First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value-Added Tax Act (661 SE)
Session: The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Date: 2025-10-09 01:15
Total Speeches: 145
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 39m
AI Summaries: 145/145 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the first reading of the draft Act on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act (661 SE), initiated by the parliamentary group of the Social Democratic Party, the aim of which was to lower the VAT rate on basic foodstuffs from 24% to 9%. Rapporteur Lauri Läänemets emphasized that the rise in food prices in Estonia has been unprecedented (over 50%) and that implementing a lower VAT rate would help alleviate the burden of the regressive tax, support people with lower incomes, stimulate domestic consumption, and improve the competitiveness of the domestic agricultural sector. Läänemets highlighted that Estonia is one of the few EU countries where a reduced rate is not applied to food, and he criticized the government's plan to take out a loan to distribute income tax concessions to the wealthier population, offering the VAT reduction as a better alternative.
Diana Ingerainen, the representative of the Finance Committee, presented the committee's position, according to which the rejection of the draft bill was supported primarily because the tax reduction would create a deficit of nearly 200 million euros in the state budget, and there was no certainty that this reduction would reach the final consumer. During the debate, the Social Democrats were accused of hypocrisy, as they had previously supported VAT increases while in government and had voted against similar draft bills proposed by the Centre Party. Despite the support of the opposition and several professional associations, the draft bill was voted down in the first reading.
Decisions Made 1
The Riigikogu voted in favor of the proposal by the leading committee (the Finance Committee) to reject Bill 661 during its first reading. Thirty-seven members of the Riigikogu voted for the proposal, and 21 voted against. The bill has been dropped from the proceedings.
Most Active Speaker
Lauri Läänemets (Social Democratic Party, left-wing) served as the rapporteur and answered numerous questions, making him the most active speaker of the debate.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller announces that they will proceed to the 12th item on the agenda, which is the first reading of Draft Act 661 on amendments to the Value Added Tax Act, initiated by the Social Democratic Party faction and several members of the Riigikogu, and invites Riigikogu member Lauri Läänemets to serve as the rapporteur.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller proceeded to agenda item 12, which concerned the first reading of Draft Act 661 SE on amendments to the Value Added Tax Act, initiated by the Social Democratic Party faction and several members of the Riigikogu, and invited Riigikogu member Lauri Läänemets to serve as the rapporteur.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets highlights the unprecedentedly high food prices in Estonia, a situation exacerbated by the 24% VAT—one of the highest rates in Europe. He is introducing a draft bill aimed at lowering the VAT rate on basic foodstuffs to 9%. This measure is essential for improving the financial resilience of lower-income individuals, stimulating domestic consumption, and strengthening the competitiveness of Estonian food producers. It offers a more compassionate and economically sound alternative to the government’s current fiscal policy.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets stresses that food prices in Estonia have risen unprecedentedly in recent years, placing a particular burden on lower-income families. He proposes, as a solution, an amendment to the Value Added Tax Act that would lower the VAT rate on basic foodstuffs from 24% to 9%. The objective of the draft bill is to mitigate the impact of the price hike, stimulate domestic consumption, and strengthen the competitiveness of the Estonian agricultural sector. Furthermore, the speaker asserts that the benefits of the tax cut will reach consumers, citing the positive experiences of other European countries while simultaneously criticizing the government’s budget priorities.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller offered brief thanks and then interjected before the questioning began, urgently demanding the floor for a point of order, while simultaneously asking Peeter if he had violated protocol.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller requested the floor to raise a procedural question before the start of the round of questions, simultaneously checking whether Peeter’s slip of the finger had caused the confusion.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits accuses the opposition representative of deliberately placing two crucial bills—the VAT on foodstuffs and the car tax for disabled people—under the cover of darkness to avoid widespread coverage of these issues, and demands an explanation regarding the motives behind such action.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits criticizes the opposition-representing chairman for agreeing to deliberately place two extremely important draft laws—the debates concerning the VAT on foodstuffs and the car tax for disabled people—into the late hours, or "under the cover of night," specifically to avoid widespread media coverage and public scrutiny of these topics.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller described the process of adopting the decision, noting that the action originated from a commission proposal, was approved by the board, and was assigned a number according to the current numbering system. He then gave the floor to Aleksandr Tšaplõgin to ask a question.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller clarified that the corresponding action was decided by the board, based on the committee's proposal, and was placed into the system according to the current numbering, after which he gave the floor to Aleksandr Tšaplõgin to ask a question.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin commended the previous speaker for their sincere desire to lower the VAT on foodstuffs, but immediately raised a critical question regarding their consistency, inquiring why they failed to support the exact same proposal when it was put forward by the Center Party faction.