Draft Act Amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (677 SE), second reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Date: 2025-11-05 21:04
Total Speeches: 88
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 19m
AI Summaries: 88/88 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated the second reading of Bill 677, the act amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, which was initiated by the Finance Committee. The main objective of the bill was to bring the tax law into compliance with the Constitution, taking into account the remarks made by the Chancellor of Justice. The amendments concern shortening the taxation period in cases where the vehicle is removed from the traffic register (due to destruction, theft, or export from the country). The changes will be applied retroactively starting from January 1st of this year. Annely Akkermann (Reform Party), Chairman of the Finance Committee, stressed that this was a necessary correction of errors and that adapting tax legislation is routine work.
The debate was extremely critical. Opposition parties (EKRE, Isamaa, Center Party) accused the coalition of stubbornness, noting that the same flaws had been highlighted during the initial handling of the bill but were forcefully rejected. Critics argued that the amendments were only being made because the Chancellor of Justice intervened to prevent a constitutional crisis. The opposition repeatedly demanded the complete repeal of the motor vehicle tax, citing its unfairness, low revenue collection (half of what was forecast), and negative impact on rural life and the behavior of car buyers. Akkermann defended the tax as a fair way to collect money to cover the costs of roads and traffic management, noting that social benefits had already been increased using the tax revenue.
Decisions Made 3
Amendment No. 1 (Isamaa Parliamentary Group) was rejected.
Amendments Nos. 2 and 3 (Finance Committee) were accepted in full.
The second reading of Bill 677 was concluded.
Most Active Speaker
Annely Akkermann (Chair of the Finance Committee, Parem) was the most active speaker, answering 16 questions and defending the content of the draft bill as well as tax policy more broadly.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar introduced the 17th item on the agenda—the second reading of Draft Act 677 on the amendment of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, initiated by the Finance Committee—and asked Committee Chairman Annely Akkermann to come to the rostrum to deliver the report.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann presented the amendment to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, initiated by the Finance Committee, the purpose of which is to bring the law into compliance with the Constitution based on the proposals of the Chancellor of Justice. This is achieved by retroactively creating a basis for shortening the taxation period upon the vehicle's deletion from the register or its declaration as wanted due to theft. Furthermore, on behalf of the committee, she proposed concluding the second reading of the draft bill and proceeding to the final vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the esteemed presenter, announced that the time for questions had arrived, and then invited Peeter Ernits to ask his question.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits commended the Finance Committee's innovative approach of presenting two draft bills simultaneously in the interest of saving time, but he critically questioned why time is being spent on yet another attempt to soften the car tax instead of simply abolishing it.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann emphasizes that businesses and associations in the automotive sector have urged politicians to stop speculating about the abolition of the motor vehicle tax, as the ongoing uncertainty is disrupting their business and preventing them from operating stably in the market.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Helmen Kütt, asking her to begin her address.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt acknowledged the increase in disability benefits mentioned by the presenter, but wanted to know exactly how much the allowance for a person with a severe disability had risen, noting that the increase in benefits affected individuals with severe and profound disabilities, leaving out the moderate level of disability.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann admitted that she currently lacks detailed information regarding the support payments for people with disabilities and special needs, as she did not commit to memory the figures drafted by the Social Affairs Committee and the Ministry of Social Affairs, nor did she bring the relevant materials with her.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Anti Allas to the podium as the next speaker.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas addressed the rapporteur and the presiding officer to demand an urgent clarification regarding how the current situation had arisen. This situation also sparked a lively reaction in the hall, which the presiding officer was forced to quell by ringing the bell.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann stresses that the constant modification of tax legislation, such as the VAT Act and the Income Tax Act, is the daily routine of the Riigikogu Finance Committee. This is because laws have been amended repeatedly, and the parliament often has several amendment bills under consideration simultaneously, making the handling of legislative changes an integral part of parliamentary work.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Aivar Kokk, calling him to the podium.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk confirmed that they were on the right track, but strongly urged the commission to provide specific data regarding the impact of the draft bill, namely, how many people it affects this year and the exact amount of money that will be reimbursed in December.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann rejected the accusation of simultaneously processing two draft bills, explained that the Chancellor of Justice’s remarks regarding children’s benefits are a political issue, and focused on draft bill No. 677, which amends the motor vehicle tax law and provides for the recalculation of tax decisions for the more than 1,200 vehicles exported from the country during the first quarter.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Peeter Ernits to the podium.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits calls into question whether the current situation would have arisen without the intervention of the Chancellor of Justice, and expresses his indignation, arguing that despite entrepreneurs' desire not to harm their business, new streamlining measures and draft laws are continuously being planned. He asks directly why this entire regulatory mess isn't simply abolished.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann pointed out that although the introduction of motor vehicle taxes is a widespread practice in the EU, the current draft bill still contains unresolved issues, citing as an example the situation where, when returning the purchase of a used car within 14 days, it is unclear how the person will get the registration fee back, even though the general principles of the law remain in force and similar problems may arise over time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Helmen Kütt to speak when she was given the floor with the sentence, "Helmen Kütt, please!"
