Continuation of the second reading of the draft law amending the Competition Act and, in connection therewith, amending other laws (609 SE)

Total Speeches: 66

Membership: 15

Agenda Duration: 1h 22m

AI Summaries: 66/66 Speeches (100.0%)

Analysis: Structured Analysis

Politicians Speaking Time

Politicians

Analysis

Summary

The agenda item concerned the second reading of the draft law 609 amending the Competition Act initiated by the government, and the amendments to other laws associated with it. The focus of the agenda was the content of the draft and the choice of the best approach to legislation – protecting the rights of consumers and entrepreneurs, promoting competition, and systematically adopting European Union competition requirements. The importance of broad involvement and a transparent procedure was widely emphasized during the session: representatives of businesses, universities, and legal scholars participated in a public consultation, and proposals made to the Competition Authority were taken into account in the respective amendment proposals. A representative and open procedure highlighted the diversity of opinions and the need to find a compromise in the previous division.

Decisions Made 4
Lauri Läänemets
Lauri Läänemets Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioon

The Social Democratic Party faction's (Jaak Aab, Tanel Kiik, Ester Karuse, Züleyxa Izmailova) amendment proposal to fully replace the draft text was rejected (15 in favor, 54 against).

Priit Sibul
Priit Sibul Isamaa fraktsioon

Amendment proposal number 34, submitted by the Economics Committee (regarding changes to the Penal Code), was approved (61 in favor, 8 against, 1 abstention).

Jaak Aab
Jaak Aab Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed

The Social Democratic Party's faction's proposal to postpone the second reading of bill 609 was rejected (17 in favor, 55 against).

Collective Decision

Bill 609's second reading was concluded.

Most Active Speaker
Lauri Läänemets
Lauri Läänemets

Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioon

Lauri Läänemets (Social Democratic Party) was one of the most active speakers, posing a question to the minister and delivering two rebuttals, in which he sharply criticised the draft's version and the process of its handling, accusing the coalition of serving narrow business interests. His position is left-wing.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:19:14
AI Summary

Toomas Kivimägi opens the clarification of today's agenda and announces that the second reading debate on Bill 609, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the amendment of the Competition Act and related amendments to other acts, which was adjourned during yesterday's sitting, will be continued. He then asks the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, to return to the podium to answer questions from the members of the Riigikogu.

Lauri Läänemets
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioon
17:19:43
AI Summary

Lauri Läänemets is seeking assurance from the minister that the draft legislation has been prepared with public interests in mind and is not based on the proposals of any specific entrepreneur or on personal business interests.

Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
17:20:34
AI Summary

Yes; during the preparation of the draft legislation, I communicated with various stakeholders. Furthermore, on January 20th, a public engagement meeting was held at the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs, which was attended by representatives of business organizations, universities, and legal scholars. I personally participated in this meeting, and together with ministry officials and the Competition Authority, we listened to the views of the entrepreneurs.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:21:19
AI Summary

This is a brief request to give the floor to Tanel Kiik.

Tanel Kiik
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:21:19
AI Summary

Tanel Kiik asks the minister whether he sees a risk that the government is treating Estonian people and businesses unfairly, especially when comparing the handling of the Competition Act and the Pihlakodu case.

Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
17:22:28
AI Summary

The Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, said that people may form opinions, but the opinion that was presented was not correct.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:22:47
AI Summary

Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called Andre Hanimägi.

Andre Hanimägi
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:22:47
AI Summary

Andre Hanimägi highlighted that at the beginning of 2024, there was a fierce political dispute (a "tug-of-war") in the government over the Competition Act between Eesti 200 and the Reform Party. Consequently, the draft bill was placed on the agenda multiple times only to be ultimately withdrawn. He is therefore requesting an overview of the background to these events, their development, and the current agreements and future plans.

Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
17:23:56
AI Summary

The core question of the debate was whether to significantly simplify the process of penalizing individuals and companies in Estonia or to continue with existing legal traditions. Although the discussion between the two political parties resulted in a solution recommended by the majority of Estonian legal scholars, both approaches are in accordance with European Union law, and all previous administrative fines have been adopted through misdemeanor proceedings.

