Inquiry Regarding Tax Increases (No. 647)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Date: 2024-10-21 20:40
Total Speeches: 137
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 12m
AI Summaries: 137/137 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu discussed interpellation number 647, submitted by members of the EKRE faction, regarding tax increases and their impact on the Estonian economy. Siim Pohlak, speaking on behalf of the interpellers, highlighted concerns regarding classified impact assessments within the Ministry of Finance, the risk of bankruptcy for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the tax chaos created by the government. He also asked why state defense investments are preferred to be financed through tax increases rather than targeted bonds. Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi rejected the interpellers’ dramatic depiction of the situation, claiming that the main reasons for the economic downturn are the war, the coronavirus, high Euribor rates, and the weakness of the Nordic markets, not the tax increases, most of which have not yet come into effect. Ligi emphasized that Estonia's tax system remains one of the most competitive in the world and that the increase in VAT has a neutral effect on the economy. He explained that state defense must be funded with permanent revenue, not loans. The debate was extremely tense and personal. The opposition (primarily EKRE members Martin Helme, Helle-Moonika Helme, Rain Epler, Mart Helme, Riina Solman and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart) largely focused on criticizing Ligi’s performance from the previous week, accusing him of insulting female colleagues and lying. Ligi refused to apologize, claiming that his words had been misinterpreted and that the opposition was engaging in defamation. Substantive economic questions were largely overshadowed by personal bickering.
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not made.
Most Active Speaker
Martin Helme (EKRE, right-wing) was extremely active, repeatedly raising questions and procedural notes, focusing both on criticizing economic policy and on the minister’s behavior last week.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
On September 16, 2024, Riigikogu members Siim Pohlak, Rene Koka, Rain Epler, Evelin Poolamets, Arvo Alleri, Kert Kingo, Anti Poolametsa, and Helle-Moonika Helme submitted Interpellation No. 647 concerning tax increases. Riigikogu member Siim Pohlak was requested to serve as the rapporteur for the interpellation.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak, a member of the EKRE faction, submitted an interpellation addressing the tax increases initiated by the government. The interpellation requests clarification regarding the impact assessments and sources of the classified tax hikes, as well as their effect on businesses and the economy. It also draws conclusions about the economic and financial policy of the previous government and asks why a cascade of tax increases is being prioritized over the issuance of government bonds for national defense funding, citing the specific use of government bonds implemented in Lithuania.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanks [the house] and announces that it is time to answer the questions posed by the interpellators. He then invites the esteemed Minister of Finance, Jürgen Ligi, to the Riigikogu rostrum to respond.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that the tax increases have been cautiously planned and their impact on the economy is very small—the impact in 2025 is estimated at about 1.2% of GDP, and only 0.2–0.3% in 2026–27. He noted that the VAT increase appears to affect prices by about 1.65%. While emphasizing that Estonia's tax system is globally competitive and that the sustainability of the state budget requires certain cuts and changes, he stressed that the causes of inflation and economic growth must be sought in the external context (the Kremlin and the impact of the war), and that taxes are not the primary source of the downturn. Furthermore, he criticized the previous government regarding budget deficits and classified assessment data, and noted that the impact of the consumer loan boom and the dismantling of the second pension pillar must be assessed more precisely.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi posed his final question to the minister concerning government bonds designated for defense investments.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi posed a short rhetorical question, asking whether something had happened or not.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi commends you for the very thorough and specific work you have done so far, and he trusts that this will continue going forward.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that national defense should be financed using sustainable revenues, not loans, adding that the stigma associated with using the name 'defense bonds' is detrimental to both the cost of borrowing and the financial institutions involved.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked the Minister for his very specific, thorough, and balanced treatment of the subject, and asked that the same spirit prevail both within the chamber and among those observing the proceedings.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Right now, everyone is being very civil, and nobody has insulted anyone or pulled faces.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi stated that the Minister had responded very well and was thoroughly prepared, and announced that the round of questions would now begin.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak asks the minister whether he agrees with the assertion that Kaja Kallas's Reform Party government created a billion-euro deficit for the state before the 2023 elections, and that the resulting snowball of problems is now being attempted to be solved, and he requests an assessment of this squandering.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