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt conveys the request and indignation of the mental health day center staff regarding the fact that benefits for people with severe disabilities increased by only 15 cents. This stands in insulting contrast to the significant rise in benefits for people with profound disabilities, and she questions whether the Finance Committee adequately addressed the benefit figures.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann takes issue with the negligible rounding of benefits (such as 15 and 54 cents) and shifts the responsibility directly onto the former coalition member of the Social Affairs Committee, stressing that they, specifically, should know why these specific rates and rounding rules were drafted.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, inviting her to the podium.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart highlights the significant and growing administrative costs associated with the introduction of new taxes, citing as examples the initial investment of 2.4 million euros for the creation of an information system and the recurring annual maintenance costs. She further inquires whether the additional administrative costs resulting from all the draft legislation and recent changes have been definitively totaled.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann clarified the development costs incurred by the Tax and Customs Board and the Transport Administration related to the draft legislation, confirming that these initial expenses will be covered by the agency's budget or reserve. Furthermore, since the databases are now complete, their fixed operating costs will become progressively more insignificant compared to the expected annual tax revenue of 200 million euros.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, acting as the presiding officer, gave the floor to Helmen Kütt, who wished to raise a procedural question concerning the conduct of the session.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt expresses dissatisfaction with the answer received to a specific procedural question she posed to the presiding officer, accusing the rapporteur of labeling, moralizing, and evaluating the activities of the Social Affairs Committee, instead of providing a simple affirmative or negative response.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stressed the necessity of sticking to the specific topic, pointing out that he did not have an overview of the prior discussions held by the Social Affairs and Finance Committee. Therefore, the most sensible approach is to proceed with the matter and make any necessary clarifications during the course of the negotiations.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler sharply criticizes the reference to car dealers’ business interests as demagoguery, arguing it’s an attempt to stifle the car tax debate, especially given that the exact same argument was dismissed when the tax was initially being implemented. He points out that the commission is now forced to resolve technical issues (such as transfer of ownership or destruction) that were deemed irrelevant during the original tax proceedings, and questions whether this 180-degree reversal of position and the earlier transcripts were discussed within the commission.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann referenced a Vikerraadio broadcast where the chairman of the Association of Car Dealers and Service Providers voiced concern that the reckless speculation by politicians, particularly Kristina Kallas, regarding the cancellation of the motor vehicle tax is significantly disrupting the car sector's business operations, orders, and inventory levels, while simultaneously confirming that she remembers all the events and was of the mind that the situation had to be rectified.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar and Andres Metsoja were called to the podium, but the announcement of their summoning turned out to be the entire content of the text that was presented, meaning his actual speech was never delivered.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja sharply criticizes the motor vehicle tax, which, in his estimation, was implemented "flawed" despite warnings and is creating inequality. He also raises the question of why local municipalities are not receiving a portion of this unfair tax to maintain local roads.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann first emphasizes the need to amend the laws according to the points the Chancellor of Justice has indicated are in conflict with the constitution. She then focuses on the motor vehicle tax, criticizing its financial logic because the expected revenue of 100 million euros is less than the already allocated costs (social, child, and road subsidies), which collectively exceed the total amount collected.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
