First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (694 SE)
Session: The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Date: 2025-10-06 18:35
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 149
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 5m
AI Summaries: 149/149 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the draft act 694 SE, initiated by the Government of the Republic, amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, during its first reading. Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi introduced the bill, the main objective of which is to alleviate the tax burden on families with children. The draft act provides for a reduction in motor vehicle tax of up to 100 euros per year for every minor child. Additionally, the tax is reduced for M-category vehicles with more than seven seats, which will henceforth be taxed at the lower N-category rate. According to Ligi, the tax liability will decrease to zero for approximately 55,000 families, and the burden on families with children will decrease by over 50% on average.
The debate was emotional and largely focused on the political background and fairness of introducing the car tax. The opposition criticized the necessity of the tax, its negative impact on the economy, and the resulting increase in regional inequality. Questions were also raised regarding the lack of special provisions for disabled people and the technical details of refunding already paid taxes (via the Tax and Customs Board prepayment account). Annely Akkermann, Chairman of the Finance Committee, confirmed that under the draft act, a child is defined as being up to 18 years old (inclusive), and the cost of implementing the IT solutions is 680,000 euros.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Draft Act 694 SE was concluded.
The deadline for the submission of amendments was set as October 20th at 17:15.
Most Active Speaker
Lauri Laats (Centre Party) was one of the most active speakers from the opposition, repeatedly posing critical questions regarding the economic impact and political background of the car tax, and also delivering a long and emotional speech on behalf of the parliamentary group. (Position: left)
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar opened the third item on the Riigikogu session agenda, which was the first reading of Draft Bill 694 SE, initiated by the government, concerning amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, and invited Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi to introduce the bill.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi introduced the draft amendment to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, the main objective of which is to reduce the tax burden on families with children by offering a tax discount of up to 100 euros starting in 2025 for every child under the age of 19. This measure will bring the tax liability of nearly 55,000 families down to zero. Additionally, taxation will be significantly lowered for larger family cars and minivans with more than seven seats, in order to support large families and people with disabilities.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the esteemed minister, noting that questions had been submitted to him, and then gave the floor to the next questioner, Aivar Kokk.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk criticized the inconsistencies present in the draft bill’s introduction, drawing attention to contradictions regarding the age limit for receiving the support (whether 18 or 19) and the effective date. He also stressed that the wording of the explanatory memorandum restricts eligibility for the support only to those families who have at least one 18-year-old child, citing deficiencies in the clarity and precision of the bill.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi addressed the question of the age limit (18 vs 19) in the context of the draft bill, admitting that the specifics of social policy were not entirely known to him, but promised to verify both the validity of the concern raised and which age ultimately ended up being written into the law.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, who was apparently acting as the presiding officer for the session, called the next speaker, Helmen Kütt, to the podium.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt notes that although the weight-based discount for M and N category vehicles partially alleviates the concerns of people with special needs, she asks the minister whether, during the preparation of the draft bill, other broader concessions were also considered that would help all those in need, since the current solutions do not extend to those who do not have children or buses.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi recalled the previous long debates concerning benefits for people with disabilities, confirming that the draft bill had been thoroughly discussed. He noted that although the budget volume increased, additional tax relief is now being granted, which depends on the car's make and significantly alters the tax rate.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called the next speaker, Mart Maastik, to the podium.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik is forwarding a letter of concern from a family. The family asks whether, to qualify for the new law's benefits, they are required to re-register the car currently owned by the parents into the names of their adult children in order to receive the benefit tied to having minor children, despite the associated additional taxes and registration fee. Furthermore, they inquire if any special provisions or exceptions are anticipated that would ensure equal opportunities for everyone.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stresses that paying taxes is a matter of honor, and that it is the taxpayer's choice how they adjust their operations to the relevant regulations. At the same time, he admits that due to the complexity of modern family forms (blended families, single parents), it is extremely difficult for the state to fairly tailor tax benefits, despite the ongoing efforts to offer the best possible tax relief to families with children.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar and Helle-Moonika Helme were invited to speak, but the content of her address cannot be summarized based on the provided text.