First Reading of the Draft Act amending the Local Government Organization Act and associated acts (688 SE)
Session: XV Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Date: 2025-10-22 17:23
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 80
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 38m
AI Summaries: 80/80 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the first reading of Bill 688, the Act on Amendments to the Local Government Organization Act and Related Acts, initiated by the Government of the Republic. Regional and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras emphasized in his report that the Local Government Organization Act (KOKS), dating back to 1993, has been amended over a hundred times, making the law fragmented and in need of reorganization. The objective of the draft legislation is to reduce bureaucracy, increase clarity and trust in local government, not to write a new law. As significant amendments, the minister highlighted the reduction of bureaucracy in local councils, the delegation of decision-making power to executive bodies and agencies, and the clearer articulation of the purpose of local government activities, adding the creation of a safe living environment and the support of entrepreneurship. Furthermore, popular initiatives will be simplified, and local governments (LGUs) will be granted the right to supervise the implementation of their own regulations.
During the debate, repeated focus was placed on the funding of the new task of supporting the business environment, to which the minister and the representative of the Constitutional Committee, Pipi-Liis Siemann, responded that KOKS is a framework law and funding measures will be discussed in other formats. Questions were also raised regarding the suspension of council membership for the heads of managed institutions, an issue that was omitted from the bill to ensure consensus. Pipi-Liis Siemann, the representative of the Constitutional Committee, confirmed that the committee thoroughly debated the bill and that all procedural decisions were made by consensus. The planned effective date for the bill is January 1, 2024, or March 2024 if necessary, to provide local governments with sufficient transition time.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 688 was concluded.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for November 12, 2025, at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
Pipi-Liis Siemann (a member of the Constitutional Committee) was active, presenting the committee's report and providing thorough answers to several questions, particularly those concerning the financing of the business environment and changes to the council's authority. (other)
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced the start of the first reading of the third item on the agenda, Bill 688, the draft amendment to the Local Government Organisation Act initiated by the Government of the Republic, and invited the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, to the Riigikogu rostrum for the presentation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi introduced the third item on the agenda—the first reading of Bill 688, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Local Government Organisation Act—and invited the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, to the Riigikogu rostrum to give a presentation.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, introduced Draft Law 688, the purpose of which is to streamline the Local Government Organization Act (KOKS), which has become fragmented and occasionally contradictory over the decades. He emphasized that this is not a new law, but rather an update and clarification of the old framework, aimed at reducing bureaucracy, increasing trust, and granting local governments clearer mandates. This includes simplifying popular initiatives and giving them the right to oversee the implementation of their own regulations.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, is introducing Draft Legislation 688, which aims to streamline the Local Government Organization Act (KOKS)—a law that has been in effect for decades but has become fragmented. The goal is to reduce bureaucracy, increase clarity and confidence, simplify popular initiatives, and provide local authorities with a more modern and transparent framework for creating a safe living environment and offering high-quality services.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the listeners and subsequently gave the floor to Jaak Aab to pose a question.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab commends the minister for the long-awaited revision of the Local Government Organization Act (KOKS), which was carried out by the best experts and introduces several important, though not revolutionary, changes stemming from practical experience. However, he wishes to know the reasoning behind the current outcome regarding the politically contested issue concerning the suspension of council membership for the heads of institutions managed by the local government.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab commends the long and thorough revision of the Local Government Organization Act (KOKS), which introduced significant clarifications stemming from decades of practice, but wishes to know why the draft bill excluded the politically contentious provision concerning the suspension of council membership for the directors of institutions administered by the local municipality.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Regional and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras thanked the contributors to the long and much-anticipated process, explaining that due to differing opinions, it was decided to omit the controversial issue to avoid getting bogged down, and instead move forward with the parts where consensus prevails, thereby ensuring implementation.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras thanked the contributors for the long and anticipated process, explaining that since there were disagreements on one of the issues referenced, it was decided to omit that part. This was done to avoid getting bogged down and to move forward with the section where consensus for taking action already existed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called Anti Allase to the podium, granting him the floor.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas welcomes the clear definition of supporting the business environment as a local government responsibility, but immediately stresses that these duties must also be accompanied by the necessary resources. He asks the minister how the required funding will be ensured to reach local municipalities, particularly in those areas where resources are already scarce for fulfilling existing obligations.