After a brief introduction, Chairman Lauri Hussar handed the floor over to Rene Koka, inviting him to approach the podium.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk sharply criticizes the mess created by the current government that awaits the next administration, citing examples such as the car tax, the transfer of Swedish prisoners to Estonia, and rising costs. He also demands that the coalition be graded on a five-point scale for its handling of the car tax bill, which was only rectified following the intervention of the Chancellor of Justice, despite repeated warnings.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann explained that although the Finance Committee did not discuss grading the proposal on a five-point scale, the motor vehicle tax bill—which covers instances of vehicle destruction, theft, and removal from the country—will take effect retroactively starting from January 1st, necessitating the recalculation of tax notices.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar was called to the podium to begin his presentation, the content of which is not reflected in this text.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Addressing Anneli, Helle-Moonika Helme clarifies that her previous statement was meant ironically, referring to a hopeless situation. She further criticizes that the submitted draft bills are nothing more than insignificant crumbs, offered only after the essential elements have already been taken away—or, as she puts it, "the bread has been stolen."
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann emphasizes that the decline in car sales figures during the first half of this year was expected, as vehicles were purchased in large numbers ahead of time last year—which constitutes normal market behavior—and car dealers and maintenance providers are now awaiting market stabilization.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar Rene Kokk was called by name to the podium so that he could begin his presentation.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk sharply criticizes the coalition's working methods during the handling of the car tax bill, accusing them of steamrolling the opposition and failing to ensure substantive involvement. He also asks Annely Akkermann to step down from her role as committee representative and provide an honest assessment of the quality of the bill’s processing on a five-point scale.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann applauds the passing of several (at least four) bills concerning the motor vehicle tax, the Traffic Act, and the handling of scrapped vehicles, emphasizing that they successfully incorporated the proposals made by various target groups, offering them necessary relief and resolving existing pain points.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Rain Epler, inviting him to the podium.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticizes the Reform Party's political tactics, suspecting they credit their own members for implementing the opposition's ideas. He also questions the true purpose of the car tax, asking ironically if Minister Võrklaev is now pleased that car sales have dropped, implying that the tax was never really about environmentalism.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann brushes aside the committee's protocol and Mart Võrklaev's emotional reaction, stressing that Mait Klaassen earned recognition from outside the party and "the house" for his skillful handling of the scrap vehicle problem.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar Aivar Kokk was called to the podium to present his report.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk believes that the motor vehicle tax bill is a complete failure, emphasizing that it has damaged the government's approval rating and created a situation where a large portion of the 50 million collected must be refunded. Consequently, the ongoing "frantic maneuvering" for a net revenue of 23 million euros does not justify attempting to fix the failed legislation.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann, dismissing the opposition's sentiments and pointing to the widespread prevalence of such taxes across the European Union, defended the fairness of the motor vehicle tax, stressing that it ensures that the costs associated with road construction, maintenance, and traffic management are covered specifically by car users, rather than by society as a whole.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the previous speaker and handed the floor over to Evelin Poolamets.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets is drawing attention to the failed financial forecasts for the car tax, noting that the revenue collected was significantly less than the originally planned 137 million euros (falling below 50 million). Consequently, she questions whether the law—which aimed both to fill the state budget and protect the environment—has justified itself, especially given the resulting reduction in car purchases.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann emphasizes that the motor vehicle tax is perfectly justified and reasonable, as it is necessary to cover the public costs associated with driving (roads, maintenance, traffic safety, and police). She also stresses the principle that individuals who own more cars should indeed be paying a higher tax.