First Reading of the Bill to Amend the Local Government Council Election Act and Other Acts (246 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-03-06 20:30
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 17m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu session addressed two items on the agenda, although substantive debate only occurred regarding the first one, Bill 246. This was a motion initiated by the parliamentary group of the Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE), aimed at reinstating the principle of incompatibility of offices for members of the Riigikogu and members of local government councils. This is also known as repealing the "two chairs law." Proponents of the bill, led by Henn Põlluaas, emphasized that the dual mandate contradicts the principles of the separation of powers and the autonomy of local government. They also cited practical problems where the work of the Riigikogu (committees and sessions) and the work of the local councils (which often take place on the same weekdays) suffer. Furthermore, criticism was leveled against the institution of "decoy ducks," where Riigikogu members gather votes in local elections but subsequently relinquish their council mandate.
The Constitutional Committee, whose report was presented by Pipi-Liis Siemann, introduced the internal committee discussion, noting that the topic has been repeatedly on the agenda and that the Supreme Court has previously assessed the current law. Opinions within the committee were divided, but the leading committee proposed rejecting the bill during the first reading. During the ensuing debate, Arvo Aller supported the bill on behalf of the EKRE faction, stressing the need for clarity and the commitment of Riigikogu members to parliamentary work. The second agenda item (Bill 276) was left undiscussed because the rapporteur, Ants Frosch, was absent from the session and no replacement was appointed.
Decisions Made 1
On the first reading, the Riigikogu rejected Draft Act 246, amending the Local Government Council Election Act and other Acts. Forty-six members voted in favour of the lead committee's proposal, and 10 members voted against. The draft bill was dropped from the proceedings. The second item on the agenda (Draft Bill 276) was not opened due to the absence of the rapporteur, and no debate took place.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Henn Põlluaas, who presented a detailed report on behalf of the initiators of Bill 246. Põlluaas (Estonian Conservative People's Party, opposition) explained the historical background of the bill, referencing previous constitutional disputes and the stances taken by the Supreme Court. He focused on arguments that the "two-chair system" violates local government autonomy and the principle of separation of powers, and sharply criticized the phenomenon of "decoy candidates," where politicians use local elections merely to harvest votes, thereby damaging political culture and the independence of local councils.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The next item on the agenda, item number 12, is the consideration of Draft Act No. 246, concerning amendments to the Local Government Council Election Act and other legislation. The rapporteur for this item is Riigikogu Member Henn Põlluaas.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas claims that the simultaneous membership of Riigikogu members in local councils is contrary to the constitution and must be terminated via Bill 245. This measure is intended to protect the autonomy and political culture of local governments and reduce the influence of decoy candidates (or 'vote magnets'). Although the right to run for office remains, anyone elected must subsequently decide whether to continue serving as a Riigikogu member or in the local government.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the presenter, states that there are no questions, and concludes with a final expression of deep gratitude.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas expressed his gratitude.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman requests Pipi-Liis Siemann to present the discussion that took place in the Constitutional Committee regarding the Riigikogu speaker's stand.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Constitutional Committee of the Riigikogu discussed the draft legislation on September 14, 2023, and debated the relevance of the government's position and the convergence of interests. Procedural decisions were made, and the leading committee appointed the present speaker as its representative—the decision was adopted unanimously.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked the rapporteur, noted the absence of questions, opened the debate, and invited Arvo Aller to the Riigikogu rostrum on behalf of the EKRE faction.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to Arvo Aller, the purpose of Draft Bill 246 is to end Riigikogu members holding dual mandates in local government councils. This is intended to increase focus on parliamentary work, prevent interruptions to mandates, and provide clarity for future local government elections right from the start.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair declared the debate closed, and the leading committee's proposal to reject Draft Bill 246 at the first reading will now be put to a vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted in favor of the proposal with 46 members, 10 against, and no abstentions; Bill 246 was rejected during the first reading and dropped from the proceedings, and Draft Act 276 on amendments to the Government of the Republic Act, which was scheduled as the next item on the agenda, will not be opened, as Ants Frosch was scheduled to be the rapporteur, but he is unable to present today and no replacement has been appointed.