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme wants to know how the reduction in the car tax obligation intended for families will be implemented this year. This question specifically concerns whether amounts already paid (for example, 400 euros for a family with four children) will be refunded or if they will remain in the Tax and Customs Board's account to cover future liabilities.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi explained that although the option for prepayment exists and his own car taxes have been settled, the mechanism for refunding taxes already paid raises questions in complex special cases. He suggested that the repayment should happen, but promised to double-check this technical detail—which requires a lot of fiddling—against the draft bill, as he hasn't had a chance to verify it yet.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar Lauri Laats was invited to the speaker's stand or tribune to begin his presentation.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats is criticizing the widespread negative economic impact of the car tax and registration fee, particularly on car dealerships. He is demanding that the government provide a clear overview of both the actual revenue collected (compared to the projected 236 million) and a thorough analysis detailing how the new taxes have affected the business environment, people's livelihood, and the resulting lost tax revenue caused by the stagnation of the car market.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stresses that the primary objectives of the car tax are reducing car dependency and filling the state budget. He dismisses claims about the tax having a devastating impact on the economy as cynical, pointing out that Estonia's overall tax burden remains below the European Union average. He notes that the tax has already encouraged people to purchase more economical cars. However, he argues that the recovery of the car market is being hampered by political threats to abolish the tax, rather than the tax itself, and emphasizes that taxation is standard practice in civilized nations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called upon Vladimir Arhipov to speak, first correcting the previously mistaken first name, which was Vadim.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arkhipov first thanked the Chairman, and then briefly, and rather casually in passing, mentioned that Vadim was also present.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar handed the floor over to Vladimir, briefly noting that Vadim was either the previous speaker or the next one, and asked Vladimir to start.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov draws the minister’s attention to the low level of trust in the government, which persists at 30% and whose main cause is the car tax. He asks whether cancelling it wouldn't be the more appropriate solution to meet people halfway, help the less affluent, and restore trust, given that minor concessions won't change anything anyway.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi fiercely criticized political posturing and the significant role of bluffing in the health of democracy. He stressed that the car tax is minor for the poor when weighed against the state's overall financial sustainability. Furthermore, he took the opposition to task both for failing to provide an adequate alternative state budget and for wearing slogan hoodies in the Riigikogu, citing their poor sense of style.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar introduced the next speaker, Vadim Belobrovtsev, ceremoniously giving him the floor.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev posed a technical question to the minister concerning the proposed 100-euro reduction in parental tax liability, wondering why the complete abolition of the car tax for large families had not been considered, and stressing that, given the demographic situation, the support aimed at improving the livelihood of families with children ought to be substantially higher than the 100 euros currently on the table.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi is defending the necessity of collecting taxes due to the budget deficit, refuting the opposition’s logic. However, he emphasizes that to stimulate the economy, the income tax burden will be reduced next year by 780 million euros, which is a step many times larger and more significant than the emotionally unpleasant car tax, effectively reducing the tax burden by nearly 1.5% of GDP.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Peeter Ernits, inviting him to the podium.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits criticizes the minister for steamrolling the constitution and public opinion, and demands an explanation for the minister's unusually active involvement in the Finance Committee in February 2024. During that time, the minister attempted to influence the coalition's draft bill, which the president later deemed unconstitutional and which the minister must now soften. Ernits asks what the minister truly hoped to achieve with his activity at that time.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi distanced himself from Martin Helme and criticized the simple rejection of the car tax as a low level of debate, explaining that his views on the necessity of the tax remain unchanged: tax collection and limiting motorization are moral and essential for putting state finances in order and for accounting for the environmental and infrastructure-related side effects of civilization.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart were invited to the speaker's stand.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart emphasizes that the proposed car tax violates the constitution because it forces people with disabilities to give up their vehicles, thereby contradicting the state's duty to provide them with special care. She also asks the government whether they will reconsider implementing specific exemptions for people with disabilities, given that the current support payments are inadequate.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stresses the necessity of curbing unjust tax avoidance, criticizing the practice of implementing social policy via tax exemptions as a risky and inefficient method that can lead to abuse (such as registering vehicles in the names of disabled individuals). Furthermore, he faults those who dispute the policy for ignoring the administrative risks inherent in creating tax legislation that is easily bypassed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Mart Maastik to speak next.