According to Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, the permanent costs and structural deficit embedded during the corona period, combined with pressure from coalition partners and a shift in moral conduct, meant that Estonia lacked flexibility and reserves, causing us to fall among the worst performers in European fiscal policy when responding to crises.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This statement is merely a request to invite Martin Helme to speak.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme calls for an apology to female colleagues for misogynistic behavior, claims that bankruptcies do not stem from tax hikes or the second pillar reform, and accuses the government of failing to provide adequate energy policy solutions, finally asking why Estonia is the worst country among European states when Putin is not ruling.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi claims that Estonia's economic and budgetary problems stem primarily from external factors (Putin's hybrid war, the coronavirus pandemic, Euribor and the decrease in Nordic demand, as well as energy problems), not from the state's own actions. He notes that although these factors affect prices and costs, wages and pensions have grown, and the economy should grow next year, provided taxes do not act as a brake. He also emphasizes that Putin must not be rehabilitated.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats asked which economics textbooks support the claim that increasing the share of consumption taxes is better than other taxes, noting that consumption taxes are projected to account for 41% of tax revenue by 2025, and that the tax hikes planned for 2026 would therefore make no sense.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called Lauri Laats.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said that the problem with European competitiveness is high taxes and regulation, but the Estonian tax system is very competitive, and according to assessments by the OECD and the Tax Foundation, the most inhibiting tax is corporate income tax, followed by labor tax, while VAT is neutral, and the residential property tax has a positive impact.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi calls upon Anti Poolamets to take the floor.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets voiced his genuine regret that Jürgen Ligi had so arrogantly rejected a friendly offer, and subsequently called for an apology to his female colleagues, referencing an earlier insulting remark made toward Moonika Helme.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said that this is wrong.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets recalls how you once referred to someone as a cackler.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi's speech contains just one word — "Wrong!" — thereby emphasizing that something is incorrect.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets is accusing Kadri Simson and the European Commission, questioning why the drop in Estonian industrial output is the deepest in Europe and what they have done wrong that has caused us to fare so poorly.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stresses that slander must be avoided in the debate, and the reasons for Estonia's poor economic performance are external—war, the coronavirus pandemic, inflation, Euribor, the decrease in Nordic demand, and rising energy costs—not the fault of our own policy.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi urged everyone to stick to the topic on today's agenda, noting that the debate is balanced, specific, and substantive. He asked them not to drag up last week's issues, and emphasized that the debate is constructive and that both sides are being acknowledged.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme thanks the audience and says that she doesn't know how to express herself right now.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech briefly states that the core idea is what matters.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme criticizes the claim that tax increases do not affect businesses, pointing to media reports and company closures, alongside rising prices and shrinking consumption, and highlights Kristen Michal's promise of a tax moratorium until 2027.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme notes that there is a plan to amend the packaging excise duty, and that an increase in excise duty is a tax increase, which, according to all food producers, will start driving up food prices.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks Helle-Moonika.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks whether things will continue as they are now, or if someone wants to present their ideal world.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi emphasized during the debate that any assessments of the respondent must be justified. He further asserted that he had neither slandered the respondent nor said anything about their appearance, requesting that all claims be verified.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi said that everyone will be able to check the exact details later.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi stresses that he would never say such a thing about a woman and will not respond to the heckling from the floor.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This speech is brief and addresses Varro, asking for help.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that he has never called anyone stupid and accused Varro Vooglaid of repeated falsehoods, adding that in debates, people often resort to slander and attribution before providing a response.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi notes that the microphone is being returned to Helle-Moonika, as this is the questions segment and time is running short. He also adds that if anyone remembers anything or wishes to ask a question, they should do so.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
The speech asks whether the question finally received a clear answer, or if there were only judgments instead.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi turns to Moonika and asks if she is ready to ask that question again.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