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas welcomes the decision to define supporting the business environment as a task for local government, but highlights the fact that tasks must also be accompanied by resources. He asks the minister how the necessary funding will be ensured, especially in those regions that are already struggling financially.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, emphasized that the amendment of the foundational law (KOKS) is currently underway. The aim of this amendment is to establish a clear framework for local governments, which would oblige them to incorporate the development of local economic activity into their development plans, while leaving the discussion of detailed measures to other formats.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, emphasizes that this current amendment to the Local Government Organisation Act (KOKS) is necessary within the framework of the underlying law in order to create a clear structure for local governments. This structure obligates them to incorporate the development of local economic activity into their development and action plans, while leaving the discussion of more detailed measures for other formats.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi and Vladimir Arhipov were called to the podium to begin their presentation.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov expresses the satisfaction of local governments (LGs) regarding the advancement of the legislation and the retention of the heads of subordinate institutions. However, he emphasizes the need for clarity concerning LGs' supervisory rights and the regulation of personal data processing, asking whether unified guidance material can be expected on this matter to prevent differing interpretations among municipalities.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov welcomes the progress of the legislation, which permits the heads of subordinate institutions to continue representing their constituents. However, he raises a critical question concerning the right of local governments (LGUs) to supervise violations of council regulations and to process personal data. He demands clarification on whether unified guidance material will be developed for this purpose, or if the interpretation of the regulation will be left to the discretion of each individual municipality.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras emphasizes that the long-awaited amendment to the law is on its way, finally providing local governments (KOV) with the necessary legal framework to resolve disturbances and the creation of fear associated with loose pets, and promises extensive explanatory work and cooperation with KOVs during the transition period.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Regional Affairs and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras explains that following a lengthy debate, the proposed legislative amendment will finally provide local governments with the necessary legal framework to establish order and enforce regulations—for instance, regarding dangerous loose pets—while guaranteeing comprehensive support and guidance to municipalities throughout the transition period.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi addressed Jaak Aab, giving him the floor to ask the second question.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab raises the question concerning the suspension of the mandates of the heads of state agencies, noting that the expert commission supported restricting these powers with an absolute majority, and asks the minister whether the current form of the draft bill, which deviates from the previous consensus, is a result of the Reform Party's demand, despite the initial opposition from Eesti 200.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab recalls the lengthy work of the expert committee, during which the suspension of the mandates of the heads of subordinate agencies was supported, and asks the minister whether the Reform Party insisted on submitting the draft bill in this exact form, despite the government's disagreements (referencing the opposition voiced by Eesti 200).
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Regional and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras expresses understanding and support for the principle that individuals closely connected to local life, especially school principals, should participate in the councils of smaller municipalities to ensure community development and guide the municipality's education policy.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras supports the view that individuals closely tied to local life, such as school principals, should participate in the councils of smaller municipalities. This participation is intended to ensure community development and allow these individuals to guide the municipality's education policy.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
After a brief introduction, Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Anti Allas.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas emphasizes that despite the previous response, a crucial question remains unanswered: specifically, within what framework and exactly when the ministry intends to discuss and explain to citizens the measures and sources for allocating funds meant for developing the business environment, so that this concern does not simply dissipate into space.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas expresses concern that the task of allocating the necessary funds for developing the business environment has been assigned without a clear framework or format. He demands concrete proposals and a timetable from the minister detailing when measures will begin to be discussed and where the necessary financial resources will originate.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras conceded that the response reiterated an earlier position, and stressed that the purpose of the current basic act is to create a framework and define the scope of local authorities' tasks, specifying economic activity more precisely in the development plans, whereas securing resources is a separate and subsequent step after the basic principles have been defined.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras explained that the response reiterates the previous position, stressing that the purpose of the foundational law is to establish a framework and delineate the responsibilities of local authorities, specifically detailing economic activities within the context of development plans, whereas the provision of resources constitutes the subsequent phase.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi briefly announced that Andrus Seeme would be next to take the floor.