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik has launched a scathing critique of the car tax, refuting the minister's claims about people purchasing more economical vehicles. He emphasizes that the existing vehicle fleet is aging and thus polluting more, accuses the government of underestimating the public's financial concerns, and draws attention to the particularly negative impact the tax will have on rural areas, where a car is indispensable. He recommends outright cancellation of the tax, rather than merely implementing cosmetic fixes.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi criticized the questioner, who, in his view, was not listening and was trying to find questions to fit existing answers. He stressed that the effort required for tax evasion for small amounts (e.g., 20 euros) is impractical and that it is more sensible to simply pay the moderate taxes, citing car registration as a personal example. Ligi also demanded that Riigikogu members present their questions one at a time so the responder could focus.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Anti Allas to come to the podium and begin his presentation.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas praised the minister’s willingness to amend the car tax, but critically questioned why the submitted bill failed to eliminate all shortcomings at once, highlighting the tax’s impact on deepening regional inequality.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi addressed the social and regional policy impact of the draft bill, doubting whether it increases inequality, since owning a car indicates wealth and the tax rates are not large enough to create a significant social or regional impact, even if rural areas depend more heavily on cars, suggesting that Riina Sikkut be involved to analyze the issue.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Helmen Kütt.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt sharply criticizes the socio-political measure intended to raise disability benefits and alleviate the car tax burden. She highlights that while the support for people with profound disabilities increased significantly, those with severe disabilities received only a negligible addition (in some cases, less than a euro), and the benefit for people with moderate disabilities was not raised at all, concluding that this measure is neither sufficient nor adequate.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi explains that although subsidies only partially alleviate price hikes, discussions have been held, upon his initiative, regarding the increase of smaller benefits. However, he stresses that social policy must focus on the poorest, not on car owners, since a car is not a primary indicator of financial hardship. He promises to continue pursuing targeted social policy in subsequent discussions, despite the fact that, for example, benefits for people with disabilities did not make it into the current budget.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Vladimir Arhipov following a brief introduction.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov criticizes the government for the contradictory nature of the income tax bill, which was first raised and then subsequently withdrawn, and demands an explanation as to why social policy focuses solely on families with children, completely overlooking other struggling and poorer groups.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi defended the coalition’s tax policy choices, clarifying that the income tax rate had increased under strong pressure from the Social Democrats (Socs). However, he stressed that abolishing the tax notch reduces the overall burden and noted that his personal demand to restore the tax-free minimum had been met. He emphasized that politics is fundamentally the art of compromise, where each party achieves its goals on different issues, and he cautioned listeners against linking disparate topics, such as poverty alleviation and car ownership, together.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Lauri Laats.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats opened with an ironic apology concerning his anti-car tax hoodie, suggesting that freedom of speech is under threat. He then launched into a sharp critique of the car tax, emphasizing that even ministers have labeled it a political "chicken-moose" tax—a levy whose original environmental objective has been superseded by the urgent need to fill the state coffers. He concluded by urging the government to abandon the simple path of the car tax and instead initiate a serious debate on tax policy, citing bank taxes implemented in other nations and a reduction in VAT as viable alternatives.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar used a brief but clear phrase to signal that it was time for the next speaker to begin their presentation and that their allotted speaking time had started.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats briefly addressed the topic concerning the taxation of people or the collection of money from them.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi accuses the opposition of incoherent rambling and twisting facts, while also pointing to ongoing political tensions (such as EKRE walking out of the chamber over a hoodie). He then shifts his focus to tax policy, using statistical evidence to argue why lowering the VAT on food is a regressive policy. He asserts that this measure will not actually reduce prices but will instead boost the profits of retail chains, citing the short-term, ineffective measures previously implemented in Sweden and Latvia as examples.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar. Vadim Belobrovtsev was called to the podium to begin his presentation.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev is demanding clarification on whether the exemption for multi-child families was completely ignored during the car tax negotiations, and he questions the government's financial justifications regarding the 100-euro tax relief threshold, highlighting a contradiction with another minister's claim that the state actually has "a hell of a lot of money."