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksandr Chaplygin praised the previous speaker’s admirable and sincere desire to lower the VAT on foodstuffs, but immediately posed a pointed question: why he had not supported the same proposal when it was put forward by the Centre Party faction.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets confirmed that while the Social Democrats had been pushing the proposal to lower the VAT on groceries since September 2024, this specific issue was likely the primary reason they were strategically removed from the government. Nevertheless, he vowed that they would continue tackling this crucial question going forward.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets emphasized that addressing the issue of lowering the VAT on foodstuffs was a priority for the Social Democrats, something they had been working on since September 2024. He also hinted that this very topic might have been the reason they were ousted from the government, while simultaneously promising to definitely continue pursuing the matter.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller called upon the next speaker, Reili Rand, to speak.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand challenged the governing coalition parties to explain their dogmatic opposition to the bill, which has garnered widespread support and been successfully implemented elsewhere, and to the progressive income tax. She asked what makes Estonia so special that a fair and people-caring tax system should not support people's livelihoods and the economy here.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand calls on the governing parties to explain their dogmatic opposition to the widely supported bill, which, much like a progressive income tax, is functioning successfully elsewhere. She then rhetorically asks why a fair and people-focused tax system in Estonia shouldn't be supporting livelihoods and the economy.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets sharply criticizes the Reform Party, accusing them of disregarding the constitutional value of justice and focusing solely on rights and freedom. He argues that the party's "every man is the architect of his own fortune" mentality deepens socio-economic injustice, which could send the country into a tailspin. Furthermore, the speaker accuses the government of pursuing a panic-driven and incompetent fiscal policy, taking out loans only to distribute money to the wealthier segment of society. He views this as an unprecedented attempt to cling to power at any cost and "teach the opposition a lesson."
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets sharply criticizes the Reform Party's government policy, accusing the party of ignoring the constitutional value of justice and of hypocrisy, which is evident in their unprecedented and incompetent fiscal policy—taking out loans to distribute money to the wealthier segment of society. He concludes that these actions are driven by panic and an attempt to punish the opposition, rather than representing responsible state governance.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller and Jaak Aab were called to the podium to deliver their presentation.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab casts doubt on the Finance Minister's claim regarding the economic neutrality of VAT, stressing that the high VAT on foodstuffs reduces the share of Estonian food in commerce, thereby encouraging the influx of cheaper and unhealthier imports, and asks whether reducing this tax might not, in fact, have a positive effect on the budget.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab finds the Finance Minister's repeated assertion regarding the economic neutrality of VAT peculiar, stressing that lowering the VAT on foodstuffs is essential for supporting Estonian food producers and pushing back against cheap imports. He casts doubt on the Reform Party's fear that this would increase the budget deficit, instead asking whether it might actually have a positive effect.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets disputes the government’s exaggerated estimates concerning the negative budgetary impact of lowering the VAT on foodstuffs. He stresses that the actual cost (approximately 170 million euros) is significantly lower, as the reduction only applies to basic necessities. Moreover, he notes that this figure is comparable to the amount of support planned for the wealthiest. Consequently, reducing the VAT would have a minimal effect on the budget but a substantial positive effect on people's ability to cope and on Estonian entrepreneurs.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets is challenging the government’s claims regarding the massive budgetary impact of lowering VAT on foodstuffs, asserting that the actual cost is around 170 million euros—an amount comparable to the subsidies currently being distributed to wealthier individuals. He therefore believes that reducing VAT on essential food items would not significantly damage the budget, but would instead have a substantial positive effect on people's livelihoods and on Estonian businesses, making it a better solution than subsidizing the wealthy.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller and Tanel Kiik were called to the rostrum to begin their address.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik endorses the draft legislation aimed at lowering the VAT on foodstuffs. This move aligns with the European Union's policy of applying lower taxation to essential goods to make the consumer shopping basket more affordable. Nevertheless, he proposes that the Social Democrats consider initially piloting the measure for a fixed term. This would serve to mitigate concerns regarding the sources of funding and allow verification that the price reduction genuinely benefits the consumer.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik supports lowering the VAT on foodstuffs, referring to this as the sensible approach taken by the majority of European Union countries, aimed at making essential goods more affordable. However, if there are doubts about the funding sources, he proposes the idea of initially piloting the measure for a fixed term to verify whether the VAT reduction actually translates into lower consumer prices.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets supports Toomas Luman's idea of a temporary reduction in the VAT on foodstuffs, calling on the Reform Party to heed this sensible proposal. He emphasizes that a fixed-term measure would allow for an analysis of its effectiveness and ensure that, similar to Sweden's plans, the tax relief would actually reach the consumer through state mechanisms.