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar ushered in the next stage of the debate, noting that there were still questions remaining on the agenda, and subsequently gave the floor to Anti Allas.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas explained that his previous question was not ironic, emphasizing the need for better mutual listening in the chamber, and criticizing the fact that the proposals put forward by the Chancellor of Justice—which were on the committee's table at the time and are still currently under deliberation—were unfortunately forcefully rejected, despite those proposals having originated from both the coalition and the opposition.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann briefly clarified that her previous sentence or remark was not intended as a question.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Varro Vooglaid was invited to speak by Chairman Lauri Hussar.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid finds the justification for the car tax—that it is supposedly necessary just for driving a car—absurd. He points out that the revenue generated by the fuel excise tax should be sufficient for road maintenance. Furthermore, he sharply criticizes the government's fundamental refusal to acknowledge the serious errors made during the implementation of the motor vehicle tax, errors that the opposition repeatedly highlighted.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann stresses that, given human fallibility—especially the fallibility inherent in a person of faith—it is crucial to learn from one's errors, pick oneself up, and move forward. She views the submitted draft legislation precisely as part of that necessary process of correcting mistakes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Anti Poolamets, inviting him to the podium.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets criticizes the listeners for ignoring reasonable advice and disregarding warnings about unconstitutionality, comparing their actions to a stupid ram mindlessly running into a wall. He urgently demands clarification regarding the law’s actual objectives, as they appear contradictory: is this about environmental conservation in the context of the European Union, or is it merely tax collection designed to enable people to keep driving?
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann explains that the motor vehicle tax will accelerate the growth of the electric car share in Estonia, which is consistent with developments in the Nordic countries. Citing Finland as an example, she highlights the need to reshape the tax system because revenue from fuel excise duty is decreasing due to the electrification of the vehicle fleet, thereby endangering the necessary funding for road maintenance. A new design must be found for collecting this revenue.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Vladimir Arhipov.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov believes that since car sales have significantly decreased and tax revenue is many times lower than anticipated, the car tax should be immediately abolished to put an end to the political posturing, believing that this would stimulate the car market and the lost revenue would be compensated through increased VAT and excise duty collection, leaving the budgetary situation essentially unchanged.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann believes that although the car market has fluctuated due to advance sales, the motor vehicle tax and registration fee are a fair and sensible way to cover costs associated with the use of cars (roads, traffic management). She emphasizes, however, that when designing the tax, it is necessary to ensure an economical and affordable vehicle fleet.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar briefly called Evelin Poolamets by name to the podium to begin her address.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets criticized the presenter's justification for the car tax, asking directly whether the tax constitutes conscious social stratification designed to push poorer people out of traffic and ensure smoother movement for the so-called elite.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann refutes claims about the high car tax, explaining that the median tax is actually only 116 euros per year, or just over 10 euros a month, which is comparable to the fuel cost of driving about 100 kilometers.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Helle-Moonika Helme, asking her to come up to the podium.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme sharply and sarcastically dismantles all justifications for the car tax, labeling them "pearls" [of absurdity]. She stresses that the "tax tsunami" has devastated the economy, and recovery is impossible until the car tax is scrapped. She further notes that this tax burden will also be passed on to people who do not own cars through the rising cost of essential goods.