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi voiced his displeasure regarding the questioner's confusing address, which contained irrelevant topics, emphasizing that the budget has limits and that the purpose of the car tax is to reduce car dependency and broaden the tax base. He suggested that the discussion should instead focus on the consistency of his own past and present positions, rather than the statements made by third parties.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Kalle Grünthal.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal draws parallels between the forced collectivization of the Soviet Union and today's car tax, noting that just as peasants were forced into collective farms by means of impossible taxes, there is now an attempt to reduce car usage through a tax imposed against the will of the people. He asks why the government is acting against the supreme power—the Estonian people.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi emphasizes that the Republic of Estonia operates on taxes paid by its citizens, not in the spirit of the collective farm system, and that paying taxes is a constitutional obligation and a patriotic matter of honor, given that the Constitution explicitly prohibits referendums on issues concerning taxes, the budget, and security. Therefore, state financing is an unavoidable necessity for maintaining our own country.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Peeter Ernits.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits accused the Finance Minister’s party of double standards, asking why a definite 'yes' is required from a partner to engage in sexual intercourse, while the government has entered into a so-called violent union with the people, ignoring the clear opposition (a definite 'no') of 77,442 people to certain political decisions.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi sharply rejects the crude kolkhoz jokes and the outdated notion of the party’s omnipotent role in governing society and drafting legislation, emphasizing that the modern perspective requires the clear will of partners, and demanding an end to the unpleasant and irrelevant remarks coming from the floor, which are not pertinent to the bill under discussion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concluded his speech with a brief and courteous word of thanks.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi emphasizes that it is constitutionally important to differentiate between the party, the government, and the individual, and he constantly has to clarify this confusion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the previous speaker and then gave the floor to Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart recalls the previous proposal by Eesti 200 and Prime Minister Kristen Michal’s pledge to discuss abolishing the car tax, and critically asks whether that discussion actually took place and whether the complete elimination of the tax is still on the agenda at the demand of the coalition partners.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi defended Education Minister Kristina Kallas by clarifying the context of a quote published in the press, noting that the statement was born of bitterness and irony stemming from budget negotiations. Furthermore, he sharply criticized members of the Riigikogu who, instead of engaging in substantive debate on the draft bill, irresponsibly resort to quoting third parties and asking cheap questions, deeming such behavior inappropriate for the level of the Riigikogu.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Anti Allas.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas criticized the minister, pointing out that the government’s proposal to restore the tax-free minimum for people earning 4,000 euros or more will eat up almost two-thirds of the entire revenue generated by the car tax. He labeled this a handout to high earners, and then directly questioned why the car tax has still not been abolished following the Social Democrats’ departure.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi justifies the taxation of cars primarily by citing budgetary and environmental costs, stressing that socially, this is not an unfair measure. He argues that owning a car generally indicates a certain level of financial well-being, a reality he understands well based on his own personal life experiences.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar and Helir-Valdor Seeder were called to the podium to deliver their addresses.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder sharply criticized the minister's maneuvering while attempting to justify the unreasonable, unfair, and bureaucratic tax, stressing that promoting car ownership in sparsely populated areas is many times cheaper for the state than maintaining an expensive and inefficient public transport network. He concluded by posing a specific question: will the proposed tax reduction also apply to those who use long-term rental vehicles?
