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: 249
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 5m
AI Summaries: 249/249 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The third item on today's agenda was the first reading of Bill 694, the draft act amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi introduced the bill, the main objective of which is to alleviate the tax burden on families with children by reducing the motor vehicle tax liability by up to 100 euros per child annually. This measure is expected to reduce tax revenue by 16.3 million euros. Additionally, there are plans to reduce the tax rate for M-category vehicles with more than seven seats, taxing them at the N-category rate, which is significantly lower and affects large families and people with disabilities. The amendments are scheduled to enter into force on January 1, 2025.
The debate was extremely emotional and focused heavily on the political background and fairness of introducing the car tax. The opposition (Centre Party, EKRE, Isamaa) criticized the tax as a whole, demanding its repeal, citing the negative impact on the economy, regional inequality, and the situation of people with disabilities. Minister Ligi defended the necessity of the tax for meeting state budget and environmental goals. Technical questions were also raised during the debate, such as whether taxes already paid would be refunded to a bank account or remain in a prepayment account. Annely Akkermann, Chairman of the Finance Committee, confirmed that the committee proposes concluding the first reading.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 694 was concluded.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for October 20th at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
Lauri Laats (Centre Party) was one of the most active questioners and delivered a lengthy speech on behalf of the parliamentary group, sharply criticizing the implementation of the car tax, its impact on the economy, and the government's attitude toward the people. (misc.)
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar introduced the first reading of the draft act on amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Law (694), initiated by the Government of the Republic, as the third item on the agenda, and invited Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi to present the bill.
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.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi presented a draft amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act, which will reduce the motor vehicle tax obligation for parents of minor children by up to 100 euros annually starting in 2025, thereby significantly easing the tax burden on families. Furthermore, the taxation of large family cars and minibusses with more than seven seats will also be substantially lowered. This measure is expected to result in a decrease in tax revenue of 18 million euros.
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.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk criticized the bill's presenter for inaccuracies, demanding clarification on whether the child must be 18 or 19 years old to qualify for the support, and precisely when the amendment takes effect. He pointed out that the explanatory memorandum clearly states in black and white an 18-year-old age limit, which directly contradicts the oral presentation.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi admitted his insufficient familiarity with the scope of social policy, but confirmed that he would check the documents to see whether the age limit in the draft bill remained 18 or 19 years, in order to verify the validity of the concern raised, which specifically relates to turning 19 years old.
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 allowance 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, broader support was also considered for those to whom the current benefits do not extend (for example, due to the lack of children), given that those needing assistance have approached her directly with their concerns.
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 explains that, despite previous increases in benefits for people with disabilities, the current tax concession—which is now granted based on the car's make and significantly alters the tax rate—has been a subject of lengthy debate.
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.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik raises a concern regarding a multi-generational household where the car is registered solely in the parents' names. He asks the minister whether, under the new law, the concessions granted due to the presence of a minor child will also extend to them, or if they must re-register the vehicle in the names of the adult children to qualify for the benefits, thereby incurring additional taxes and registration fees.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi believes that paying taxes should be a matter of honor, and that the state cannot be a universal accommodator, because today's complex family structures (blended families, single parents, etc.) make the implementation of tax benefits difficult, especially concerning how to determine who is actually caring for the children. However, the state is still doing its best to offer tax relief to families with children.
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 asks the minister how refunds will be handled for families whose tax liability decreases this year upon the entry into force of the draft bill. She specifically asks whether the money already paid (for example, 400 euros for a family with four children) will be reimbursed to them or whether the state will leave it standing on the Tax Agency's account to cover future liabilities, emphasizing that even larger sums are important to families.
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 he has paid his own car taxes and his conscience is clear, complicated special cases exist, and the issue of refunding taxes already paid is technically complex. Therefore, he promised to double-check the details, although he suggests the refund should be handled through the Tax Authority.
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.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats expresses deep concern regarding the devastating impact of the car tax and registration fee on the economy, particularly the automotive market. He demands that the government provide a comprehensive review covering both the actual revenue generated and the negative effects on the business environment and the ability of large families to cope financially. He specifically points to the stagnation of the car market and the resulting loss of potential VAT and income tax revenue.