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets supports Toomas Luman’s sensible proposal to consider reducing the VAT on foodstuffs, emphasizing that if there are doubts, it should be implemented temporarily and for a fixed term, in order to analyze its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. He calls on the Reform Party to heed Luman’s advice and cites Sweden as an example, where state mechanisms ensure that the tax benefit actually reaches the consumer.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller. Helmen Kütt was invited to speak, but the content of her address has not been presented.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt praised the presentation and stressed that the draft legislation is beneficial to the Estonian people and local governments, particularly in simplifying the organization of school meals. However, she posed a question to the government representative: whether the Prime Minister had convened entrepreneurs and merchants for a round table discussion to thoroughly address the issue and reach a goodwill agreement, rather than relying solely on indirect sources.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt commended the thorough discussion and expressed support for the draft legislation, which would benefit farmers and local municipalities, particularly by simplifying the provision of school meals. She did, however, question whether the Prime Minister had convened a round table with entrepreneurs and merchants to gain a deeper understanding of the subject, rather than relying solely on the superficial input of a single advisor.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets sharply criticizes the Prime Minister and the Reform Party, who have failed to address the issues of people's livelihoods and lowering food prices, instead accusing entrepreneurs of excessive greed and the construction of large commercial spaces. He emphasizes that the real responsibility for failing to establish the framework of a market economy rests with the parties that have been in government for decades, and he finds that the government’s criticism directed at large stores is illogical and offers no solution for reducing prices.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets sharply criticizes the Prime Minister and the Reform Party, arguing that they have failed to address the issues of livelihood and food prices. Instead, they have accused entrepreneurs of greed and of constructing overly large commercial premises. Läänemets believes the blame actually rests with the long-term governing party, which established the framework for business freedom. Furthermore, he deems the government's rhetoric illogical because, despite their accusations, they lack a concrete plan for how to actually lower prices.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller and Aleksandr Tšaplõgin were called to the podium by the moderator to deliver their presentation.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller gave the floor to Aleksandr Tšaplõgin.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin rejected the rapporteur's assertion that the matter was simply a request by the Centre Party to reduce the VAT on foodstuffs, emphasizing that he had personally introduced a draft law aimed at lowering the VAT specifically on Estonian fruits and vegetables, a measure which the opposing side failed to support, and he subsequently accused them directly of lying.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin disputed the previous speaker's claim that the Centre Party faction had merely asked the government to reduce the VAT on foodstuffs, stressing that he personally submitted a draft bill to lower the VAT on Estonian fruits and vegetables, which the opposing side did not support, and publicly accused them of lying.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets believes that previous food policy discussions focused too little on fruits and vegetables, and he explains that in the government, they proposed extending the electricity price subsidies—which were originally intended for energy-intensive large industries—to cover the food industry as well, particularly vegetable cultivation. This is because cheaper electricity is vitally necessary to ensure the competitiveness of local produce (such as winter cucumbers and tomatoes) against imported Finnish goods.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets finds previous measures insufficient and emphasizes the need to address the high energy costs within the food industry, especially for greenhouse vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes). He suggests that if the state subsidizes electricity prices for large enterprises, this support must also be extended to the food industry, arguing that expensive electricity is a primary reason why Finnish imported produce is cheaper than Estonian-grown products. He confirms that this topic has been thoroughly discussed with various parties.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller next called Züleyxa Izmailova to the podium.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova first drew attention to the fact that Estonia, as a member of the European Union, cannot directly favor domestic production through taxation. However, she then focused on the question of why the Reform Party has abandoned the core right-wing political principle of lowering taxes and increasing purchasing power, despite the fact that the idea of reducing VAT on foodstuffs actually has many supporters within the party.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova pointed out that, as an EU member, Estonia cannot favor domestic production through tax measures. She then shifted focus to the Reform Party's tax policy, sharply questioning why the party has abandoned traditional right-wing politics—namely, lowering taxes and boosting purchasing power—even though many of its own members support cutting the VAT on food products.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets sharply criticizes the government’s fiscal and economic policy, calling it the worst in the history of the Republic of Estonia. This is because they are irresponsibly increasing expenditures and cutting revenues within a deficit state budget—a situation stemming from leadership overly concerned with ratings—which will lead to a painful backlash for the entire society in just two years. Consequently, this is the most irresponsible government of all time.