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi expresses regret regarding the limitations of environmental education, which he argues leads to the systematic ridicule of sustainable policy. He further emphasizes that while residents in sparsely populated areas often opt for cheaper cars, the government's actual goal is to make public transport more rational and needs-based, rather than eliminating it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar and Kalle Grünthal were called to the rostrum to deliver their presentation.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal accuses Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi of pursuing Soviet communist policies, drawing a comparison between the proposed car tax and forced collectivization, the goal of which was to liquidate private property through excessive taxation. He stresses that such an action violates the principle of the inviolability of property enshrined in § 32 of the Constitution.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi resolutely rejects debating within the paradigm of communism and the collective farm system (kolkhoz), stressing his early and unwavering opposition to the Soviet regime—an opposition for which he was even deemed politically underdeveloped in school. He furiously demands an apology from the person who dared to label him a former communist, instead accusing the opposing side of having thrived under communism.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar intervened in the discussion, proposing to end the debate because it had strayed significantly from the substance of the draft bill. He requested that participants remain within the scope of the topic moving forward, before yielding the floor to Jaak Aab for a question.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab approves the draft bill which taxes M-category minibusses with more than seven seats based on the N-category rate. He considers this a step in the right direction, as these vehicles are frequently used by large families and for disabled transport. He also asks whether, during the preparation of the draft bill, a similar amendment to the registration fee law was discussed.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi admitted that he currently cannot recall the exact reasoning why the registration fee was preferred from a tax policy standpoint, and expressed indignation over personal attacks (such as being called a communist) which essentially derail the discussion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Jaak Aab, requesting that he pose the second question allocated to him.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab emphasizes that although the Social Democratic Party ideologically supports the taxation of more expensive cars, the actual motive for implementing the motor vehicle tax was covering the budget deficit. That deficit, in turn, arose primarily due to the abolition of the non-existent tax hump, which left a hole of nearly 500 million euros in the state budget.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi is sharply criticizing the Isamaa party over its tax policy and the rhetoric surrounding the "non-existent tax hump," which he claims has cost taxpayers half a billion euros. Simultaneously, he defends the proposed car tax, which splits the burden equally between registration and usage, calling it a reasonable solution. He also takes a political jab at the ideological shifts within Isamaa and the Centre Party.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar began his address by welcoming the colleagues present.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi discussed the ideological choices in tax policy, which he intends to elaborate on for the audience.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar urged his colleagues to stick strictly to the specific draft bill, requesting that they cease the broad discussion of general tax policy and instead focus on the matter at hand, which has been allowed to become too wide-ranging during the debate.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets sharply addressed the minister, accusing him of obfuscation and dodging responsibility, because the minister had mistakenly claimed that the Social Democrats demanded the abolition of the tax hump, even though they were actually against the car tax and had been excluded from drafting the bill. Consequently, the speaker demanded that the minister finally man up and take responsibility, instead of acting like a spineless puppet.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi made a humorous and ironic observation regarding the listeners' "truly proletarian" posture, comparing it to flashing chest hair, but his speech was immediately interrupted due to a heckle coming from the hall.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar issued a sharp and emotional demand for the termination of the ongoing activity, briefly addressing his colleagues.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi sharply criticized his opponent, who had allegedly attributed statements to him upon entering the chamber that he had never made, asserting that he had only referred to the Social Democrats' demand regarding raising income tax, and asked the opponent to stop presenting false claims and button up.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, noting the colleagues' desire to expand the discussion, called upon all parties to strictly adhere to the scope of the draft bill under discussion, emphasizing its importance, and subsequently gave the floor to Urmas Reinsalu to pose a question.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu sharply criticizes the government coalition, questioning why the complete abolition of the car tax—which the ruling parties publicly declared—was never implemented, and why they instead settled for a strange derivative in the form of a child benefit. He demands an explanation as to who in the government opposed the abolition, and further criticizes the disregard for the appeal made by the association for people with special needs when developing the concept for exemptions.