In his speech, Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi posed the question, "What was that?" while requesting an explanation.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks whether he can continue asking now, or if he has to ask again.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi requested that the introduction be brief.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi said that Helle had not attacked the minister on that last question, and he asked Helle-Moonika Helme to take the floor.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks whether the tax increases don't make life harder for entrepreneurs, seeing doors closing one after another and the planned new excise duties and rising food prices, and whether the reality is bankruptcies or an ideal landscape where taxes do not affect entrepreneurship.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Jürgen Ligi said that although price increases and the rising cost of inputs have strongly affected business, VAT is an income tax neutral to the economy, and the packaging excise duty will not be introduced because it would overly burden certain sectors and there is no alternative. Furthermore, the state must find an agreement regarding tax payments in the name of funding the functioning of the state and the war.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Riina Solman to the stage to speak.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman criticized the rudeness and labeling prevalent in the debate, pointing out that government decisions are being adopted hastily, often as crash projects, without any impact analysis. She mentioned the corporate profit tax plan and the narratives related to the Kremlin, finally asking directly whether an answer would be forthcoming from this podium.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech was a brief acknowledgment delivered by Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speech clearly states and confirms that the corporate profit tax is temporary and will be reversed.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi accused his opponents during the budget debate of defending falsehoods and engaging in slander, stressing that the debate must not devolve into a fight based on personal offense and defamation, but must remain dignified and focused on the discussion related to the budget.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi requests the microphone again.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman said that they have met with Isamaa.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
The speech focuses on meetings with entrepreneurs.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman demanded direct confirmation, without any further commentary, that the corporate profits tax is a temporary measure. She simultaneously criticized the government's rushed decisions, which lacked impact analyses, and their association with national security and Kremlin talking points.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that the tax is temporary and will expire if it is not extended, adding that a middle ground must be found where costs are covered by regular cuts or other measures. He warned that austerity measures alone will not solve the problem entirely, and we must avoid rushing to repeat the mistakes of the 2016 tax package.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi said that, stemming from the format of the Riigikogu, the answers are long and thorough, and 99% of the members want such answers, not personal attacks.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme criticized the procedural debate, where the person at the podium interrupts the posing of questions with comments. He emphasized that the formal query must be answered and that questioners should not be criticized, and he requested that the same question not be asked three times over.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi apologized for the impoliteness, banned the use of the expression "lilleke puldis" (little flower at the podium), set a one-minute question time for everyone, and promised to get answers to substantive questions from the minister so that the procedure could continue.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme noted that the presiding officer is not a class teacher and must not dictate to the members of parliament what they are allowed or forbidden to do, because every representative holds a mandate, and restrictions apply only within the framework of the rules of procedure and internal regulations.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi emphasized that, pursuant to the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules, the chairman of the session must intervene if an inappropriate expression is used. He confirmed that he was not attempting to assess the substance of the questions or the answers, thanked Jürgen Ligi for his good-natured response, and then drew an unpleasant conclusion, after which he asked Arvo Aller to pose a question to the minister.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller asks how the Estonian economy can finally recover, noting that only a 2% benefit is mentioned regarding the VAT increase, but in his opinion, the impact is about 10%, and asks how likely it is that the recovery of the Scandinavian and European markets would help lift the Estonian economy.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi emphasized that the manager must be neutral, and the state's task is not to stimulate the economy, but rather to ensure financial and security stability. The economy is being cooled down, and growth next year may not be significant, even though the drop in Euribor and the export of services provide potential. Industry has declined, and the economic training of the Riigikogu (Parliament) is limited, so the passion for stimulating the economy must be kept more modest.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
It was a request addressed to Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler stated that before posing his questions, he listened to the recording of last week’s sitting and benevolently argued that the minister is mistaken if he claims he did not use the formal address "teie" when speaking to Helle-Moonika Helme.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi pointed out that the words "te" and "see" sound alike, and he said the word "see."