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.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi is defending the car tax, emphasizing its dual purpose: reducing car dependency and generating state revenue. He argues that taxation is standard practice in civilized nations, and its positive impact (the purchase of more fuel-efficient cars) is already evident. Ligi criticizes claims regarding the tax's catastrophic effect, pointing out that Estonia's overall tax burden remains low. He attributes the delay in the car market's recovery not to the tax itself, but rather to the political uncertainty created by promises to repeal it.
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.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov drew the minister's attention to the low confidence rating (30%) of the government and the Riigikogu (Parliament), which, in his estimation, is directly linked to the imposition of the car tax. He asked whether, instead of offering a small concession, it would not be more sensible to abolish the tax entirely, thereby accommodating the public and improving the financial resilience of poorer citizens.
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.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi has sharply criticized the low level of political debate, arguing that the car tax has little impact on the poor, whereas the state's financial solvency is far more vital to them. He further accuses the opposition of mere grandstanding and relying heavily on bluff, given that they are promising a tax-free state without an adequate funding plan. He concluded by criticizing the wearing of slogans and hoodies in the Riigikogu (Parliament), deeming it poor 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.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev presents a purely technical question to the minister regarding the planned reduction of the parental tax liability by up to 100 euros, asking why the complete abolition of the car tax for large families was not considered and why they limited themselves to exactly 100 euros, emphasizing that, considering the demographic situation, the step aimed at improving the livelihood of families with children should be financially significantly larger.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi is refuting claims regarding a budget surplus, stressing that there is a shortfall in funds and taxes must be collected. He also highlights that the economy will be stimulated many times more by next year's reduction of the income tax burden—a measure totaling 780 million euros, or nearly 1.5% of GDP—which represents a significantly larger contribution than other tax issues currently under discussion.
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 accuses the minister of ignoring public opinion and the constitution, and demands an explanation regarding the minister's unusually active conduct in February 2024. At that time, while serving as a coalition MP, the minister criticized and attempted to amend a bill introduced by his own party—a bill that the president later declared unconstitutional. Ernits asks what the minister actually hoped to achieve during the first reading of that "mess."
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 confirmed his previous stance on the car tax, explaining that he had previously attempted to clarify the necessity of the tax due to state finances and environmental impacts. He emphasized that collecting the tax and limiting car dependency is a moral issue, and civilization must begin to account for its side effects, while simultaneously distancing himself from Martin Helme and the latter's minimal participation in the Finance Committee.
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.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart stresses that the planned car tax violates the constitution, arguing that it forces people with disabilities to abandon their vehicles, regardless of their special status as state beneficiaries. She demands that the government create specific exemptions, noting that 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.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi emphasizes that the tax system must restrict unfair avoidance, warning that implementing social policy through tax exceptions is always risky and inefficient because it creates significant tax risks—for example, the misuse of benefits intended for disabled people to establish car fleets—and complicates tax administration, allowing those who should actually be paying the tax to easily bypass it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Mart Maastik to speak next.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik refutes the minister's claims regarding the positive impact of the car tax, emphasizing that the vehicle fleet is aging, pollution is increasing, and the tax's goal of curbing car dependency is particularly unfair in rural areas, where a car is essential for transporting children to school. Therefore, the entire tax should be abolished instead of merely implementing cosmetic fixes.
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.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi criticized the audience, accusing them of not listening and attempting to dictate the answers to the questions, emphasizing that there was no point in bothering with tax evasion for the sake of twenty or so euros, since it was simpler to pay the tax; finally, he asked the member of the Riigikogu to present the questions one by one so that they could be properly recorded and answered.
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 commended the minister for his readiness to make the car tax more reasonable, but simultaneously criticized the submitted draft legislation, arguing that it fails to eliminate all tax-related shortcomings at once. He specifically highlighted concerns regarding the growing regional inequality, which he felt had not been adequately assessed during the implementation of the tax.