Annely Akkermann
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Annely Akkermann conceded that the explanations she provided were likely difficult for the listeners to understand.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the presenter and briefly announced that the round of questions was over.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann concluded her speech with a brief and specific expression of thanks.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced the opening of the debate and invited the next speaker, colleague Vladimir Arhipov, to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov sharply criticizes the motor vehicle tax bill, considering it merely a cosmetic attempt to polish an inherent wrongdoing, as the car tax penalizes rural living and commuting, and is an unsuccessful tool for plugging budget deficits. Therefore, he demands the complete cancellation of the tax, rather than just fixing its details, stressing that Estonia needs smart decisions and investments, not predatory taxation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concluded the preceding presentation, thanking the participants, and handed the floor over to the next speaker, Arvo Aller.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller sharply criticizes the motor vehicle tax imposed by the coalition, calling it a botched property tax that targets rural residents and fails to achieve any of its promised objectives other than imposing a new tax burden on the populace, stressing that EKRE will abolish this unjust tax once they come to power.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, after expressing his thanks, handed the floor over to his colleague Anti Allas and successfully requested three minutes of extra time for him.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas supports the amendments to the motor vehicle tax law that make it fairer and constitutional, highlighting the reliefs for families with children and minivans. However, he sharply criticizes the coalition's unwillingness to introduce all necessary changes simultaneously, especially the regional relief component for rural residents, for whom a car is essential. He emphasizes that he supports the repeal of the car tax until all reasonable improvements have been implemented.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi briefly offered his thanks and then yielded the floor to the next speaker, Aivar Kokk.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk is categorically opposed to the motor vehicle tax, emphasizing that car owners have already fulfilled their obligation through the fuel excise duty. Meanwhile, the money required for road construction (for example, 1.9 billion for highways) remains uncollected, and the excise revenue is being channeled into unknown directions or used to subsidize public transport. He criticizes the political damage caused by the government and is certain that the tax will be repealed no later than 2027, a condition which the Isamaa party is setting as a prerequisite for any future coalition.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi confined himself to an extremely condensed statement, briefly confirming the number three.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk, speaking for the Isamaa party, has launched a fierce critique of the government’s tax policy. He labels the decision to abolish the tax on land beneath one’s home a foolish snap judgment, and stresses that the motor vehicle tax must be repealed immediately, arguing that it has harmed both car sales and the national budget. He further condemns the overall rise in the tax burden (VAT, income tax, and excises), which he claims compels citizens to hoard money, and criticizes the income tax exemption scheme for taking funds from pensioners to subsidize high-income earners.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi addressed Rain Epler, announcing he would try a simpler, more effective approach as an exception, starting immediately with a procedural matter he wanted to see resolved quickly.
Rain Epler
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Rain Epler raised a serious procedural and political question, referring to Anti Allas's claim that the more experienced coalition partner pressured him into making decisions, which calls into question the free mandate of Riigikogu members and threatens a constitutional crisis. He asked the Vice-Chairman, as a top politician of the Reform Party, for clarification on whether the pressure occurred or if the Social Democrats made the decision independently, in order to avoid the need to investigate the matter thoroughly at the level of the board and the Council of Elders.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi suggested creating an investigative committee to resolve the issue, but emphasized that he lacked any information regarding the pressuring of Anti Allast by the Reform Party, noting that this was merely his personal opinion, and concluded his address with procedural questions.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler deems the report by the Chairman of the Finance Committee to be demagoguery, stressing the opposition's consistent objection to the car tax. He further criticizes the government for breaking election promises and creating instability, while simultaneously highlighting the contradiction: the car tax, supposedly aimed at a specific target group, is being justified, even though a widespread VAT increase—one that is particularly painful for lower-income individuals—was implemented at the same time.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the previous speaker, jokingly commending the pleasant brevity of the address, before handing the floor over to Rene Koka.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk criticizes the government for the unsatisfactory handling of the car tax bill, noting that the opposition's well-reasoned proposals were consistently ignored and the substance of the matter was not properly examined. He further stresses that the tax fails to meet environmental objectives, but instead forces Estonian residents to purchase older and more dangerous vehicles, which will result in both a decline in car sales and an increase in the number of serious traffic accidents.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi concluded his address with words of thanks and then handed the floor over to Varro Vooglaiu.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid emphasizes that correcting the flaws in the motor vehicle tax law is not a voluntary step by the government, but an unavoidable reaction to the Chancellor of Justice’s finding of unconstitutionality, warning that failure to make these corrections would lead to a loss at the Supreme Court and the chaos of refunding collected taxes, especially regarding aspects that penalizing large families and people with disabilities.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi closed the debate and moved on to the review of amendments for Draft Law 677. The leading committee decided to accept two proposals submitted by the Finance Committee, reject the proposal from Isamaa, and subsequently declared the second reading of the draft law concluded.