefore, decisions must be made based on facts and analyses, not public opinion, even though the protesters will gain a benefit from this that they might not immediately grasp. The priority is not to be popular, but to build a stronger nation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the previous speaker] and invites Aleksandr Tšaplõgin to take the floor.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He highlights three core challenges for Estonia’s successful development—increasing the birth rate, ensuring rapid economic growth, and eradicating poverty—and notes that these were not visible in the draft budget for the coming year.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
The state is establishing a reliable and sustainable economy and welfare, focusing on enabling change, and on reforms related to investments, planning, renewable energy, and education. It emphasizes that this agreement is funded by the people's own money, not by the party's or the government's funds.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman calls on Aivar Kokk to speak.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk criticized the 10.7 million euro cut planned by the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, of which 6 million is earmarked for public transport and 2 million remains unallocated. He added that the state budget is set to receive an additional 30 million euros for public transport, and requested that the cuts be stopped.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi says that he is listening attentively.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Aivar Kokk to finish his question.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk claims that public transport is receiving 30 million, and a portion of that is not itemized in the state budget. In reality, 20 million is additional funding, and at least 5 million of that is opaque investment money, which he calls political pork-barrel funding. He recalls the 15 million in pork distributed to local governments in 2023 and asks how much of this pork was actually divided among the political parties, or if it was distributed to only one party.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said that he does not understand the concept of pork-barrel funding, and confusion arose after Aivar Kokk commented on the public transport funding figures. He apologized, saying that he had misunderstood the question.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman makes an exception for Aivar Koka, asks colleagues to stick to the one-minute limit, and calls upon Jürgen Ligi to respond.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi apologized for the lack of documentation and said that the public transport subsidy is reserved from the government's reserve, a practice that has been in place for several years. He also noted that this year he signed the allocation to reserve the funds pending a reform for more transparent financing.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman said that Aivar Kokk could ask one more question.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi confirmed that the mandatory spending cuts have been properly met, and the reserve funds are annual and included in the base budget. He then invited (them) to listen and promised that he would not interrupt.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar reminds members that during the first reading, each member of the Riigikogu may address a total of up to two questions to the bill's rapporteurs. Furthermore, the opportunity to seek clarification or ask a follow-up question remains available, provided the member has not yet utilized both allotted questions.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presentation recalls the 2015 finance minister’s role in laundering Russian black money through Estonian banks, involving transactions exceeding 200 billion euros. It concludes by asking how the cultural figures he supported are faring under today’s budget constraints—specifically, whether they, too, are living off canned goods.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said that in Estonia, a line was drawn under money laundering with the 2014 Financial Supervision Authority audit, and the Danske mess was stopped using risk-based methods in 2012–2013. He emphasized that this was not due to his personal responsibility, but rather the result of the work of the Republic of Estonia, and he is proud of that.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Rene Kokk to speak.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk criticizes the division of the budget and the administrative domains of the ministries, citing examples such as the Ministry of Climate handling rail, air, and road transport, as well as Rail Baltic, while the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications is responsible for gender equality. He asks the Minister of Finance whether such a division is reasonable—he says these examples remind him of "a pig and a cuckoo."
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said that although he would not have initiated the restructuring of ministry structures and finds them contrived, it is sensible to keep transport-related funding close to the Climate Ministry because transport is the biggest contributor to climate impact, and the decision has been made and the government is now functioning.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invited Riina Solman to the stage.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman asked the Minister of Finance to repeat the sentence stating that the state is directing funds into green technology, and to specify how large an amount is being allocated there, as well as which technologies and green sectors fall under that scope.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that 50 million euros have been earmarked for green investments, and their deployment will be managed through application rounds and bureaucratic processes. He added that even though specific technologies have not yet been finalized, the money will be used honestly, provided it remains in the budget.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar invites Lauri Laats to the stage.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats questioned the minister before the Riigikogu regarding how far the green transition should proceed and how the green policy and investments planned in this budget will affect us. He noted that the decisions raise numerous questions and lack clear analysis. He also cited the example of the West’s substantial electricity generation capacities being consumed by the East, suggesting the system connecting them is too distant, and held a discussion on the green policy within the context of the budget.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi emphasized that Estonia should capture the green policy niche, invest in the development of clean technologies, and strive to become a global role model in order to become significantly wealthier economically.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Rain Epler to speak.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler discussed the impact of green politics on the state budget and the role of tax increases, and he asked what measures could reduce the burden on households and what else could be done to further lessen that burden.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
The state budget includes various options, such as green policy, CO2 funding, and a capital injection for Eesti Energia to develop wind energy. However, there are no large, specific sums allocated separately, and the green culture is viewed more as a broader theme than a matter of isolated expenditures.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman said that Kalle Grünthal was not present, but he eventually arrived in the hall and was given the opportunity to ask a second question.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He emphasizes that the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia grants supreme power to the people, and asks whether the government would be prepared to yield to the people if they decided to call a strike and all essential services ceased operation.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
The state is our shared concern, and the functioning of democracy relies on the operation of balancing mechanisms, including the separation of powers and the prioritization of expertise over political interests, as well as, when necessary, reviewing expenditures on culture and other costs in the name of the public interest.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to the stage.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
This budget won't improve the livelihood of the most vulnerable; tax hikes burden the poorest, and inflation might rise. So, what advice do you offer to people whose financial situation is worsening and who have to cut back on their groceries, given that your own ministerial salaries have been cut?