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.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi emphasizes that there are many questions when assessing the sensibility of the draft bill, especially whether it is appropriate to pursue social policy through property and environmental taxes. He also doubts that this would significantly increase regional inequality, given that the tax rates are small and car ownership indicates wealth both in urban and rural areas, recommending consulting Riina Sikkut for a deeper analysis.
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.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt is criticizing the government's social policy measure, pointing out that while the benefit for working-age people with profound disabilities increased significantly, the support for those with moderate disabilities was left untouched, and benefits for those with severe disabilities were merely standardized with a symbolic increase. Consequently, she does not view the measure as sufficient or competent to alleviate the impact of, say, the car tax.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi concedes that support payments only partially alleviate the impact of price increases, but emphasizes that the goal of the social policy he initiated is to raise smaller benefits and the subsistence level, starting with the poorest, rather than focusing on cars, which are not the primary indicator of difficulty in making ends meet.
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.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arkhipov acknowledges the economy-stimulating role of income tax, but criticizes the minister for the contradictory tax policy (raising it and then reversing it) and asks why attention is not also paid to other groups struggling to make ends meet besides families with children.
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.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi explained that tax policy is the result of coalition compromises, where the increase in the income tax rate was a concession made under pressure from the Social Democrats, but the abolition of the tax hump reduces the burden by 500 million euros. He highlighted the restoration of the tax-free minimum as his long-term fight, emphasizing that different policy choices should not be confused with one another.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Lauri Laats.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats sharply criticizes the car tax, arguing that its initial environmental justification was replaced by the need to replenish the state coffers. He emphasizes that even coalition partners have labeled this tax political, demanding that the government engage in a serious fiscal policy discussion and consider alternative solutions (such as raising the bank tax) instead of resorting to the car tax, which is merely the path of least resistance.
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 addressed, in his brief statement, a topic that directly concerns the taking of money from people, evidently referring to some sort of state financial obligations or taxes.
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 criticizes his opponent for confusing issues and twisting facts, citing the EKRE 'hoodie conflict' as an example. He then shifts focus to tax policy, asserting that reducing VAT on food is a regressive measure that will not lead to a permanent drop in prices. Instead, he claims it will only boost the profits of retail chains, noting that statistics frequently show food prices are actually higher in countries where the VAT rate is lower.
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 returns to his initial questions, seeking confirmation that the exemption of large families from the car tax was not discussed during negotiations, and doubts whether the 100-euro tax relief was truly the maximum the state could offer to families with children, especially considering the claim by a government colleague that there is actually enough money.
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 criticized the question for being vague and irrelevant, stressing that the budget has its limits. He noted that the car tax aims to curb excessive car use and secure a broad tax base, suggesting that the debate should focus instead on the consistency of his own past and present stances, rather than on the opinions of third parties.
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 sharply criticizes the proposed car tax, drawing parallels with Soviet-era forced collectivization, where farmers were driven into collective farms by impossibly high taxes. He further argues that the tax, which is being imposed with the aim of reducing car ownership, contradicts the will of the Estonian people—the highest power—who do not want the car tax.
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 categorically rejects accusations of opposing the will of the people, emphasizing that the collective farm system is over and the Republic of Estonia is sustained by taxes paid by citizens, which is a constitutional obligation (Article 106) and a patriotic matter of honor, not a subject for a popular referendum, and accuses his opponent of exploiting public disappointment.
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 accuses the Minister of Finance of his party's double standards, questioning why they demand explicit consent for a sexual act, yet have simultaneously entered into a "violent union" with the people by imposing a tax that 77,442 people have clearly voted against.
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 criticized the opposing side's outdated views on governing society and their crude collective farm jokes, stressing that draft legislation is prepared by the government, not the party, and demanding that the unpleasant and irrelevant talk cease and that focus be placed on the substance of the bill under discussion, where, from a modern perspective, the clear will of the partners is essential.
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 points out that he has repeatedly been forced to clarify the confusion between the party, the government, and the individual, stressing that this distinction is a fundamental constitutional issue.