Peeter Ernits
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:25:19
AI Summary

Peeter Ernits said that the draft bill is very embarrassing, but the minister has handled it very well so far, and he asked why the Social Democrats are so vehement against it and whether the desire to impose harsher punishments is behind it.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:25:19
AI Summary

Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Peeter Ernits to take the floor.

Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
17:25:56
AI Summary

He thanked them and said that the desire for punishment was strange, and he completely agreed with it.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:26:02
AI Summary

Toomas Kivimägi asks Tanel Kiik to take the floor.

Tanel Kiik
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:26:05
AI Summary

Tanel Kiik asks the minister whether the current version of the Competition Act serves the interests of fair competition, and who is stronger in the field of competition law—the minister or Kaja Kallas.

Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
17:27:10
AI Summary

Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta stated that the draft bill protects the rights of the Estonian people and even transposes European Union law to ensure better competition and the launch of more innovative products and services, all in the interest of consumers, businesses, and the economy. She also added that Kaja Kallas is certainly a very, very good expert in competition law.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:28:19
AI Summary

Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Peeter Ernits to speak.

Peeter Ernits
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:28:22
AI Summary

Peeter Ernits praises the work of the director and the minister during this difficult situation, and asks whether the Social Democrats intend to further waste taxpayer money and incur more penalties, given that approximately 820,000 euros have already been squandered on fines, and the draft legislation should simply be ditched right now.

Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
17:29:07
AI Summary

This is the first bill in Estonian history that has resulted in a fine, and the deadline for transposing the directive was at the beginning of 2021. The governments that were in power in Estonia in 2019 and 2020 are responsible for this.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:29:52
AI Summary

Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks and announces that the questions have concluded. We now welcome Marek Reinaas, Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee, whose report will cover the committee's discussion and the decisions that were adopted.

Marek Reinaas
Marek Reinaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:30:06
AI Summary

Marek Reinaas described that the committee's process regarding the proposed amendment to the Competition Act was highly participatory: starting from the initial initiative, moving through broad engagement, the integration of proposals from the Competition Authority and the Bar Association, and culminating in discussions held during the sessions of June 3–5, with plans set for the second reading on June 10 and the final vote on June 17.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:39:05
AI Summary

Toomas Kivimägi thanked the speaker for the clear presentation and asked Mart Maastik to pose one question.

Mart Maastik
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:39:09
AI Summary

Mart Maastik thanks the Chair and the rapporteur and asks them to explain the difference between operating in a “more than democratic” manner compared to the usual democratic legislative procedure, and whether the coalition agreement somehow makes this process more democratic.

Marek Reinaas
Marek Reinaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:39:32
AI Summary

Reinaas said that for most bills, the number of participants was not that high, and their suggestions were not taken into account as extensively as the amendments we see today. Therefore, he was justified in using the phrasing that the procedure was democratic—perhaps even more than democratic.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:40:08
AI Summary

Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Mart Maastik to speak.

Mart Maastik
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:40:10
AI Summary

He thanked them and noted that the question had been posed with a bit of humor, adding that the next question would follow because the Bar Association had submitted proposals for amendments and we had quite a substantial discussion.

Marek Reinaas
Marek Reinaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:40:23
AI Summary

Only one word referring to the past is central to the speech: "Was."

Mart Maastik
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:40:25
AI Summary

He asks whether the Bar Association’s proposals finally resulted in a compromise solution.

Marek Reinaas
Marek Reinaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:40:32
AI Summary

The Bar Association and the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs reached a compromise regarding the restriction of lawyers' rights related to the Competition Act. Following consultations with the Legal Committee and the Ministry, it was concluded that the solution proposed by the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs is the most sensible option for Draft Bill No. 34.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:41:55
AI Summary

Toomas Kivimägi thanked the audience, announced that the questions had concluded, opened the discussion, and invited Jaak Aab.