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets sharply criticizes the government’s financial and economic policy, labeling it the worst and most irresponsible in the history of the Republic of Estonia. He points out that they are increasing expenditures while simultaneously decreasing revenues despite operating with a deficit budget. He attributes this to management driven by rating concerns, warning that it will lead to painful consequences for the entire nation in two years, and serves as a clear indication that the government is in chaos and a state of mental disarray.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller was followed by Raimond Kaljulaid, who was then given the floor.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid is requesting a specific clarification regarding the definitions of staple foods and secondary foodstuffs within the context of the draft bill. He cites Lotte corn sticks as an example, inquiring whether this cereal product qualifies as a staple food, given that voters are interested in precisely these kinds of details.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid demanded a precise definition of the staple foods covered in the draft bill, asking, with a specific example, whether Lotte corn sticks—whose price he knew—would be classified as cereal products among staple foods, because this issue is of interest to his constituents.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets emphasized that although the VAT reduction only applies to basic foodstuffs (meat, bread, dairy products) and not luxuries like corn puffs, it is essential support for thousands of families living in poverty who cannot afford healthy food. He also sharply criticized the state budget proposal to instead direct large sums toward supporting the wealthiest 10%, thereby abandoning those for whom even basic sustenance is a luxury.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets explains that the VAT reduction applies only to basic foodstuffs (meat, bread, dairy products, vegetables), not luxury items like corn puffs. He stresses that this measure is critically necessary for those who need assistance, citing examples of people who are forced to spend only 150 euros a month on food and consequently cannot afford healthy meals or new clothes for their children. At the same time, he criticizes the proposed state budget, which instead directs large sums toward supporting the wealthiest 10%, who do not actually require this aid.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller and Annely Akkermann were invited to the speaker's stand to deliver their presentation.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann dismissed the waiter’s doubts regarding the government’s loan policy, emphasizing that the majority of the 1.6 billion loan is allocated to investments (1.3 billion) and increasing defense spending (1.2 billion, exceeding the NATO 2% requirement). Therefore, the loan does not cover current fixed costs, and she advised the waiter to read the front page of the budget.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann refuted the critic's claim that the government was taking out a loan merely for handouts, explaining that of the 1.6 billion euro loan, 1.3 billion is directed toward investments and 1.2 billion toward defense expenditures, which exceed the level required by NATO. She emphasized that the loan does not cover current fixed operating costs.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller limited himself to a brief procedural remark, announcing that the allotted speaking time had begun.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann confirms that the principle of a single president applies in Estonia, stressing through analogies (a ship, a car) that leadership must be unified, and subsequently addresses the activities of the Social Democrats.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller concluded his address simply with a brief expression of thanks, thereby signaling the end of his presentation or contribution.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann emphasized that the necessary VAT calculations must absolutely be carried out in connection with the preparation of the budget.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In her presentation, Annely Akkermann addressed the technical aspects of budget drafting, stressing the necessity of performing accurate VAT calculations.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller gave a brief and clear cue that the speaking time for the next speaker or participant had begun.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann expresses clear condemnation, stressing that a certain situation or activity within the Ministry of Agriculture is, in her view, completely unacceptable.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller responded concisely, acknowledging that the attention or praise he had received was perhaps excessive, but he nevertheless expressed his sincere gratitude.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets is calling on members of the Reform Party to listen to their conscience and support lowering the VAT on food products, while sharply criticizing the government’s irresponsible fiscal policy, which is generating a deficit of nearly 2 billion euros, using demagoguery by labeling defense spending as investments, and deepening social inequality by distributing funds to the wealthy at a time when many are suffering from unprecedented cost of living and hardship.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets begins by acknowledging a Reform Party member interested in lowering the VAT on foodstuffs, but quickly transitions to sharp criticism regarding the government's budget policy and social irresponsibility. He cites a deficit of nearly 2 billion euros, the incorrect classification of defense expenditures, and especially the fact that, during the cost of living crisis, the wealthier are supported while those in distress are neglected, calling such an approach unprecedentedly irresponsible.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller gave the floor to Madis Kallas, inviting him to the podium.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas praises all political parties for bringing up the issue of food prices, but criticizes them for keeping the focus on political competition, emphasizing that for the public, only the outcome matters. He also questions whether the bill's initiators have communicated with the coalition to find a unified solution for lowering the cost of the food basket.