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi is calling for honesty and serious questions. He refutes the claim that he eats canned goods due to his salary, recalling his own distant past when he was poor and lived frugally. He stresses that canned goods are not cheap food and that these accusations are making him out to be "the wrong guy."
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar urged his colleagues to avoid using epithets, keep discussions within the framework of next year's budget, and ask substantive questions, while simultaneously addressing Vadim Belobrovtsev.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev notes that the submitted budget is incomplete and non-transparent because even the chairman of the finance committee doesn't understand some of its parts. The precise list of money allocated to foundations is missing, and the use of taxpayers' money is not clearly visible, meaning the budget needs further work.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi accuses [critics] of falsely quoting third parties, stresses the importance of asking questions honestly, and reminds [everyone] that the budget is processed until the third reading.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid criticized the state budget, pointing out that the 2.3 million euros allocated for promoting gender equality and equal opportunities for minorities is vaguely justified in the explanatory memorandum, and he cannot find a precise answer as to what the money will be spent on.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Varro Vooglaid to speak.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi noted that it is not realistic to expect answers regarding project funding a year in advance. He admitted that sometimes small amounts of money are spent on things they shouldn't be, emphasized the beneficial impact of reducing gender stereotypes, and pointed out that age stereotypes remain discriminatory and their correction is progressing slowly. He concluded that while experts are necessary, this is not his priority.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This was a request to invite Aivar Kokk to speak.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk notes that tens of millions of euros have been hidden in the state budget as political pork barrel funding and in earmarked funds, and he asks how large these sums are, where they are going, and whether they are accessible to all political parties or only to the Social Democrats.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi emphasizes that he has not made the claims in question and condemns the use of earmarked funds (or 'pork-barrel spending') for the benefit of his electoral district or party, as well as boasting about it on social media, stressing the need for transparency and accountability.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Rene Kokk to speak.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
The text provided is only the beginning: "The Minister of Finance could constantly..." To create an accurate one-sentence summary, I need the entire speech or a larger excerpt; please provide the full text or a larger section, and I will create a one-sentence summary in Estonian, naturally, just like a native Estonian speaker.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk emphasizes that unusual areas of responsibility have gradually accumulated under the ministries, and these must be rectified. However, the primary concern is budget efficiency, because ministries spend heavily on purchasing external communication services, and there have been instances where over 100 million has gone unused or idle, which forces us to question the overall prudence of the budget.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi expressed his thanks.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said that gender equality is not his priority, but it is important that there is room for different views in society, and the big problem with state finances is 2 billion euros, not the 2 million or 100 million technical error that caused the stir.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls Helle-Moonika Helme to the stage.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helme is criticizing the signing of a unilateral agreement on aid to Ukraine, under which Estonia would contribute 100 million euros annually over ten years (a billion in total). He questions who had the authority to accept such a commitment and why the taxpayers—mothers, teachers, and cultural figures—are the ones who must foot the bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He points out that money is genuinely flowing out of Estonia, and emphasizes that the finance minister has to defend this budget, not just this year, but for ten consecutive years.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked [the speaker] and said that the question was clear.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
The speaker criticizes the opposition's personal attacks, affirms that Kaja Kallas is acting within her mandate and with due regard for the nation's finances, and encourages continued assistance to Ukraine. Furthermore, the speaker urges people to travel there—whether for a personal trip or a business visit—to witness firsthand the plight of those living under constant bombardment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder criticized the opaque budget methodology, pointing out that while cuts were being shown in public transport subsidies, larger sums were actually being allocated from the reserve. He is demanding an honest and transparent budgetary methodology be applied in other ministries as well.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