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi rejects personal accusations of communism and justifies the necessity of the car tax primarily by citing the environmental and infrastructure burden, as well as budgetary needs. He explains that although he previously favored fuel excise duty, the car tax represents a more precise fiscal policy due to international factors, while simultaneously emphasizing that the total costs for car owners have actually decreased thanks to cheap fuel.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the esteemed minister, thereby concluding the round of questions posed to him, and then, before moving on with the agenda, gave the floor to Helir-Valdor Seeder for a procedural question.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder raised a point of order, drawing the presiding officer’s attention to the fact that although both questioners and respondents were required to stay within the scope of the debate, the minister repeatedly failed to answer crucial questions concerning the car tax (e.g., M and N categories or refunds), which, in the speaker’s estimation, pointed to the minister’s obvious incompetence and inability to cope.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar voiced clear opposition, noting that he cannot consider the subject at hand to be merely a procedural issue.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder made a brief interjection, urgently pleading that he be allowed to finish his thought and conclude his address.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stressed that critics have the opportunity to join the discussions and present their substantive criticism regarding the minister's report directly from the podium.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder resolutely denies the preceding claim, emphasizing that his main position is substantive criticism directed at the addressee's management.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar expressed a firm conviction and categorically refused to deem the subject under discussion as procedural.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder expressed his frustration that his brief, one-sentence question concerning the expansion into rental cars remained unanswered.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, apparently acting as the presiding officer of the session, categorically refuses to give Helir-Valdor Seeder the floor for a procedural question, emphasizing that the issues raised by Seeder are substantive and must be discussed during the debates, and admonishing him, citing his experience on the Riigikogu Board, to adhere strictly to the rules of procedure. Subsequently, he grants the floor to Urmas Reinsalu, who also had a question regarding the conduct of the session.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu benevolently called the presiding officer to order for inappropriate interference and shouting at a colleague, citing a violation of the Rules of Procedure Act. He further speculated whether the chairman's desperate behavior stemmed from his failure to demand the repeal of the car tax, given that the chairman himself had previously been involved in its implementation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, apparently presiding over the session, categorically refused to accept the "procedural questions" submitted by Riigikogu members, emphasizing that they were actually substantive counterarguments to the minister's replies, not matters concerning the conduct of the session. He then admonished his experienced colleagues to familiarize themselves with the rules of procedure before giving the floor to Annely Akkermann, the Chair of the Finance Committee.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann provides an overview of the Finance Committee's discussion concerning the preparation for the first reading of Bill 694 (motor vehicle tax relief for families with children). During the discussion, which included the participation of the minister, topics covered included the automatic implementation of the relief, its equal distribution between parents, and concerns were raised regarding IT readiness, the fairness of the relief, and potential unequal distribution. Consequently, a consensus proposal was made to conclude the first reading.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the respected speaker, announced that there were questions, and then invited Urmas Reinsalu to the podium.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu is demanding a specific figure from Mrs. Akkermann regarding the technical and administrative costs of the planned car tax. At the same time, he sharply criticized the project as a substitute activity and management noise, especially considering the tax is set to be abolished in 2027, and argues that it should be dropped immediately to avoid incurring costs.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann emphasizes the urgent need for IT investments (a total of 680,000 euros) and demands the immediate introduction of the bill's amendments, given that families with children have already factored in these corrections. Furthermore, 151,000 vehicle-owning parents are awaiting the adjustment of their tax notifications, which could potentially result in a refund to their prepayment accounts.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar and Aivar Kokk were invited forward to give a speech.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk criticizes the Minister of Finance for misrepresenting the substance of the draft bill, highlighting an inconsistency in the criteria for receiving the tax benefit (specifically, whether families must have at least one child aged 18 or if families with children under 18 are also eligible). Furthermore, he demands clarification on whether a supplementary budget is planned to cover the resulting revenue shortfall.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann confirmed that, despite the ensuing debate, the definition of a child in the draft text is unambiguous. She cited section 151 of the law, which stipulates that a child, for the purposes of this law, is a person up to 18 years of age (inclusive), thereby eliminating any lack of clarity regarding the age limit.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar informed his colleagues that the agenda would continue and invited Helle-Moonika Helme to the podium as the next speaker, while simultaneously drawing attention to a side conversation taking place in the chamber (Aivar Kokk).
