First Reading of the Bill to Amend the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel, and Electricity Excise Duty Act (111 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Date: 2024-01-24 17:51
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 6
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 6m
AI Summaries: 6/6 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu agenda included the first reading of Bill 111 on the amendment of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel, and Electricity Excise Duty Act, which was initiated by Riigikogu members Martin Helme, Kert Kingo, and Leo Kunnas. The main objective of the bill was to lower the excise duty on unleaded gasoline from 563 euros to 359 euros in order to reduce the price of fuel for consumers. The initiator, Martin Helme, briefly introduced the bill, emphasizing its simplicity and positive impact.
Annely Akkermann, the representative of the leading committee, the Finance Committee, explained that the committee discussed this bill along with 13 other similar bills proposing excise duty amendments. During the discussion, which included the participation of a representative from the Ministry of Finance, it became clear that the Government of the Republic did not support any of these bills. The leading committee proposed to the Riigikogu that the bill be rejected at the first reading. Following a brief debate, the leading committee's proposal was put to a vote, where the bill was rejected with 38 votes in favor and 20 against. The bill was thus dropped from the proceedings.
Decisions Made 2
The lead committee (the Finance Committee) proposed rejecting Draft Law 111 at the first reading. This proposal resulted from a committee vote, with 5 members voting in favor (including Annely Akkermann) and 4 members voting against.
The Riigikogu rejected Bill 111 on the first reading (with 38 votes in favor), resulting in the bill being dropped from the proceedings.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Annely Akkermann, the Chair of the Finance Committee. She provided a detailed overview of the lead committee’s work, explaining that the draft legislation had been discussed alongside 13 other similar excise duty amendment bills, and that the government had not supported any of them. Akkermann represented the committee's position, which was in favor of rejecting the bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu is debating the first reading of Bill 111, which seeks to amend the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel, and Electricity Excise Duty Act. The bill was initiated by Martin Helme, Kert Kingo, and Leo Kunnas, and Martin Helme was requested to serve as the rapporteur.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme urged everyone to support the draft legislation aimed at lowering the excise duty on unleaded gasoline from 563 euros to 359 euros, making fuel cheaper at the pumps.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi offers his thanks, states that there are no questions, and, on behalf of the leading committee, asks the Chairman of the Riigikogu Finance Committee, Annely Akkermann, to serve as the rapporteur.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Finance Committee debated 13 draft laws concerning excise duties on alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and electricity, none of which the government supported any amendments for. It had been decided to place these items on the plenary session agenda for September 26, but due to the heavy workload, they were moved to today's agenda. Those voting for the rejection of the draft law included this speaker, Annely Akkermann, Maris Lauri, Jürgen Ligi, Aivar Sõerd, and Toomas Uibo; those opposed were Martin Helme, Aivar Kokk, Siim Pohlak, and Kersti Sarapuu. This speaker was designated as the representative of the lead committee, and the remaining 12 draft laws will be briefly presented next.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He announced that the Steering Committee wished to reject Bill 111 at the first reading, and recommended voting without a division and adopting the same practice for subsequent bills if there were no objections, calling on members to state their position and cast their vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Thirty-eight members of the Riigikogu voted in favor of the proposal, 20 against, and 0 abstained; Draft Bill 111 was rejected during the first reading and is dropped from the proceedings.