I reject the accusations of dishonesty and want to point out that public transport subsidies have been included in the budget, and in recent years have been reserved from the government reserve. This does not mean that the ministry should not make cuts. Furthermore, although the mobility reform is currently very underdeveloped and lacks financial coverage, we are striving to find a consistent and systemic solution, because the precise amount of funding depends on various coefficients and components.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Lauri Laats was called to the stage during the speech.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats notes that the share of consumption taxes in the 2025 budget accounts for 41% of total revenue, which is high, and that such a tax burden inhibits consumption and damages the economy, and he asks the minister for a justification as to why he is satisfied with this.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi says that consumption taxes affect the economy less than income taxes, and that it is sensible to use a competitive tax structure for the upkeep of the state, where consumption taxes account for 35% (28% VAT and 7% excise duties). He adds that during crisis years, countries have agreed to raise consumption taxes and abolish tax exemptions—a measure that Estonia has also implemented and is satisfied with.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called Rain Epler to the stage.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler refers to the previous answer and notes that in the explanatory memorandum for the security tax, consumption taxes were at the 41% level, but the current figure is 35%.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said that he currently has a graph in front of him.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler raised concerns regarding the 129 million euro expenditure planned for the bioeconomy program, pointing out that the net added value per worker is declining in both the agriculture and food sectors. He recommended that the Ministry of Finance review the matter and, if necessary, look into redirecting the funds elsewhere.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that the state cannot do everything, and the effect of the budget does not always solve problems, often merely slowing down deterioration. He added that while the complete elimination of poverty is impossible to achieve, social spending is primarily directed toward the poor, which improves social balance. He apologized and promised to answer the question again, finally noting that the discrepancy in the figures might result from whether or not taxes are included in the statistics.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi confirms that he is a very flexible session chairman and, if necessary, allows the question to be clarified again, asserting that the minister understands everything.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi said that he did not hear the article.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Rain Epler takes the microphone and begins his speech in the hall.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler noted that the answer reached more or less the point that could be qualified.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi says that at least four can be put.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He confirms that it could qualify and agrees with the assessment given by the colleague: a three minus.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
The main point of the presentation is that someone is being moved up to the next class.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi offers his thanks and invites Riina Solman to take the floor.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman, in her statement, criticizes the minister who verbally humiliates women and is planning cuts to family benefits, health insurance, and special care that affect vulnerable groups. She also questions how much these cuts truly serve as necessary signals for security.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that he is more experienced and does not require instruction, criticized the respondents for distorting his words and engaging in gender discrimination, and stressed that the state must implement painful but justified cuts to parental benefits, social protection, and health insurance. He also noted that a person residing in a special care facility does not qualify as a pensioner living alone—a decision that is substantive but controversial.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi notes that the word "tänitama" is used very frequently in the chamber, and the dictionary defines its meaning as explaining something in an annoying, gloating, and reproachful manner.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi simply said that that is exactly the case.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi says he doesn't want to use that word too much, but its use is not out of place, and he now invites Mart Helme to take the floor.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme criticized the presiding officer's intervention, urged the minister to behave in a gentlemanly manner, and asserted that if the questions and draft legislation are foolish, they should not be brought to us.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech is a thank you to colleagues, especially one good colleague.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme claims that Zelensky's peace plan is just as absurd and unworkable.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech briefly expressed thanks to a good colleague.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He considers it utopian and pointless.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi confirms that his explanation was relevant.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme said that there is no point in bringing one like that to us.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi is complaining in the Riigikogu debate about rude treatment and an accusation of gender discrimination, stressing that for him, the discussion actually centers on fossil fuel and excise duty issues.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi stated that he had no specific grievance against the minister or the members of the Riigikogu, but requested that the discussions not become personal and instead remain at the level of a general, principled plea. Varro Vooglaid, please proceed.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid pointed out that Latvia is deciding to freeze the funding for Rail Baltic because costs have skyrocketed from 1.9 billion to 10 billion euros and there is a lack of money. He then posed two questions: Should Estonia do the same and freeze the project until Latvia's decision is clarified, and is it true that only 13.6 million euros have been planned for the next year?