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.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart is inquiring with the coalition whether the promised discussion concerning the complete cancellation of the car tax—a discussion stemming from Kristina Kallas's claims about the state's good financial standing and Prime Minister Kristen Michal's promise to debate the topic—actually took place, and whether this question might still be brought up during the bill's second reading.
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.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi is defending the bitter irony expressed by the Education Minister during budget negotiations, which he argues was misrepresented in the press. Ligi also leveled criticism at the Riigikogu opposition, accusing them of irresponsible conduct, citing third parties, and lowering the level of debate, emphasizing that they would be unable to bear the responsibility of governing the state.
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.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas criticizes the government, pointing out that almost two-thirds of the car tax revenue is being spent on restoring the income tax-free minimum for high earners (4000+ euros), calling this a handout, and he asks the minister directly why the car tax has not been abolished following the Social Democrats' departure from the government.
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.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi justifies taxing car ownership by citing the need to alleviate the environmental and infrastructure burden, and emphasizes that this is not a socially unjust measure, because car ownership generally indicates a certain level of financial well-being, a level which he knows well based on his personal life experience.
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 waffling while trying to justify an unreasonable, foolish, and bureaucratic tax, stressing that promoting motorization in rural areas is cheaper for the state than maintaining an expensive and inefficient public transport network. He also asked a specific question: whether the tax reduction benefit also extends to vehicles under long-term lease.
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 expressed regret over the limited scope of environmental education, criticizing the audience for systematically ridiculing environmentally sustainable policy. He stressed that while people in sparsely populated areas might prefer a cheaper car, the government’s goal is to make public transport more needs-based and sensible, not to eliminate it.
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 sharply criticized Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi's proposed car tax bill, comparing it to forced collectivization and accusing the minister of pursuing Soviet communist policy. He argued that the policy, under the guise of reducing motorization, aims to violate the principle of the inviolability of property established in Section 32 of the Constitution.
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.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi demands an end to the discussion operating within the paradigm of communism and the collective farm system, and expresses outrage that he was called a former communist, asserting his lifelong opposition to the Soviet regime, due to which he was even considered politically underdeveloped at school, and demands that the accuser apologize and feel shame.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar proposed ending the discussion, which had strayed far from the topic of the draft bill, asking colleagues to remain within the scope of the bill under debate going forward, and subsequently gave the floor to Jaak Aab to pose a question.
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 amendment proposed in the draft bill, which taxes M-category minibuses with more than seven seats (vehicles often used by large families and disability transport services) at the N-category tax rate. However, he asks the minister whether the application of a similar concession to the registration fee was also considered during the discussion.
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 defended the decision to retain the registration fee, but conceded that he couldn't currently recall the precise arguments behind that specific tax policy choice. He also sharply criticized the low quality of the debate, stating that it had been derailed by personal attacks.
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.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab explains that although the principle of taxing more expensive cars is entirely consistent with the worldview of the Social Democratic Party, the current motor vehicle tax was actually a compromise brought to the table of the Minister of Finance, the primary purpose of which was to cover the budget deficit. This deficit, in turn, largely resulted from the 500 million euro negative impact caused by the abolition of the non-existent tax bulge.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi sharply criticizes Isamaa for promising to abolish a non-existent tax hump—a measure actually created by the party itself—which will cost taxpayers half a billion, stressing that even across different political camps, such a distortion should be jointly condemned. He defends the structure of the vehicle tax, which divides the burden between registration and usage roughly 50:50, even though he considers this split unreasonable. Finally, he notes the political dynamic where Isamaa appears to be picking up ideas abandoned by the Centre Party.
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.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called on his colleagues to keep the discussion within the scope of the specific bill, noting that the topic has become too broad and that there is an unnecessary attempt to map out general tax policy, which is why they must concentrate on the draft law currently under consideration.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets categorically refutes the minister's claims regarding the Social Democrats' role in the negotiations concerning the abolition of the tax hump and the car tax, emphasizing that the SDE was against the changes and that they were not even shown the draft car tax bill before it was sent out for consultation, and finally demands that the minister take responsibility and stop waffling.