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme requested leave to intervene in the discussion and ask a question.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar apologized to Helle-Moonika Helme and then asked Annely Akkermann if any of the questions she had submitted remained unanswered.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann confirmed that the supplementary budget is already under deliberation, noting that while the Ministry of Finance is considering presenting administrative cuts to tax revenue to the Riigikogu, the clear consequence of the current draft bill is a decrease in motor vehicle tax collection.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the previous speaker and then gave the floor to Helle-Moonika Helme.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme is urgently demanding clarification on whether the motor vehicle tax refund promised to large families (up to 400 euros) will be deposited directly into their bank accounts, as the public expects, or if it will instead be transferred to the Tax and Customs Board's prepayment account, where it would remain pending future tax liabilities. She is asking for this to be clearly confirmed to the entire Estonian nation, given that Minister Ligi was previously unable to answer this question.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann explained the payment refund procedure, whereby the money is first credited to the taxpayer's prepayment account, from where it is possible to request its onward transfer to a regular current account. However, since she lacks personal experience regarding private individuals, she promised to inquire with the Tax Board before the second reading whether the money on the prepayment account can be immediately transferred to the taxpayer's current account.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offered his thanks, clarified that there was no designated format for discussion, confirmed that the round of questions would continue, and gave the floor to Helir-Valdor Seeder to pose the next question.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder sharply criticized the coalition partners for breaking their pre-election promises regarding the car tax and for attempting to stifle the debate. At the same time, he demanded a clear answer from the minister to two technical questions: whether the tax reduction extends to rental cars, and what happens to the money deposited in the prepayment account if the vehicle is written off or sold before the end of the tax period.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann confirmed that the second motor vehicle tax bill takes into account the Chancellor of Justice's proposal to tax the vehicle only for the days it is used, thereby excluding cases of theft and total loss. She also categorically rejected both the claims regarding the non-utilization of the refund transferred to the prepayment account and the doubts concerning the coalition partner's difficulties in processing the draft legislation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar briefly and pointedly called Mart Helme to the podium, or to speak, emphasizing his name by repeating it.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme accuses the commission representative and the Minister of Finance of lacking knowledge regarding the specifics of the procedure for refunding money to taxpayers, criticizing that the repayments are "left hanging in the air," subject to an official's decision. He also accuses the speaker representing the Reform Party of populism, casting doubt on their readiness to abandon the car tax should it be made a condition by coalition partners after the 2027 elections.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi confined himself to a brief thank you, addressing his colleague.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme is forcing the Reform Party to make a choice, sharply demanding to know whether they will abolish the car tax or continue their stubborn obstinacy, hiding behind environmental protection and other such "nonsense."
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann conceded that the specific topic had not been addressed by the committee during the handling of the draft legislation, and therefore she could not answer the question, noting that the final decision would emerge during the course of longer and more comprehensive coalition negotiations.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded the questioning of the presenter, delegated the procedural matters to Lauri Hussar—as he himself was not familiar with the preceding details—and subsequently opened the debate, first granting eight minutes of speaking time to Lauri Laats, the representative of the Estonian Centre Party faction.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats sharply criticized the Finance Minister’s disrespectful attitude and failure to provide answers, accusing him of scolding members of the Riigikogu and the public. He stressed that the car tax is a levy imposed without analysis solely to plug budget holes, noting that it has devastated the car sales sector and lacked any public mandate. He demanded that the government take public opinion into account, proposing the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs and the introduction of a bank tax as alternatives.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
After expressing his thanks, Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Helmen Kütt, the representative of the Social Democratic Party faction.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt first explains the Social Democrats' opposition to the car tax and acknowledges the government's draft bill, which offers tax relief for families with children. However, she emphasizes that the Riigikogu should consider the appeal made by the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People, who are requesting a target-group-specific tax exemption for individuals with severe and profound disabilities. For these people, a personal vehicle is an essential means of participating in society, not a convenience.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi requested three minutes of extra time.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt is criticizing the draft legislation for the unequal and, in some cases, minimal increase in social benefits. She highlights that while the support for people with profound disabilities rose noticeably, the increase for those with severe disabilities was sometimes only 91 cents, which she finds insulting. Furthermore, since the bill also fails to address the transport issues faced by elderly people with disabilities in sparsely populated areas and deepens existing inequality, she is questioning the necessity of the bill in its current form.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked those present and subsequently gave the floor to Mart Helme, the representative of the EKRE faction.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme accuses the Reform Party-led government of putting Estonia on a course toward ruin, citing the implementation of the irrational car tax and registration fee as examples. He compares the government’s cosmetic alleviations to the story of the taxi driver, where silence was demanded in exchange for the gift of life, emphasizing that these are cynical actions that mock the populace against the backdrop of economic, social, and demographic collapse.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi signaled his consent or readiness to proceed with a brief and courteous reply ("Yes, please!").