Andrus Seeme
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrus Seeme asked the minister to clarify what specific circumstances constitute the "necessity" that would lead to the law's entry into force being postponed from January until March.
Andrus Seeme
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrus Seeme addressed the minister with a question regarding why the deadline for the law’s entry into force has been presented flexibly (from January to March), and requested clarification on what necessitates the potential postponement from January until March.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras notes that while this is only the first reading, it should be taken into account that if the Riigikogu’s thorough work on the legislation prolongs the process, local governments should be given at least a couple of months after its adoption to adapt, during which time the ministry would provide assistance.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras stresses that should the Riigikogu decide to delve deeper into the long-prepared bill, causing the legislative process to drag on, its eventual adoption must be followed by a transition period of at least a few months, allowing local governments to adapt to the new requirements with the ministry's assistance.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded the round of questions, thanked the participants, and then gave the floor to Pipi-Liis Siemann, a member of the Constitutional Committee, who will present the decisions taken by the lead committee and the discussion that took place.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann provided an overview of the Constitutional Committee's lengthy discussion concerning a significant draft bill. The bill addressed a wide range of topics, from obligations related to developing the business environment and the regulation of pet ownership, up to issues of personal data processing and popular initiatives. The committee made consensus procedural decisions, including proposing that the draft bill be placed on the plenary agenda and that the first reading be concluded.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann provides an overview, on behalf of the Constitutional Committee, of the discussion regarding the draft bill, which thoroughly addressed the development of the business environment, the updating of regulations concerning the keeping of pets, the difficulties local governments face in processing personal data, and matters related to popular initiative and direct democracy. The Committee made consensus procedural decisions to include the draft bill on the plenary agenda, conclude the first reading, and set the deadline for amendments as November 12, 2025.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the speaker for the clear presentation, noting that a number of questions had accumulated, and then gave the floor to Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler supports the bill's goal of increasing the flexibility and decision-making power of local government, but he is concerned about whether the risks were adequately weighed and the pros and cons of this change were discussed enough, especially concerning decisions that were previously the exclusive competence of the council but will automatically transfer to the executive power once the law comes into force.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler supports the bill's objective of increasing the flexibility and decision-making power of local governments, noting that local authorities should also have greater autonomy over their finances. However, he raises a specific question regarding the amendments to Section 22, which eliminate the council's exclusive competence. He is concerned that certain decisions might automatically shift from the council to the executive power if the local government does not amend its statutes, and he requests clarification on whether any risks were foreseen in connection with this, and what the pros and cons of the debate were.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi concluded his address merely with a brief and courteous thank you.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann notes that, given the varying practices among local governments, adequate time for the legislation to take effect is required to amend the law. This amendment would help resolve the current situation where the council has been excessively occupied with delegating technical matters, while simultaneously ensuring the council retains the right to decide on certain non-delegable issues.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann stresses that even though the committee did not hold a debate, the extended timeframe before the law takes effect will resolve issues stemming from discrepancies in local government legislation. Furthermore, it offers a solution to the previous situation where the council had to decide even technical matters itself, now enabling improved delegation, while certain issues will nonetheless remain within the council's jurisdiction.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi handed the floor over to Reili Rand, asking her to begin her presentation.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand reached out to an experienced local government leader to discuss the new enterprise requirement, expressing concern that this declarative provision will not bring real activity to rural areas, as the legislative amendment does not include the necessary resources. This is especially critical for local governments already facing financial difficulties.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand is reaching out to an experienced municipal leader to get their personal perspective on the new obligation to support entrepreneurship, questioning the real impact of this declarative provision on rural areas, since the amendment to the law does not provide the necessary resources to local governments, which are already under severe financial strain.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann presented the outcomes of the committee's debate concerning the local government's role in fostering the business environment. She stressed that while a stricter mandate was initially contemplated, they ultimately reached a consensus that this is a complex undertaking requiring collaboration among partners. Consequently, the municipality's duty is primarily to strategically design and manage the business environment—both within its own jurisdiction and through wider partnerships—rather than guaranteeing it unilaterally.