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said that assisting Ukraine is important, the funding for Rail Baltic is coordinated, and the project does not intend to stop or demand the repayment of European funds, since it is a revenue-generating project and the decisions have already been made, and criticism should come from the Latvian government as a whole, not from a single minister.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He is requesting a written explanation from the minister or the Finance Committee regarding the total amount of Rail Baltic funding, noting that the sum is significantly larger than 13 million euros, and that the CO2 fund accounts for over 200 million euros of that total, which will be distributed over several years.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder criticizes the budget methodology as supremely opaque and misleading, arguing that deficits and additional funds are allocated covertly and the actual cuts are not visible. Furthermore, he also highlights the term "negative economic growth."
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Seeder points to the negative economic growth and asks whether there is such a thing as positive economic contraction—a period we have now entered and which the current government has interpreted as positive.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
The Minister of Finance stated that the transport subsidies would be booked into the reserve because their exact amount is unknown, the mobility reform is not yet complete, and the entire allocation is subject to cuts. This was the Minister's choice, as he was required to cut 5% from subsidies, operating costs, and labor costs.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He/She notes that the conversation is quite engaging and they can continue it with Helir later, but right now, they need to focus on something else.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
He said the question was very complex and he didn't have an answer, and if anyone has seen it, we will discuss it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Next, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart is invited to the stage.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart accused the Minister of Finance of lying, quoting statements the minister had made in the media, and emphasized that concern over the minister's salary is the actual problem for the government and the state, not the people's livelihood.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi confirmed that he is not lying and will not allow himself to be framed by false interpretations. He explained the wage reduction and said that others might misreport his answers.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
A Member of the Riigikogu cannot be accused of lying merely because they are quoting the press.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
He explained that the interview was not the point of that dynamic, and a causal connection cannot be drawn from it; this amounts to creating a malicious link.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked briefly and turned to Henn Põlluaas.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas asks why the 2025 state budget lacks the formula for the equalization and support fund, as well as the values of the corresponding numerical indicators, which should be determined according to §47 subsection 1 and §48 of the State Budget Act, and based on the 2000 ruling of the Supreme Court.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the listeners.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas asks why the requirements listed in the 2025 state budget have not been met.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that the size of the equalization and support fund has been mentioned, but he is not going to waste time searching, and as far as he knows, nothing has been deducted from it, nor is there any methodological reason to add anything.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He noted that the chairman of the finance committee had taken the question into consideration and an answer would be forthcoming soon, before calling on Andrei Korobeinik.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrei Korobeinik emphasized that the discussion in the Riigikogu hall should remain at a substantive level, and he asked where this lying occurred and how that could be, given that he quoted your statement exactly as it was written, yet you and the journalist did not lie.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi claims that the quotes taken from his interview were distorted and the questions were false, recalling that he was poor in the past and is currently a very frugal consumer, having even accumulated reserves for a crisis. He emphasizes that in a dignified budget debate, such quotes must not be twisted, because you are not interested in the nation's finances, but rather in stigmatizing the respondent.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman invites Priit Sibul to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul posed a question to the minister concerning where the investment for the Võru shooting range is being directed and for what purpose, why no funding was secured for the Põlva shooting range, and what is meant by the statement that the debate has been held — specifically, whether this investment line item had been long pending in the Ministry of the Interior or if it suddenly appeared.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi calls for honesty and states that he will not accept personal attacks. He acknowledges the disproportionality in the government's work, respects the final outcome, and does not intend to comment on the matter further.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi asked Andrei Korobeinik to come and talk.