First Reading of the Draft Act amending the Value Added Tax Act (Bill 241 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Date: 2024-01-10 18:00
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 6
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 4m
AI Summaries: 6/6 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The first reading of Draft Act 241, amending the Value Added Tax Act, initiated by Riigikogu members Martin Helme, Leo Kunnas, and Alar Laneman, took place under this agenda item. The aim of the draft act was to establish a new VAT rate of 19.4%, which, according to the initiators, could be the answer to the Riigikogu's strenuous search for the correct tax rate. The draft act was presented at the Riigikogu rostrum by one of the initiators, Alar Laneman.
However, the lead committee, which was the Finance Committee, presented a clear opposing position. The committee chair, Annely Akkermann, briefly announced that the committee had discussed the draft act and proposed rejecting it. Since no questions were posed to the presenters and there was no desire for debate, they immediately moved to the vote, where the lead committee's proposal found widespread support.
Decisions Made 1
The Riigikogu decided, based on the results of the vote, to reject Bill 241, the draft Act on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act, at the first reading. The proposal of the lead committee (the Finance Committee) was supported by 45 members of the Riigikogu, and 9 members voted against. Consequently, the bill was dropped from the legislative procedure.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was one of the bill's initiators, Riigikogu member Alar Laneman. Laneman presented the initiators' position, introducing the proposal to establish a new VAT rate of 19.4% and asking his colleagues for support. He represented the political faction that initiated the bill (right/opposition).
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
For the first reading of Bill 241, which proposes amendments to the Value Added Tax Act and was initiated by Riigikogu members Martin Helme, Leo Kunnas, and Alar Laneman, Riigikogu member Alar Laneman was requested to act as the rapporteur.

Alar Laneman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Alar Laneman appealed to everyone for support for the draft bill that sets the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate at 19.4 percent.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Thank you! There are no questions. Next up to the rostrum is the Chair of the Finance Committee, Annely Akkermann.

Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Finance Committee discussed the draft bill and concluded that it should be rejected.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announces that the lead committee intends to reject Bill 241 at the first reading and puts the matter to a vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
During the first reading, Bill 241 was rejected and consequently dropped from consideration. Forty-five Riigikogu members voted in favor of the motion, 9 voted against, and there were no abstentions.