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas believes that the political debate has focused on the wrong thing—namely, who gets the credit for lowering food prices—and stresses that for the people of Estonia, only the outcome is important. He praises everyone who brought up the topic, but subsequently asks whether the bill's initiators have held meaningful negotiations with the coalition to find acceptable amendments or a joint solution for making the food basket more affordable, which is what everyone present in the chamber truly desires.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets suspects that although some coalition MPs, such as Annely Akkermann and Mart Võrklaev, would support the draft bill and criticize the government’s plans, their hands are tied by the party, suggesting that the Reform Party’s primary concern is not the Estonian economy or people’s livelihoods, but exclusively the party’s approval rating.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets expresses his conviction that although several coalition MPs, such as Annely Akkermann and Mart Võrklaev, are critical of the government's budgetary plans and feel internal dissatisfaction, the party will not allow them to take any further steps, because the Reform Party's main concern is not the Estonian economy or people's livelihoods, but rather the party's approval ratings.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller concluded the questioning, then gave the floor to Finance Committee member Diana Ingerainen so that she could provide an overview of the discussion that took place in the lead committee.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller concluded the Q&A session, thanked the participants, and then gave the floor to Diana Ingerainen, a member of the Finance Committee, to continue with the agenda and provide an overview of the discussion that took place in the lead committee.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen provided an overview of the Finance Committee meeting, during which they discussed the draft bill concerning the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs, a measure estimated to have a budgetary impact of 200–400 million euros. While there was a consensus decision to place the bill on the Riigikogu agenda and assign a representative, a subsequent vote (5 in favor, 3 against) resulted in a proposal to reject the draft bill entirely.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen, representing the Finance Committee, provided an overview of the debate surrounding the draft bill concerning the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs, a measure with an estimated budgetary impact ranging from 200 to 400 million euros. She further reported that although the committee had unanimously decided to place the bill on the plenary session's agenda, a subsequent majority vote (five in favor, three against) supported the motion to reject the bill.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller concluded his segment, thanked the audience, and gave the floor to Rain Epler to answer questions.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler draws attention to the contradictory stance of the government and the central bank regarding the impact of VAT, questioning why the Reform Party is convinced that while a VAT increase is passed on to prices, a reduction does not reach the consumer, and how this logical flaw is justified.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticizes the position held by the government and the central bank that while a VAT increase is passed on to consumer prices, a VAT reduction is not. He asks why the transmission of price changes applies only in one direction and how such a strong opinion, aligned with the Reform Party, is justified.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen provided an overview of the discussion held in the commission regarding the reduction of VAT, emphasizing the international examples cited by experts from the Ministry of Finance, which confirm that despite the proportion of VAT (roughly one third of the price), there is absolutely no guarantee that the reduction will be reflected in the final price paid by the consumer.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen emphasized that although VAT makes up nearly a third of the price, the experience of Ministry of Finance experts and other countries shows that, unfortunately, lowering VAT does not translate into lower final prices, meaning there is absolutely no guarantee of a drop in consumer prices.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
After a brief introduction, Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller gave the floor to Jaak Aab, inviting him to the podium.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab wants to know whether the commission or the Ministry of Finance discussed the medium-term perspective, in addition to the short-term budgetary impact of the VAT on staple foods, assessing how a lower VAT rate would affect the investment capacity of entrepreneurs and farmers in the sector, job creation, and whether it would ultimately generate more revenue for the budget.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab inquired whether the long-term impact of a reduced VAT rate on basic foodstuffs had been addressed either by the Commission or the Ministry of Finance, emphasizing that, in addition to the short-term budgetary effect, analysis should also cover how such a measure would affect businesses and farmers in the sector, by creating jobs and increasing investment capacity, which could actually boost the budget in the medium term.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen thanked the questioner and briefly clarified that the topic in question had not been addressed previously to the extent referenced by the questioner.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen politely thanked the questioner but immediately rejected the premise that the topic in question had been discussed to the extent or detail referenced in the submitted question.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller's remarks consisted solely of inviting Raimond Kaljulaid to the podium, without the actual content of his speech ever being presented.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid asks the rapporteur to clarify the reasons why the committee decided to reject the proposal for lowering food prices. Furthermore, he wishes to know the voting results and specifically which members voted in favor of the rejection.