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrei Korobeinik stresses that although the constitution permits the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) to amend budget expenditure items, this doesn't actually work in practice, and the budget fails to reflect reality, a point illustrated by the recent debate over public transport funding.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that he had not said that a member of the Riigikogu (Parliament) was forbidden from taking an interest in specific budget lines. He went on to explain the technical nature of releasing the grant as the implementation of a sum reserved from the general reserve and paid out according to the precise specification of the expenditure. He justified his decision to sign the measure by noting that this year's budget is performing as expected and remains within the Maastricht criteria.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Priit Sibul to speak.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul apologized and explained that he did not intend to offend, clarifying that his point was that individual budget lines should not be singled out for discussion in parliament. He then requested instructions on which line needed to be amended to redirect the funds allocated to Võru towards Põlva, and asked for the exact planned sum and details on how he, as a member of parliament, could access this information.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Jürgen Ligi stated that budget amendments are primarily carried out within the legal framework, and the final decision rests with the government. He added that if anyone wishes to reallocate funds, they must seek assistance, and the responses provided by specialists can clarify the existing limitations, citing the Põlva shooting range plan as an example.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Please welcome Aleksandr Chaplygin to the stage.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He/She criticizes the ministers who are free-market proponents, questioning why they are wasting hundreds of millions supporting green energy.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi asserts that the free market is an illusion, and that in modern society, environmental impacts must be taken into account when setting prices, as the consequences could be catastrophic.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The address was merely an introduction to invite Siim Pohlak to speak.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak claims that budget transparency is falling, data on targeted financing is missing, and the entire budget looks like one big stack of paper, which increases the risk of corruption. He also asks why no funds have been allocated for the fight against corruption.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that foundations do not have a dedicated budget line. Although their funding is reflected as a general figure, and the precise amounts and recipients are only determined during the application rounds, the budget is simultaneously becoming more transparent and bulkier, making it harder for the Riigikogu and the rest of the world to grasp the details.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller said he reviewed the supplementary budget and the distribution of expenditures to find a funding or capability enhancement line item for the Defence League, but he did not find the Defence League listed under the Ministry of Defence's area of administration, and he asked which line item or program its activities could be contributed to.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Arvo Aller to come forward and speak.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said that the information regarding the Defense League's costs and programs is logically accessible, and that it is not an independent organization but is subordinate to general military command. He added that even though one might sometimes have to look for it briefly, the users of the funds will find it quickly.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak asks what data you rely on when you claim, regarding the draft budget, that the bank accounts and free cash held in deposits belonging to the people of Estonia are growing, and why economic confidence has worsened, causing Estonia to fall to the bottom ranks in Europe, even though deposits are increasing.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi calls Siim Pohlak up to the stage.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that he relies on the data: Estonians are saving and deposits are growing, the drop in Euribor combined with pension growth compensates for inflation and brings families more money for consumption, but maintaining taxes will create a setback for real wages.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Chairman noted that Siim Pohlak’s question had been inaudible for 20 seconds, and requested that the microphone be returned to Siim Pohlak so that he could repeat the beginning of the question.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He promises to summarize very briefly the question of whether people now have more disposable income.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
According to the Bank of Estonia’s forecast, the money available for use in the budget next year is statistically greater than this year. This is because the negative, reducing factor is primarily the tax bulge, along with a slight increase in other taxes, although the tax bulge dominates. The positive side is the drop in Euribor, which offers relief to both those leasing and those with loans. Furthermore, the real growth of pensions, coupled with a higher tax-free minimum, means that the tax bulge no longer affects them.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced that remarks were being made from the floor and the debate was widening, and subsequently called upon Mart Võrklaev.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Unfortunately, the text provided for this speech is only the beginning, and the entire text is required to compile an accurate summary.