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 proceeded to ironically criticize the listener's "true proletarian attitude" and body language, suggesting he bare his chest, but his remarks were soon cut short by a shout coming from the hall.
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 parried his opponent’s attack, accusing him of attributing false quotes and emphasizing that his only firm assertion related to the Social Democrats’ demand for an income tax increase, a matter about which he had definite knowledge. He further requested that the opponent stop presenting things he was not asked to show.
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 urged his colleagues to maintain the focus of the debate, stressing the necessity of remaining within the scope of the draft bill under consideration to prevent the discussion from becoming diffuse, and subsequently gave the floor to Urmas Reinsalu to ask a question.
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 is questioning the government's true commitment to abolishing the car tax, suggesting that the Reform Party is the new 'Reds,' and asking why, instead of the complete abolition that was publicly promised, they only managed to produce a "strange derivative," and why the protests from the association representing people with special needs were ignored when drafting the exemptions.
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.
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi
AI Summary
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi is responding to criticism, justifying the introduction of the car tax by citing budgetary needs and the environmental and infrastructure burden created by vehicles. He emphasizes that while taxation is always complicated, this is a more precise policy than endlessly raising the fuel excise duty, and adds that the total costs for car owners have actually decreased thanks to the low fuel price.
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.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder raised a procedural question to draw the Presiding Officer’s attention to the fact that, while answering crucial questions about the car tax during the debate, the minister was clearly incompetent and struggled, failing to answer, for example, questions regarding refunds and vehicle categories.
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 strongly requested permission to conclude his speech.
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.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar urged critics to utilize the opportunity afforded to them to join the discussions and present their substantive criticism of the minister's report directly from the podium, instead of interrupting.
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 refuses to treat the topic under discussion as procedural, making it clear that it is a more substantive matter.
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.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder pointed out that his single-sentence question regarding the expansion to rental cars had gone unanswered by the presiding officer.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar repeatedly refuses to grant Helir-Valdor Seeder the floor for a point of order, emphasizing that the topics Seeder wishes to address are substantive matters that must be dealt with during negotiations, not within the scope of the session’s procedure. He then directs his attention to Urmas Reinsalu, who also has a question concerning the procedure for conducting the session.
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.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu good-naturedly called the presiding officer to order, reproaching him for inappropriately shouting at a colleague and violating the Rules of Procedure Act, and then asked whether the chairman’s intervention stemmed from desperation related to the failure to abolish the car tax, the implementation of which he had previously been responsible for as the leader of Eesti 200.
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.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar (the presiding officer) categorically refused to entertain further points of order, criticizing experienced Riigikogu members for misinterpreting the rules and stressing that the questions being raised were actually substantive counterarguments to the minister's replies, rather than questions pertaining to the conduct of the session. He subsequently called Annely Akkermann, Chairman of the Finance Committee, to the rostrum, despite protests emanating from the floor.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann provides an overview of the Finance Committee’s discussion in preparation for the first reading of draft legislation 694 (a tax incentive for families with children regarding the motor vehicle tax), highlighting the topics addressed, such as the automatic implementation of the incentive, IT readiness, and questions of needs-based assessment and gender equality, and presents the committee's consensus proposal to conclude the first reading of the bill.
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.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu is addressing Mrs. Akkermann, demanding a concrete figure for the administrative costs of the temporary project currently being implemented. He emphasizes that since even the ruling parties are distancing themselves from the car tax, and it is set to be abolished in 2027 regardless, the tax should be scrapped sooner to prevent unnecessary busywork, management disruption, and the generation of further administrative expenses.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stresses that the amendments to the draft bill should not be delayed, despite the necessary IT investments (a total of 680,000 euros), because the parents of 151,000 children, who are also vehicle owners, are already anticipating corrections to their tax notices and refunds being deposited into their prepayment accounts.
