Inquiry regarding potential amendments to the Arms Act (No. 755)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
Date: 2025-05-12 22:27
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 21
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 33m
AI Summaries: 21/21 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda included an inquiry regarding potential amendments to the Weapons Act (no. 755), submitted by members of the Riigikogu Andre Hanimäe, Züleyxa Izmailova, Reili Ranna, Tanel Kiik, Helmen Kütt, Heljo Pikhof, Riina Sikkuti, and Anti Allas on April 22, 2025. The purpose of the inquiry was to clarify how the acquisition and use of weapons could be regulated more effectively and clearly, and what amendments would be justified in light of modern security and technological advancements. The background involved a significant discussion on balancing security and individual freedoms: whether and how there could be more weapons in Estonian society, and what impact this would have on safety, prevention, and accidents. The Riigikogu took the opportunity to immediately receive summaries and comments if needed, and the various possibilities were discussed step by step—from reducing bureaucracy to strengthening health checks and supervision. Another focus was on modernization and improving clarity, so that the law would be understandable to all parties involved and would meet the requirements of modern security.
The second paragraph: The debate focused primarily on the questions of whether there could be more weapons in Estonian homes and society; what changes to the law might lead to greater safety or rather, be associated with risks; how to reduce bureaucracy, and what the involvement of young people in national defense could be. It was emphasized that security consists not only of carrying weapons, but of broad-based national defense and fostering a desire to defend, as well as responsible and safe handling. At the same time, it was considered important that when implementing any changes, the focus would be on both the intended use and the quality of supervision, as well as the reasonableness of health checks and mental health assessments.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made. The preparation of the inquiry and the discussion aimed to clarify potential changes and collaboration with various stakeholders; decisions are expected in the ongoing work, including follow-up actions and the preparation of a development plan for the summer.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Andre Hanimäe (pid=46afnYFUZKE); he represents the center/right-wing positions on a national level and led the discussion relatively actively, emphasizing the reduction of bureaucracy and the involvement of young people in national defense; his position is described as "other" belonging to parliament, with an internal political context, not according to a precise left/right plan.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu is moving on to the sixth item on the agenda, which is a discussion on behalf of the submitters of Interpellation No. 755 regarding possible amendments to the Weapons Act, followed by the open microphone session.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi discusses the debate about possible amendments to the firearms law, noting that there is a desire to reduce bureaucracy and strengthen security, while at the same time more weapons are being considered, which could increase the risk of accidents and crime. A parliamentary inquiry was submitted to Interior Minister Tarole to clarify the government's policy and the necessary changes, emphasizing that security and a low level of accidents and crime are priorities.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He thanked the audience and invited the honorable Minister of the Interior, Igor Taro, to the Riigikogu speaker's stand to deliver his address.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
The planned update to the Weapons Act aims to simplify the legislation and reduce bureaucracy, including eliminating the requirement for weapons acquisition and transfer permits, and allowing legal entities to formalize sales and purchases. Furthermore, consideration is being given to mechanisms for assessing physical and mental health, and increasing the participation of young people in national defense training, all with the goal of enhancing security without increasing the overall number of firearms.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience, notes that there are questions, and gives the floor to Jaak Aab, who proceeds to start.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab stressed that the state directs individuals wishing to contribute to national defense toward the Defence League (Kaitseliit), where they are taught weapon handling and how to participate more effectively in national defense. He simultaneously questioned whether there are currently any obstacles and whether gun permit applications are being rejected so often that not all interested parties are able to acquire a weapon under the stipulated conditions.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
In his presentation, the Minister of the Interior emphasized that, under the concept of comprehensive national defense, armed individuals from other structures (such as hunters or security companies) can also contribute to national defense. However, the main recommendation is to join the Kaitseliit (Defense League) first, because the Kaitseliit offers free training and various roles to everyone.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman thanks [the previous speaker] and asks Andre Hanimägi to take the floor.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi emphasizes the reduction of bureaucracy concerning firearm licenses. However, he questions how the system could be reorganized to approve more applications and expand the pool of permit holders, noting that currently, approximately 4% of applicants are turned away.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
According to Igor Taro, the goal is to reduce bureaucracy and double checks, not to bring back the 4% who were filtered out, but rather to simplify life for the 96% and free up state resources. Currently, for hobby shooting, there is no way to purchase a firearm—you have to register as a competitive shooter and participate in competitions—and inheritance should also be considered a valid reason for gun ownership.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi invited Madis Kallas to speak.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas raises concerns that the starting pistols used in athletics competitions are very similar to real firearms and that their sound is terrifying. He highlights that in public settings, it may not be clear whether one is dealing with a real pistol or a weapon-like object. Furthermore, he asks how widely these items have spread over time, whether the situation regarding youth weapon use has worsened or improved, and what trends are visible in this field.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Although precise figures are unavailable, the problem appears to be escalating. The availability of signal weapons and the ease with which they can be converted into actual firearms is a cause for concern. Consequently, we must restrict those uses that do not enhance Estonia’s security, while simultaneously making access slightly easier for qualified individuals who are loyal citizens of the Republic of Estonia.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Tanel Kiik to speak.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik expressed concern that the wider availability of weapons could increase the risk of them being used to inflict harm upon oneself or others, citing Estonia’s mental health problems and previous tragic incidents.
Siseminister Igor Taro
AI Summary
Interior Minister Igor Taro said that the risks have been assessed and the validity of the health certificate may be suspended in the event of ending up in the emergency medicine department or a drastic change in lifestyle, and a broader and more flexible regulation must be drawn up, because individual cases do not determine the rules.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the participants and opens the debate, stating that the questioning period is concluded, and yields the floor to Andre Hanimägi on behalf of the interpellators.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi said that applying for a weapon occurs for three reasons—hunting, sport, and self-defense and property protection—and about 96% of applicants receive the green light. However, he emphasized the need to improve the conditions applicable to those 96% through a constructive discussion and to assess how the increase in the number of weapons affects safety, adding that the preliminary drafting intention provides a better opportunity to evaluate the plans.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi promised to grant an additional three minutes.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi stressed that while the aim is to reduce bureaucracy and discussions must be held with stakeholders, increasing the number of weapons in Estonia will not lead to greater security. Instead, it will result in accidents, gun-related crime, and suicides. Consequently, open cooperation and an honest debate are crucial, focusing on the Arms Act and safe handling, particularly considering Finland's experience following school shootings.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced that the negotiations had concluded and the consideration of the sixth item on the agenda was terminated, and he thanked the Minister and all participants.