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid asks the rapporteur to explain the underlying reasons for the committee's decision to reject the proposal aimed at lowering food prices. Furthermore, he demands that the official minutes clearly show the justifications and the names of those who voted in favor of rejecting the proposal.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen provided an overview of the voting results, where the majority supported rejecting the proposal. The main reason cited was that lowering VAT would create a shortfall of nearly 200 million euros in the state budget, while there is no guarantee that this price reduction would actually reach the end consumer.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen explains that the majority voted to reject the proposal because lowering the VAT would create a shortfall of about 200 million euros in the state budget, without any guarantee that the resulting price reduction would actually reach the final consumer.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller gave the floor to the next speaker, inviting Züleyxa Izmailova to the podium.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova corrected the presenter's misinformation regarding the Finnish food VAT and demanded an explanation as to why the presenter's political party deems the reduction of state budget revenues acceptable when lowering the gambling tax, yet opposes reducing the VAT on food for that very same reason.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova corrected the waiter’s inaccurate information regarding Finland’s more favorable VAT rate on food and requested clarification on the contradiction: specifically, why the waiter’s political party views the resulting decrease in state budget revenue as an impediment to lowering the VAT on foodstuffs, yet simultaneously initiates the reduction of the gambling tax, which also diminishes the state budget.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen clarified that the lowering of the VAT rate by half a percent is currently under discussion in Finland, whereas the other topic mentioned has not been addressed by the commission.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen explained that she was referring to Finland's half-percent cut plan and the discussion of it, stressing that no other topic was addressed in the commission.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invited Rain Epler to the podium and gave him the floor.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler refers to Madis Aben’s earlier economic forecasts and highlights, using the examples of Germany and Portugal, that the reduction in value-added tax (VAT) has been passed on to consumer prices, particularly when additional supervisory measures were implemented (as was the case in Portugal). He then asks whether similar supplementary measures were discussed within the Commission to increase the transmission of the tax cut to consumer prices.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler recalls Madis Aben’s earlier economic forecasts but focuses on the question of whether, during the discussions about lowering VAT, additional measures were also considered—such as the price monitoring and publication system used in Portugal—to ensure the tax cut was fully passed on to consumer prices, also referencing Germany’s positive experience.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller confined himself to a short and specific cue, which notified the presenter that his allotted time had begun.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen thanked the audience but emphasized that the topic at hand had not been discussed by the commission in that specific form.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller gave the floor to Tanel Kiik.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik sought clarification from the Riigikogu Finance Committee as to why the proposal by Toomas Luman, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to temporarily reduce the VAT on foodstuffs in order to test its effect on prices, was left undiscussed. He then used the remaining time to inquire about the power dynamics within the coalition and the actual voice of the Eesti 200 party in the government.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik sought clarification from the Finance Committee as to why the proposal by Toomas Luman, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was left undiscussed—specifically, the suggestion to initially implement a temporary reduction in VAT on foodstuffs to test its impact. He also inquired about the actual role and influence of Eesti 200 within the coalition, given the dominance of the Reform Party.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen explained that both Toomas Luman's proposal and the topic concerning the boatswains were left undiscussed at the Finance Committee meeting in question.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller and Lauri Läänemets were called to the rostrum to deliver their addresses.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets stresses the necessity of substantive analysis, rather than merely relying on opinions, and asks the Ministry of Finance directly whether, concerning the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs, the committee was presented with research on the experiences and implementation plans of other countries that had planned similar measures.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets assumes that the commission held a substantive discussion on the matter and the Ministry of Finance conducted a thorough analysis, but specifically asks whether the ministry also researched and presented to the commission the plans and analyses of other countries regarding the projected impact of lowering the VAT on foodstuffs.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen reported on the Finance Committee discussion where Madis Aben and Aet Külasalu presented the Praxis analysis regarding the impact of tax increases on the poorer population, emphasizing that the most effective measure for assisting single parents and single pensioners is the allocation of direct benefits, since a general tax reduction would not yield the desired result.