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 criticized the Minister of Finance for not knowing the content of the draft bill, highlighting a contradiction in the tax incentive criteria—namely, whether the support would only go to families with at least one child aged 18, thereby excluding those who have multiple minor children. And finally, he asked how the lost revenue would be covered and whether an additional budget would be required for that purpose.
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, responding to doubts raised from the floor and interjections by Aivar Kokk, that the definition of a child in the text of the draft law (§ 151, point 5 or 6) is unambiguously clear. It stipulates that, for the purposes of this law, a child is a person up to 18 years of age (inclusive), meaning there is no ambiguity regarding the application of the tax benefit.
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 continued the sitting, giving the floor to Helle-Moonika Helme, but an interim question regarding the supplementary budget was raised by Aivar Kokk in the chamber.
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 responded to the question about the supplementary budget, confirming that it is already under consideration, but stressed that the Ministry of Finance is still weighing the option of submitting the administrative reduction of tax revenue to the Riigikogu as a budget amendment, adding that the current draft clearly reduces the revenue collected from the motor vehicle tax.
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 requesting confirmation that the promised tax relief amount (up to 400 euros) for families with children who have already paid the motor vehicle tax will not be refunded directly to their bank accounts. Instead, the funds will be transferred to the Tax Authority's prepayment account to cover future tax liabilities, a decision that runs contrary to public expectations and earlier confusion.
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.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann explained that the money is refunded to the taxpayer's prepayment account, from where it can then be transferred to a regular bank account. However, since she lacks practical experience regarding refunds for private individuals, she promised to inquire with the Tax Board before the second reading about the technical details of the prepayment account and the procedure for managing those funds.
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 criticizes the coalition partners for breaking pre-election promises and stifling the car tax debate, and poses two specific technical questions to the minister: do the conditions for tax reduction also apply to rental cars, and what happens to the money accumulated in the prepayment account if the vehicle is written off due to an accident or sold before future periods.
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 explained that the second motor vehicle tax bill, which will soon be debated, takes into account the Chancellor of Justice's recommendation to tax only the days the vehicle is used (excluding theft and destruction). She also categorically refuted the picture painted by her colleagues regarding the alleged uselessness of refunds transferred to the Tax Board's prepayment account and the coalition partner's difficulties in processing the bill, suggesting that the critics have misunderstood the situation.
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.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Mart Helme.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme voiced his dismay regarding the lack of clarity from state institutions concerning the handling of taxpayer refunds that are not deposited directly into bank accounts. He then addressed the commission's representative, accusing him of populism and demanding to know how the Reform Party plans to address the requirement to abolish the car tax during the 2027 coalition negotiations.
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.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann conceded that the specific question had not been addressed during the discussion in the bill committee, which is why she could not answer it, and indicated that the final, comprehensive decisions would be made later during coalition negotiations.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded the questioning of the rapporteur, referred the procedural uncertainties (referencing the "black hands" visible on the screen) to Lauri Hussar for resolution, as he himself was not familiar with the preceding matters, and then opened the debate, giving the floor first for eight minutes to Lauri Laats of the Centre Party faction.
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 criticizes the Finance Minister (Jürgen Ligi) for his arrogant and embarrassing attitude, which undermines public trust in the government. He then focuses on the failed car tax, stressing that it is a budget-filling levy imposed without proper analysis, which has destroyed the car market, rather than being a genuine environmental measure. Furthermore, he accuses the government of ignoring the public mandate (such as lowering VAT on foodstuffs and implementing a bank tax) and consistently attacking citizens' finances instead of supporting the people who sustain the state.
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 began by reaffirming the Social Democrats' opposition to the car tax, acknowledged the government-initiated amendments to the motor vehicle tax law that alleviate the tax burden for families with children, but stressed that the Riigikogu (Parliament) must, during the process of considering these amendments, take into account the appeal of the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People. This appeal seeks a targeted tax exemption for individuals with severe and profound disabilities, for whom a personal vehicle is an essential means of participating in public life.