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann stressed that although the commission debated whether local governments should have a stricter obligation to guarantee the business environment, the discussion concluded that this is actually a complex task requiring cooperation between partners. The objective is to shape and promote the business environment both locally within the municipality and at the county level, rather than being the sole responsibility of the local government to strictly enforce it.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi gave the next speaking slot to Evelin Poolamets.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets drew attention to the principle of mandatory coherence between the development plan, the budget strategy, and the comprehensive plan, emphasizing that in many local governments these documents (for example, concerning wind energy areas) are contradictory, and asked what the correct sequence for planning is and how the resulting conflicts should be resolved.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets drew attention to the fact that in many local municipalities, the development plan and the comprehensive plan (regarding, for instance, wind energy areas) contradict each other. She asked the presenter what the legally mandated sequence for planning is and how existing conflicts should be resolved to ensure the required documents are in compliance.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann considers the mutual consistency between development documents and objectives to be essential, emphasizing that they must proceed in lockstep as a process. The procedural process is specifically designed to analyze conflicts between planning documents and the wishes of interest groups, and to ensure uniform and appropriate coverage across all legislation.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann considers the mutual consistency between development documents and planning instruments extremely important, emphasizing that these processes must move in lockstep—if one objective changes, all other documents must be immediately brought into alignment with it. Furthermore, local governments have a duty to thoroughly analyze potential conflicts between stakeholders and development objectives to ensure the relevance and appropriateness of the resulting changes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called Reili Rand forward to present the second question on the agenda.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asked Reili Ranna to present her second question.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand criticizes the situation, arguing that while the obligation for local governments (LG) to support entrepreneurship and job creation is declaratively a good idea, it fails to contribute meaningfully in reality. This is due to the lack of financial resources needed to build essential infrastructure (communication networks, access roads)—a prerequisite for the development of remote regions. Therefore, the point being discussed remains largely symbolic.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand continued on the topic, expressing her dissatisfaction that while the inclusion of the principle of promoting entrepreneurship and job creation is good on paper, it does not practically help local municipalities. This is because issues related to infrastructure (communication networks, access roads) and the allocation of land require significant financial resources, which the point under discussion does not adequately secure, especially in more remote regions.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi confined himself to a brief expression of thanks, concluding his address immediately.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand stressed that the economy requires the creation of specific mechanisms and conditions that would facilitate the emergence of new jobs.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann expresses great satisfaction that the shaping and promotion of the business environment is now explicitly defined in law as a task of the local government, which provides a strong impetus for drafting development plans and securing financing schemes. At the same time, she emphasizes the urgent need for local governments to act jointly, given that the business environment cannot exist in isolation.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann welcomes the fact that the promotion of the business environment is now clearly defined in law as a local government obligation, noting that this is crucial both for drawing up development plans and for securing funding. Furthermore, she emphasizes that because the business environment is not isolated, it is essential that local authorities work together on its long-term development.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Rain Epler so he could ask his second question.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi, Rain Epler took the floor briefly to present his second question, which was followed by an expression of thanks.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler emphasizes that although the new law grants local governments (LGs) greater flexibility, councils themselves should actively review their operational structure and the division of responsibilities between the executive and the council before the law takes effect. He also asks whether the ministry plans to encourage LGs through informational campaigns to prevent a situation where these legislative changes go unnoticed at the local level.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler supports greater autonomy and the loosening of regulatory frameworks for local governments, but draws attention to the necessity for municipal councils to consciously review their work organization and the division of tasks between the executive branch and the council before the new law enters into force. He also asks the ministry whether it plans to incentivize local governments to undertake the necessary review of their internal acts for this purpose, thereby preventing a situation where legislative changes go unnoticed at the local level.