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen provided an overview of the Finance Committee's discussion, where, based on an analysis by the Parax think tank, it was emphasized that the most effective way to mitigate the impact of tax increases on the poorer population, especially single parents and pensioners, is to channel direct support payments, as a general tax reduction would not yield the desired effect.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller gave the floor to Tiit Maran.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran calls into question the justification for rejecting the draft bill—namely, the argument that the VAT reduction would not be reflected in final prices. He highlights a strange contradiction, given that Estonia’s neighboring countries and many others are either planning or already implementing VAT cuts on foodstuffs. He asks why Estonia’s analysis is so significantly different and more skeptical than those of other countries, and whether any comparative analysis was conducted at all.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran challenges the justification for rejecting the draft bill, which centered on the uncertainty of the price reduction reaching the final consumer. He points out that all neighboring countries are either considering or have already implemented a reduction in VAT on foodstuffs, and he asks why Estonia’s analysis differs so significantly from that of other countries and whether international comparisons were considered.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen highlighted that although transferring the effect of a medicine from one location to another seems logical at first glance, international long-term (3–5 year) experience has shown that the expected impact, such as a significant drop in prices, has not actually materialized, despite earlier presentations.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen pointed out that while the initial assumption about the drug's universal efficacy and its effect on prices seemed logical, the 3–5 years of experience in other countries demonstrated that the expected long-term decrease in price levels did not actually materialize, despite earlier presentations.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller. Helmen Kütt was given the floor.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt emphasizes that a productive debate requires the involvement of as many parties as possible, and asks directly whether representatives of merchants and entrepreneurs, such as Oleg Kross, were also invited to the committee discussion, because talking behind their backs and ignoring the sector being accused is not sensible.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt emphasizes that a useful debate requires the involvement of multiple parties, and asks the presenter whether representatives of merchants and entrepreneurs, including Oleg Kross, were also invited to the committee discussion, since it is not sensible to talk over those who are often accused of profiteering.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen noted that although the engagement round was not carried out by the relevant committee, she did not perceive any accusatory attitude from the participants regarding the matter.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen confirmed that although the required engagement round was not carried out by the relevant committee, she nevertheless did not observe the slightest accusatory attitude from the participants.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller gave the floor to Madis Kallas, inviting him to the podium.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas inquired how the commission had addressed the positive feedback (especially from the Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce) concerning the functioning of the proposed measure in Estonia. Having received that response, he further asked whether alternative proposals for reducing food prices, submitted by other political parties or commission members, had also been under discussion.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas wanted to know whether, in addition to the positive feedback received from organizations such as the Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, the commission also discussed alternative proposals that political parties or the commission itself would be willing to implement in order to lower food prices.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen stressed that limiting food prices is extremely complicated under open market conditions, which is why people who suffered the most from the tax increase should be helped through targeted direct support aimed precisely at those who need it.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen emphasized that setting food prices is difficult in open market conditions, and they did not discuss that topic; instead, the focus was on finding specific direct subsidies to help precisely those people who were hit hardest by the tax increase.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller Lauri Läänemets was invited to the speaker's stand to begin his presentation.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets emphasizes the widespread public support for lowering the VAT on foodstuffs, noting that the government is isolated on this issue. He reiterates his question as to whether the Ministry of Finance has submitted comprehensive analyses to the commission and studied the experiences of neighboring countries (Finland, Sweden, Latvia) regarding the implementation of the VAT reduction, suspecting that the ministry's position is based on outdated information or mere opinion.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets points out that the bill to reduce VAT on food has garnered almost unprecedented public support, which is opposed solely by the government. He stresses that even people earning an average wage need to be able to manage without relying on benefits. He then reiterates the critical question: Did the Ministry of Finance provide the committee with comprehensive analyses and studies concerning the experiences of other countries (such as Finland, Sweden, and Latvia) when implementing VAT reductions, or did their stance rely merely on outdated information?
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen highlighted analyses from the Ministry of Finance which indicated that reducing VAT on foodstuffs in other countries has not had a long-term impact on prices. She also stressed that, even during meetings with food producers and retailers, she did not sense a consensus that the VAT reduction would be passed on to final consumer prices.