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme leveled sharp criticism against the government led by Kaja Kallas, accusing it of driving the country toward catastrophe, inciting the populace against its own state, opportunism, and failing to uphold the separation of powers. He stressed that the current administration is neither pro-Estonian nor honest, and at the same time, he issued a warning about the Reform Party’s reckless financial management, which is ballooning the national debt and could, by exploiting the current war situation, even result in the confiscation of Estonian citizens' savings.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded his brief address with a polite and specific thank you directed at the audience.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme expresses concern regarding the funding of defense expenditures and addresses those present in the chamber to sharply criticize their actions and decisions during the deliberation of the current bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi briefly thanked his good colleague.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme explains that although the problem being addressed is only a fragment, the actual catastrophe is much broader and cascading in nature.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi yielded the floor to Aivar Kokk, the representative of the Isamaa faction, who was granted eight minutes to speak after requesting an extension of time.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk, speaking on behalf of the Isamaa Party, sharply criticized the introduction of the motor vehicle tax, calling it an unnecessary and anti-people bill that will take billions of euros out of people's pockets. He stated this revenue is intended to cover the income tax exemption promised by the Reform Party for high-income earners. Kokk further accused coalition partners (including the Social Democrats) of actively supporting the levy and promised that Isamaa would repeal this hostile law at the first opportunity, no later than after the 2027 elections.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi granted Helir-Valdor Seeder permission to address a procedural question to Lauri Hussar, noting both the change in the presiding officer and Seeder's commendable persistence in presenting his question, since Hussar had, in the interim, returned to the chamber.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder raised a procedural question consisting of two parts: first, he requested clarification on whether he was permitted to take the floor during the debate, as the previous presiding officer had allowed, and second, he proposed repeating the first reading of the draft bill, given that the minister was not familiar with the material being presented and was unable to answer substantive questions pertaining to the specific bill, which meant the discussion essentially failed to yield any answers.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi reproached his colleague for missing the opportunity to participate in the negotiations, citing Aivar Kok's appointment as the spokesperson for the Isamaa faction. However, he simultaneously affirmed that rejecting the draft bill is always possible through a floor vote, via a corresponding motion and subsequent vote, and he stressed that answering substantive questions is crucial and that these answers should be known no later than the second reading.
Lauri Hussar
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Lauri Hussar commended his colleague for raising the procedural question and subsequently addressed the Presiding Officer of the session to clarify, for the sake of the transcript, the role and limits of the Chair's authority in a situation where a minister remains generally on topic but fails to specify facts or answer the questions posed, asking rhetorically whether it is the Presiding Officer's duty to forcibly demand answers or if that responsibility lies entirely outside their mandate.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi, who is likely chairing the session, explains to a colleague that ministers cannot answer the boundlessly creative questions posed by all 101 members of the Riigikogu, arguing that nobody can be prepared for absolutely everything. He then gives the floor for a response speech to Anti Allas, speaking on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas categorically refuted the claim Aivar Kokk made from the podium—that Anti Allas had demanded an increase in the car tax amount—adding that spreading such lies about others is neither decent nor patriotic.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi closed the debate, stressing that a reply to a reply is not provided for, and, on behalf of the lead committee, proposed concluding the first reading of Bill 694, subsequently giving the floor to Aivar Kokk for a procedural question.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk states that he does not wish for procedural intervention, withdraws his proposal, but stresses that he nevertheless had a significant desire to speak on the subject of Anti.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi informed his colleague briefly and clearly that no right of reply was scheduled, concluding his address with the name Aivar.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk used a short phrase that appeared to be more of a filler or an agreeing interjection, and he did not present a substantive position.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi stated briefly and specifically that he was unable to assure or guarantee the circumstance in question.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk stated briefly that he had delivered the message requested by Mart Võrklaev, which the latter wished to convey from the speaker's stand, or 'pukk.'
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced that the first reading of Bill 694 SE has concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments was set as 5:15 PM on October 20 of this year.