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 criticizes the draft law concerning social benefits for people with disabilities, arguing that while the support for people with profound disabilities increased significantly, the increase in benefits for those with severe disabilities was minimal and insulting. She also emphasizes that several issues remain unresolved, including the support levels for people with moderate disabilities and the transport needs of elderly disabled people living in sparsely populated areas, suggesting that the law might actually increase inequality.
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 is leveling harsh and indignant criticism against the government and the missing minister, accusing the Reform Party and Eesti 200 of setting the nation on a path to ruin. He points specifically to the economically destructive and unfair car tax and registration fee, which he claims will trigger demographic and social collapse. Furthermore, he compares the government’s proposed relief measures to a cynical and mocking "gift of life," for which they expect uncomplaining thanks.
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.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme levels a furious accusation against Kaja Kallas’s government, claiming it has driven the country to total catastrophe, destroying democracy, inciting the populace against its own state, and engaging in pure opportunism. He further alleges that the prime minister is reportedly guilty of even obstructing the prevention of war (referencing Merkel). Helme warns that the government’s reckless leadership and the decision to take out a 2 billion loan could ultimately result in the confiscation of Estonian people’s 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 addresses the listeners directly, expressing sharp criticism of their actions regarding the pending bill, which seems to concern defense spending or financing issues.
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 sharply criticizes the motor vehicle tax, deeming it an unnecessary and hostile measure that was created to cover the income tax exemption for high earners within the Reform Party, collecting a total of two billion euros from individuals and businesses. Meanwhile, the tax relief offered to families with children is negligible compared to previous cuts in benefits. Furthermore, he faults the Social Democrats for supporting the tax, highlights the poor quality of the bill's drafting, and promises, on behalf of Isamaa, to repeal this tax law after the 2027 elections.
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 Chairman Toomas Kivimägi confined his address to just a brief expression of thanks.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk reiterated the clear and firm stance of the Isamaa Party, according to which the motor vehicle tax must be immediately repealed.
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.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi acknowledged Helir-Valdor Seeder’s persistence in posing the question to Lauri Hussar, despite the interim change of the presiding officer, and finally gave him the floor to ask a procedural question, as Hussar had returned to the chamber.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder raised a point of order, criticizing the minister’s evident unfamiliarity with the draft legislation and his inability to respond to substantive inquiries. He further asked whether the Riigikogu, under its extensive right to self-governance, could interrupt or repeat the first reading, subsequently proposing that the reading be repeated. Furthermore, he requested clarification regarding the right to speak during the debate that had been previously granted to him.
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 replied to his colleague that he had lost the opportunity to participate in the negotiations when the faction selected Aivar Kokk as its representative, but stressed that the rejection of the draft bill is only possible via a vote in the chamber. He also expected that substantive answers to the questions would be provided no later than the bill's second reading.
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.
Lauri Hussar
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Lauri Hussar commended his colleague for asking a procedural question, and then addressed the presiding officer with a request to clarify for the record what his mandate is and whether it is his duty to demand specific factual answers from the speaker, cracking a whip, in a situation where the minister touches upon the topic but avoids clarifying the facts.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi, conceding that the session chair lacks the means to limit questions and that ministers are unable to cope with the boundless creativity of Riigikogu members, concluded by giving the floor to Anti Allas, the representative of the Social Democratic Party faction, for a response speech.
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.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas categorically denied Aivar Kokk’s claim that Anti Allas had demanded an increase in the car tax amount, criticizing the spreading of lies as unseemly and far removed from patriotism.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi closed the debate, stressing that a rejoinder to a rejoinder is not provided for, and, on behalf of the lead committee, proposed concluding the first reading of Draft Act 694, giving the floor to Aivar Koka for a procedural question before doing so.
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 limited himself to a brief assent and confirmation, merely expressing agreement and affirmation to what had been said previously, without offering any substantive contribution.
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 briefly explained that his presentation was simply about conveying the message requested by Mart Võrklaev.
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 announces that the first reading of Bill 694 has been concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments is set for October 20th at 5:15 p.m., simultaneously declaring the consideration of the third item on the agenda closed.
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.