Diana Ingerainen
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Diana Ingerainen stressed that analyses by the Ministry of Finance indicated that reducing the VAT on foodstuffs in other countries has not guaranteed a long-term drop in prices. She added that even after meeting with food producers and retailers, there was no certainty that the VAT reduction would reach final consumer prices.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller concluded the round of questions, opened the floor for faction debates, and first gave the floor to Züleyxa Izmailova, the representative of the Social Democratic Party faction.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova sharply criticizes Estonia's position as an exception within the European Union where food is not subject to VAT relief, stressing that this unfair tax policy has deepened the inflation spiral, drastically reduced people's purchasing power (as indicated by a 5% drop in food sales volume), and is harming local agriculture and food security. Consequently, lowering the VAT on foodstuffs—a measure also supported by industry associations—is an essential step to restore the economy's competitiveness and support consumers, following the example set by neighboring countries.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova sharply criticizes the Estonian government's refusal to lower the VAT on foodstuffs, which is exceptionally high in the context of the European Union. She emphasizes that this policy undermines the purchasing power of Estonians, harms local agriculture and food security, and makes Estonia an unattractive tourist destination at a time when neighboring countries are actively cutting taxes. Therefore, lowering the VAT is essential for halting the inflation spiral and stimulating the economy.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller briefly announced that he needed three extra minutes for his presentation or the discussion.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova is calling for support to lower the value-added tax (VAT) on basic foodstuffs, stressing that this is a crucial first step toward breaking the spiral of price increases and curbing inflation. She dismisses concerns about a reduction in budget revenue, explaining that due to the low savings rate among Estonian residents, the money saved immediately flows back into consumption, thereby restoring tax receipts through circular consumption. Furthermore, the measure simultaneously strengthens domestic food production and boosts purchasing power.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova emphasizes that lowering the VAT on basic foodstuffs is an essential measure for exiting the inflation spiral, as Estonia's low savings rate means that the money saved immediately flows back into consumption, recovering a large portion of tax revenue through circular spending, while simultaneously strengthening domestic production, boosting purchasing power, and helping to break the price hike spiral.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller gave the floor for the next round of speeches to Rain Epler, the representative of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia faction, noting that he had been allocated three additional minutes.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller Rain Epler, representing the faction of the Estonian Conservative People's Party, requested three minutes of extra time for his presentation right at the beginning, which was also granted to him.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler supports the Social Democrats’ draft legislation aimed at lowering the VAT on food products, but he dedicates the majority of his time to sharp criticism directed at both the Reform Party and the Social Democrats. He accuses the Reform Party of dishonesty regarding their preference for direct subsidies and the claim that tax reductions would be reflected in consumer prices (citing contrary European experiences). He also faults the Social Democrats for hypocrisy, given their role in raising VAT and their previous votes against similar proposals.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler supports the bill put forward by the Social Democrats to lower the VAT on foodstuffs, but he dedicates a significant portion of his speech to criticizing the political hypocrisy of the Reform Party and the Sotsid. He refutes the Reform Party’s claims that direct subsidies are preferable and that a tax cut would have no impact on prices, citing examples from Europe where monitoring price changes ensured the reduction was passed on to consumers. Furthermore, he accuses the Social Democrats of having previously voted against similar bills and having supported raising the VAT themselves, thereby calling into question their genuine commitment to the bill’s passage.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller Lauri Laats spoke on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party faction, according to the speaker's introduction.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats requested three minutes of extra time, both just in case and as a precautionary measure.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats requested three minutes of extra time, just in case.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller briefly requested three minutes of extra time.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats sharply criticizes the Social Democrats for their hypocrisy on the issue of lowering the VAT on foodstuffs, reminding everyone that the SDE themselves previously voted against similar bills. He further notes that while in government, they significantly raised numerous taxes, including income tax, VAT, and excise duties, and even introduced a car tax, emphasizing that the public is not stupid and has not forgotten who was actually responsible for implementing these tax hikes.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats is accusing the Social Democrats of hypocrisy concerning their proposal to lower the VAT on foodstuffs. He points out that it was the Social Democrats themselves, together with the Reform Party and Eesti 200, who, while in government, raised numerous taxes and excises, including income tax, VAT, and the car tax. Laats emphasizes that the public's current financial struggles are the direct result of their previous tax-hike policy, which renders their current accusations of government incompetence hypocritical.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller concluded the debate and immediately put to a vote the main committee's proposal to reject Draft Bill 661 at the first reading, calling on the members of the Riigikogu to express their position and cast their vote.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller closed the debate, announced the leading committee’s proposal to reject Bill 661 at the first reading, and asked the members of the Riigikogu to immediately state their position on the motion and cast their votes.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller announces that, since 37 members of the Riigikogu voted in favor of the draft bill and 21 voted against, it was rejected and consequently dropped from the proceedings, thereby concluding the consideration of the 12th item on the agenda.