Jaak Aab
Jaak Aab
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:42:15
AI Summary

Jaak Aab emphasized that the updated competition directive is aimed at consumer protection and fair competition, and that Estonia must focus on the substance, not merely formal transposition. He also stressed the importance of effective competition supervision for a small country, adding that political games and lobbying must not overshadow the real objective of improving the situation regarding prices and competition.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:46:52
AI Summary

Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asked for three more minutes.

Jaak Aab
Jaak Aab
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:46:53
AI Summary

Jaak Aab stated that the draft legislation is deficient regarding the administrative court procedure section, and that clear rules and effective oversight are necessary to ensure competition; he called for the second reading to be suspended and supported the SDE amendment proposal, which would reinstate the procedure of the previous draft bill.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:50:36
AI Summary

The address is filled with words of thanks and invites Peeter Ernits to take the floor.

Peeter Ernits
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:50:48
AI Summary

Peeter Ernits criticized the draft legislation being processed under the leadership of Minister Pakosta, accusing the Social Democrats of having an appetite for punishment and burning cash. He drew attention to the already existing 400,000 euro penalty notice and the daily accumulation of an additional 3,000 euro in costs, arguing that this situation must be seriously re-examined.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:56:06
AI Summary

Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi requested two more minutes during his speech.

Peeter Ernits
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
17:56:08
AI Summary

Peeter Ernits stated that the bill is historic and of landmark significance, adding that it should serve as a textbook example of how legislation should not be processed. He stressed that every taxpayer's cent must be used wisely, not wasted, and that this precedent must be avoided.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:57:19
AI Summary

The Vice-Chair thanked everyone and invited Riina Sikkut to take the floor.

Riina Sikkut
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioon
17:57:27
AI Summary

Riina Sikkut is criticizing the odd and repeatedly delayed processing of the draft Competition Act, arguing that while legal experts continue to deliberate, the proposed solution is losing credibility, and it must ultimately be enacted—in cooperation with the Minister of Justice and the Competition Authority—to protect consumer interests.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:02:00
AI Summary

Toomas Kivimägi replied in the affirmative.

Riina Sikkut
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioon
18:02:02
AI Summary

Riina Sikkut stated that she cannot support the proposal and recommended dropping it at the second reading. She emphasized the role of deterrence regarding large competition fines and questioned why this particular bill has been the priority of one political party for three years while other important issues are being ignored.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:04:21
AI Summary

During the speech, profound gratitude was expressed, Lauri Läänemets was called to the stage, and an additional eight minutes of time was requested.

Lauri Läänemets
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioon
18:04:33
AI Summary

Lauri Läänemets praises Kaja Kallas as the most competent person in the field of competition law, but points out that the pressure arising from the processing of the draft bill and lobbying activities, along with changes in the coalition council, mean its impact may be inadequate, and the law will neither help save someone from a fine nor improve competition, but may instead deepen the problem.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:12:37
AI Summary

The address begins with thanks, and Jaak Aab is asked to deliver a response speech.

Jaak Aab
Jaak Aab
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
18:12:39
AI Summary

Jaak Aab emphasized that the infringement procedure for the non-transposition of the directive was initiated in 2021, and the blame does not rest with the Social Democrats, but with other political forces. Furthermore, although the draft bill may offer hope, it carries a greater risk that the European Commission and the European Court of Justice will introduce new infringement procedures and fines, and the problem will not be solved simply by delay.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:14:24
AI Summary

The Deputy Chairman thanked Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, requested additional time, and noted that eight minutes had been allocated.

18:14:35
AI Summary

Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart warned that a fine of 400,000 euros and 3,000 euros daily, along with plans to grant the Competition Authority simplified procedures, threaten the Constitution and the principles of the rule of law, and could lead to the emergence of a punitive state, a concern confirmed by the Chancellor of Justice and the Supreme Court in the Olerex case.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:22:42
AI Summary

Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi expressed his thanks.

18:22:44
AI Summary

The speech addressed the topic of heavy fines imposed on entrepreneurs.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:22:51
AI Summary

The speaker announces that two rebuttals will now commence, and Lauri Läänemets is invited to take the floor.