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker addresses the esteemed Chair and asks if he may now have additional seconds.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He suggests asking the minister the question immediately.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler kindly suggests they reconsider their approach to apologizing and asks what basis their optimism about economic growth has, pointing to Germany's recently downwardly revised forecast, and reminds them that European competitiveness is not in good shape.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This sentence questions the basis for the belief that the economy will grow.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi emphasized the credibility of independent forecasters and the Bank of Estonia, as well as the need to protect the role of these institutions. He noted that reducing the level of griping and relying on fact-based figures creates confidence, which in turn influences consumption and investment. Furthermore, while the Greek crisis and fluctuations in German figures offer lessons, the outlook for the Euro market remains optimistic.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced the approaching change of the presiding officer and asked Helle-Moonika Helme to present a procedural question to the chair, which is the last one in her block.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme thanks the chair for the floor and notes that while the phrase "a little flower at the podium" may be subjective, the word "pornography" used to describe Jüri Ratas’s government is far more inappropriate, and she urges the listeners to take note of this, concluding once again with thanks.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi emphasized the importance of context and recalled Kadastik’s saying that context is more important than the text, noting at the same time that as chairman he rarely intervenes in giving assessments, and finally asked Kert Kingo to present the question.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo refers to the Lithuanian experience and asks when Estonia will introduce a solidarity tax for banks, asserting that in Lithuania this tax did not impact lending or households.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi asserts that in Lithuania, the bank tax hampered lending and investments, whereas in Estonia, a lenient agreement was utilized for the sake of trust and economic stability, and the banks' conduct is, in his view, morally responsible, having supported both green policy and national defense.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid accuses Jürgen Ligi of crude lying and refers to the transcript, which contains the sentence: "That is absurd, and you aren't pretty either, are you?"
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Vice-Chair invites Varro Vooglaid to take the floor.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi notes that this is not appropriate.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid said that the recording clearly shows the listener was caught lying—a fact that cannot be disputed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the listeners.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The message is that they are being asked to take responsibility, acknowledge what was said, and apologize for it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks his dear colleague.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that he does not intend to own up to it, and his message was that making faces is inappropriate, although he didn't mean to say that and doesn't know exactly what the recording showed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi begins his speech with a friendly greeting to his colleagues.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
He wants to know exactly what the question was.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi admitted that the minister’s confession could have been interpreted differently. He recalled that the matter on the tape was relatively clear, adding that sometimes we mishear things and interpretations can vary. Finally, he asked Mart Helme to take the floor.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme points out that although security is often the topic, Estonian agriculture is at risk in the event of a crisis because we do not produce enough foodstuffs, and tax hikes are destroying rural life.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the listeners.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme confirms that the increase in input prices is continuing, but sales prices are not compensating for it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme points to the current costs faced by farmers and asks how they should be viewed from a security perspective.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi notes that we live in a completely different information context, and his responses have received praise in this context. He promises to examine the issue more thoroughly, highlighting that the problems stem mainly from the weather, market conditions, and input prices (fertilizers and fuels from Russia). Furthermore, the government has neither initiated a discussion on this topic nor attempted to ruin agriculture.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman invites Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to come forward and speak.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart thanked the Minister of Finance and said that she did not wish to recall last week, but when answering Riina Solman’s question, the minister had to point out again that I am a liar.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said that he did not name any names.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He repeats the question posed, emphasizes that the publication of quotes is permitted, and illustrates the state budget's impact on average-wage families in rural areas using the example of a four-person family who owns two old cars, both of which are at least ten years old.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The address highlights that starting next year, VAT, income tax, the car tax, and excise duties will all increase, and it raises the question of how people will manage this burden.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks how much this family's purchasing power will decrease in the new year, explaining that it is the same question, just paraphrased.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked Anastasia.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