Mart Võrklaev
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Võrklaev asked whether Section 3 of the State Budget Act contains the formula for the local government support and equalization fund.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi remarked that he didn't dare to argue because he was facing someone who was both an experienced local government official and a longer-serving finance minister, and was therefore quicker at locating data.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi commends the matter and invites Arvo Aller.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller stated that the Defence League (Kaitseliit) is not addressed at the level of the law or the explanatory memorandum, and emphasized that the 13,667,000 euros allocated for Rail Baltic must be clearly reflected in the state budget and budget tables, along with any potential European Union funding.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that the government had made a truly concrete decision on the Rail Baltic issue, and while he didn't want to waste time looking for the details, he promised to send the exact figures regarding the Defence League's costs and the CO2 funds if needed — trust, but verify.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Concluding the debate, the respected Minister is thanked, it is stated that there are no further questions, and Annely Akkermann, the Chairman of the Finance Committee, is asked to present the discussion and the decisions that were made. Andrei still has to wait.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In October, the Riigikogu Finance Committee held thorough budgetary discussions over six sessions, involving ministers and Taimar Peterkop from the State Chancellery. The 9 million euro cost of the Võru shooting range and the issue of allocating those funds from the government reserve to the Ministry of the Interior were raised. The committee made procedural decisions, recommended placing the bill on the plenary session agenda, and set the deadline for submitting the first amendments as October 30 at 17:15, appointing the present speaker as the representative of the lead committee.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks, opens the debates, and invites colleague Andrei Korobeinik to the Riigikogu rostrum on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party Faction.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
According to Andrei Korobeinik, the Center Party faction does not support the current state budget bill because it exacerbates poverty, takes funds from the most vulnerable groups—pensioners, students, and local municipalities—and has been presented without sufficient transparency. Consequently, the budget proceedings should be halted, and the bill should be made much more detailed and comprehensible.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Aivar Kokk requests the floor on behalf of the Isamaa faction.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Isamaa proposes withdrawing Bill 513 at the first reading because the 2025 state budget is opaque and non-transparent, contains pork-barrel spending and hidden investments, and requires written explanations from the ministries before further proceedings.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi, the Deputy Chairman, announced that Marek Reinaas represents the Eesti 200 faction, and this will be discussed somewhat later. First, the speeches will be accepted, those who have the opportunity to debate will be invited, and subsequently, the reply statement will be commented upon.
Marek Reinaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Budgetary balance will be achieved when we account for security needs, close the revenue-expenditure gap, and implement zero-based budgeting, which forces ministries to question why they are doing certain things and allows for further cuts, ensuring the economy grows and people are better off.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi asks for the discussion to continue for three more minutes.
Marek Reinaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Eesti 200 supports the budget because it takes into account the changed defense doctrine, invests in defense investments and the defense industry (1.6 billion euros) and major investments (160 million euros), and aims for a balance between security, the economy, and cutting bureaucracy.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is an expression of gratitude and a request, submitted by Tanel Kiik on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik analyzes the state budget, emphasizing that the social and healthcare sectors cannot be cut, but instead require additional funding, and calls for a tax reform.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi requested two more minutes.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik supports the implementation of the security tax as a necessary step, but emphasizes the need for a progressive income tax in the future and for creating a fairer tax system.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks [the assembly/the chair] and, on behalf of the EKRE faction, gives the floor to Siim Pohlak.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak asserts that the budget featuring tax hikes will steer the Estonian economy into even choppier waters, exacerbate inequality and distrust among both businesses and citizens, favor the interests of big capital and banks, and heighten the risk of corruption. Consequently, he submitted a motion on behalf of the faction of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia to reject the budget.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi presented a request to Annely Akkermann on behalf of the Reform Party faction.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann asserts that sound public finances require a clear understanding of where funds are allocated, adherence to regulations, debt servicing, and keeping the deficit under control. This must be achieved while simultaneously guaranteeing Estonia's competitiveness and national security through investments that stimulate the economy, defense spending, research and development (R&D), and renewable energy subsidies. Furthermore, the deficit will be reduced by 2024, and in 2025 the economy will be stimulated with the support of foreign grants and loans, ensuring that tax collection covers expenditures.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi confirmed his consent and requested three additional minutes for the sitting.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann confirmed that pension indexation will continue and the standard of living for first-pillar pensioners is guaranteed. The abolition of the second pillar has been completed, and the growth in the state budget will be judiciously allocated to local governments, healthcare, and social spending, which will boost purchasing power and help reduce the deficit.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi confirmed that only factions may participate in the negotiations during the first reading, but a person who is not a member of a faction has the opportunity to make a reply speech, and he asked everyone to listen until the end.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas states that the budget is poor and opaque, that the cuts affect families, children, pensioners, and healthcare, that it is based on an erroneous economic forecast, and that tax increases will exacerbate poverty and economic decline. Furthermore, the Minister of Finance fails to provide a substantive response and claims that no recession exists.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked his colleague and announced that his time was up.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas does not support this bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi concluded the negotiations, noting that Isamaa, the Centre Party, and EKRE had submitted an identical proposal to reject draft bill 513 during the first reading, and urged everyone to take a stand and vote in favor of their proposal.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The proposal received 20 votes in favor, 56 against, and 0 abstentions; the first reading has been concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments is October 30th at 5:15 PM.