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann emphasizes that although local government officials monitor legislative changes and rules of delegation have been established for solving technical and organizational tasks, it is nevertheless essential to critically review and update the competence norms within local municipalities to ensure the appropriate distribution of tasks among the authorized bodies.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann confirms that while local government officials keep track of legislative changes and councils have been required to delegate numerous technical tasks (delegation norms), it is absolutely vital for local authorities to swiftly review and update their competence norms. This is necessary to guarantee the proper allocation of responsibilities and to modernize the legal framework.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Evelin Poolamets, inviting her to the podium.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets expressed bewilderment over the new law that grants local municipalities the right to establish their own law enforcement units, comparing it to a "Wild West" sheriff system. She emphasized that law enforcement has always been a state function, and simultaneously questioned whether the state budget guarantees the necessary funding to fulfill this new mandate.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called the next speaker, Evelin Poolamets, to the podium.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets expressed bewilderment regarding the new task that permits local municipalities to establish their own law enforcement units, comparing the situation to having a Wild West sheriff. She emphasized her concern about whether the state budget would also guarantee the necessary additional funding required to fulfill this new obligation, which was previously borne by the state.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann conceded that the commission did not discuss the possibility of establishing a new law enforcement unit, which is stipulated as an option, not a requirement. Consequently, direct funding is unlikely to be added. However, she stressed that due to local circumstances, it is beneficial for local governments to have this option available for resolving issues related to local life, although she hopes that extreme "sheriff units" will not emerge.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Pipi-Liis Siemann emphasizes that although the topic of local law enforcement units was not addressed by the commission, and no additional funding will be allocated to local governments, establishing such a unit is stipulated as a flexible option, not an obligation. She notes that this is an important tool for resolving local community issues, though she hopes that extreme "sheriff units" will not arise.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded the round of questions, thanked the participants, and subsequently opened the floor for debate, first granting the floor to Ando Kiviberg, the representative of the Eesti 200 faction.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ando Kiviberg praises the Riigikogu’s work on updating the Local Government Organization Act, emphasizing that this long-awaited reform will reduce bureaucracy, increase the self-governance rights of local municipalities and the quality of services, simplify inclusion processes, and streamline the organization of council work—including the authorization of e-sessions and the framework for granting mandates. For this reason, the faction calls for supporting the draft bill to make the lives of local people run more efficiently.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ando Kiviberg commends the work of the Parliament (Riigikogu) on updating the Local Government Organization Act, stressing that the goal of this long-awaited reform is to make the public authority closest to the citizen—the local government—more efficient and less bureaucratic. This is achieved by granting them greater self-governance rights, simplifying participation processes, permitting electronic sessions, and establishing a framework for the potential creation of local law enforcement units. Consequently, the Estonia 200 faction urges support for the bill in order to streamline governance in Estonia.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the audience and then gave the floor to Anti Allas, representative of the Social Democratic Party faction.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Anti Allas faction welcomes the long-awaited draft bill, which finally designates enterprise development as a responsibility of local authorities, thereby clarifying a situation that has hitherto lacked both a clear mandate and the necessary resources. However, the faction simultaneously expresses grave concern that the bill introduces new obligations for local governments (particularly in the area of public order enforcement) without adequate financial backing. Therefore, they urgently demand clarification during subsequent readings regarding the source of these funds, to prevent the overburdening of municipalities currently facing poor economic conditions.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas welcomes the draft bill, which has been seven years in the making, as it finally provides local governments with clarity regarding their obligation to foster entrepreneurial development. However, he sharply criticizes the fact that the bill imposes a series of new tasks on municipalities without providing the necessary resources. He demands clarity on funding during subsequent readings to prevent the creation of unfulfilled expectations and the silent delegation of state responsibilities (such as public order enforcement) to local governments.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi closed the debate and concluded the proceedings on the third item on the agenda, confirming the conclusion of the first reading of Draft Bill 688 at the proposal of the lead committee, and setting the deadline for submitting amendments as 5:15 p.m. on November 12 of the current year.