According to Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, tax increases are an emergency solution used to finance targeted social policy and regional development and to equalize opportunities, while he refutes accusations against him of causing poverty and emphasizes ensuring the state's capability during war and economic strain.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker announced that there were no further questions for the Minister, but that there were questions directed to the Chair of the session, and invited Helle-Moonika Helme to take the floor.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme stated that she does not wish to hear or see that individual's apologies, because the minister attributed words to her and her family that she never explicitly uttered, and the entirety of this debate is available in the official transcript.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman noted that the presiding officer's hands were tied and that the transcript would show what was said and how it was answered, and he called upon Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to take the floor, as the question was directed to the Chair.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart asserts that the Minister of Finance did not adequately answer her questions concerning the well-being of families and proceeded to call her a liar, thus she requests the presiding officer of the session to intervene.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller acknowledged that the board should have directed the minister to provide a substantive answer. He admitted that the events of the previous week were initially explained, and noted that the minister spoke at length about family size and personal experience, but ultimately, the question of how families are supposed to cope remained unanswered.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats pointed out that only 27% of respondents trust the Riigikogu, and asked what role the chairman and the board see in improving that trust, and whether they have discussed a plan for its restoration.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
According to Arvo Aller, the quality of the Riigikogu debates depends on the attitude of both sides, and the issue must be discussed again at the next board meeting in order to restore the Riigikogu's credibility.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The heads of the factions submitted a proposal to Lauri Hussar to also discuss the Riigikogu's democracy crisis at the Council of Elders' meeting on Wednesday, and they asked whether Hussar had already discussed this topic with you and how he plans to organize the discussion.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller offered his thanks and stated that the submitted proposal would be discussed by the board tomorrow, and he would forward it. He confirmed that the questions posed to the minister and the session chairman had been concluded, declared the debate open, and invited Lauri Laats to be the first speaker.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In his official inquiry, Lauri Laats emphasizes that Estonia’s economic environment has deteriorated and the volume of industrial production has fallen by 6%. Furthermore, even though Lithuania, Finland, and Latvia are showing signs of an economic turnaround, consumption taxes, along with car and registration fees, hit low-income people the hardest, which demands a clear response from the minister.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller proposed adding three more minutes.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats claimed that tax increases and the abolition of the progressive tax structure (the 'tax hump') planned for 2026 will not improve the economy. He calls for maintaining the tax hump, avoiding increases in consumption taxes, and finding additional state revenue from banks and online platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Google) so that businesses have the confidence to invest.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Next up was Martin Helme, who requested extra time and was granted three additional minutes.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme is accusing the Minister of Finance of incompetence, arguing that the Reform Party's tax, energy, and budget policies have plunged the Estonian economy into a prolonged decline. He also deplores the lack of concrete answers and the disregard for criticism shown during the debate.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Next up is Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler is criticizing Jürgen Ligi for a personal insult aimed at his colleague Helle-Moonika Helme and for lying, while also condemning the minister's rude and unapologetic conduct.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman announced that Mart Helme would speak next.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme is blaming the current tax policy, stating that it is destroying farmers and jeopardizing Estonia's food security because we cannot produce enough grain, meat, or vegetables, and we require investments in facilities, equipment, and reserves.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller requests three additional minutes.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme accuses the government of incompetence, corruption, and pro-Kremlin sentiment, asserting that ministers are unable to provide substantive answers. He claims that due to their failures, the economic recession has deepened, and the hope for growth is constantly being delayed.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This text does not contain a speech; it is merely a request directed to Riina Solman. Therefore, I cannot provide a summary at this time. If you send the content of the speech, I will create a one-sentence summary.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman expresses sharp criticism of the government's hasty decisions and lack of impact assessments, emphasizing that releasing the second pillar is more beneficial primarily to low-wage earners due to inflation, and that feedback from entrepreneurs does not reflect the actual impact.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
It was requested in the address to add three minutes.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman criticizes tax hikes and the uncertain energy policy, emphasizing the necessity of a clear short-term and long-term vision for strengthening the economy and competitiveness, as well as reducing the detrimental impact of bureaucracy and the tax cascade on ordinary citizens and businesses.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Currently, there are no requests to speak from the deputies, but the minister has his hand raised and is asking for the floor.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi confirms that the economic downturn stems from the war and defense expenditures, and tax hikes are a consequence of this, not due to a lack of budget balance. He underscores the competitiveness of the Estonian tax system and his role in shaping it, and draws attention to the depletion of pension savings and the high risk of poverty for the older generation, which necessitates state subsistence benefits.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The core of the presentation was the desire to get three more minutes.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that he had not personally accused anyone, but rather criticized the poor culture of the debate and emphasized the importance of the opinions of independent analysts. He confirmed that he had not insulted Moonika Helme or any woman, and explained that his comments regarding "pulling faces" concerned the phenomenon itself, not women, and requested that his words be interpreted as an apology.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller asked Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart whether she had a right of reply, and noted that she had not participated in the negotiations, but asked if she had noticed that she had been mentioned personally.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart accuses the Minister of Finance of restricting the opposition's right to speak on the topics of the state budget and tax increases, and stresses that the minister has failed to answer how the tax hikes and cuts to the social sector will affect the daily livelihood of families starting January 1st.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller concluded the debate and announced that the item concerning the interpellation was finished for the day, and the third item on the agenda had been completed.