Lauri Läänemets
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioon
18:22:57
AI Summary

Lauri Läänemets said that the Social Democrats favor fair competition and preventive punitive measures for violators, criticized the Center Party's stance, and argued that the changes are being made for the benefit of the Estonian people and entrepreneurs. He also acknowledged that on this issue, the Social Democrats are truly alone in the hall right now, and the debate continues.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:24:44
AI Summary

Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Riina Sikkut to deliver a rejoinder, noting that Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart had addressed Riina Sikkut's previous remarks.

Riina Sikkut
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioon
18:24:56
AI Summary

Riina Sikkut stressed that a golden mean must be found between the use of technology and legal enforcement, and that in cases of competition law violations, punishment must be made possible under the law and sufficiently effective, because current fines are small compared to the advantage gained from the violation, as the Olerex case shows.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:26:35
AI Summary

Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks, closes the discussion, and announces that there are two questions for the chairman of the session, and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart has been invited to speak.

18:26:41
AI Summary

Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart confirms that the Centre Party has always supported the route of misdemeanor proceedings and the position of the Chancellor of Justice. Corresponding amendments were made, and the Social Democrats acknowledged that a fine of 300,000 euros is not enough, and that fines should be in the hundreds of millions so that companies would actually go bankrupt.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:27:15
AI Summary

Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked the speaker and noted that the point raised was not a question for the presiding officer, before inviting Peeter Ernits to deliver his statement.

Peeter Ernits
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
18:27:18
AI Summary

Peeter Ernits expresses uncertainty to the manager about whether the matter was right, citing either that 'black hand' or his colleague Läänemets.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:27:30
AI Summary

Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi said that a different choice should have been made, the negotiations are now closed, and he is listening to a point of order.

Peeter Ernits
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmed
18:27:36
AI Summary

Peeter Ernits emphasized that parliament should pursue the actual truth through open and passionate debate, rather than accusing one another, and should lead the country based on the results of a thorough discussion, promising that next week he would present further examples and more compelling ideas regarding this matter.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:28:26
AI Summary

Toomas Kivimägi stated that the address was slightly procedural, promised to review the 37 amendments concerning the draft bill, and began the discussion with the first amendment, which was submitted by the Social Democratic Party faction and which the lead committee wishes to reject.

Lauri Läänemets
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioon
18:28:56
AI Summary

Lauri Läänemets asks to vote for this amendment.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:28:58
AI Summary

Toomas Kivimägi informed the chamber that regarding Bill 609, he would put to a vote Amendment Proposal No. 1 of the Social Democratic Party faction, which was submitted by Jaak Aab, Tanel Kiik, Ester Karuse, and Züleyxa Izmailova. However, the lead committee's position is to recommend that the proposal be disregarded.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:31:48
AI Summary

Toomas Kivimägi is chairing the review of the amendments, where all proposals submitted by the economic committees are to be fully considered according to the decision of the leading committee. A technical error in the source materials is mentioned, and finally, Priit Sibul is asked for a comment regarding amendment No. 34.

18:36:27
AI Summary

The speaker thanks you and requests that you vote in favor of this amendment.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:36:32
AI Summary

Toomas Kivimägi put Amendment Proposal No. 34, which originated from the Economic Affairs Committee, to a vote and stated that the principal committee has decided to fully accept it, asking colleagues to take a position and cast their votes.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:39:20
AI Summary

Toomas Kivimägi announced that 61 members of the Riigikogu voted in favor, 8 against, and 1 abstained. Regarding amendments No. 34–37, the situation is as follows: No. 34 was supported, No. 35 was not taken into account, and Nos. 36 and 37 are fully taken into consideration. The leading committee wishes to conclude the second reading of Bill 609, but the faction of the Social Democratic Party submitted a motion to suspend the second reading, which must now be put to a vote.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
18:41:19
AI Summary

The Riigikogu voted on draft bill 609 at its second reading: 17 in favor, 55 against, and there were no abstentions; the bill failed to gain support, and the consideration of the first item on the agenda is concluded.