Government Decisions
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing.
Date: 2024-03-20 15:02
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 12m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The fifth question in the Riigikogu addressed government decisions, focusing sharply on the car tax bill. The question was posed by Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart (Centre Party), who cited a commissioned legal analysis claiming that the car tax violates both the Estonian Constitution and European Union law. The Centre Party had appealed to the President, requesting that the bill not be promulgated, highlighting as the main issue the lack of specific exemptions for disabled people, large families, and less affluent families, which increases their risk of falling into poverty. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna (acting as Prime Minister) rejected the claims of unconstitutionality but confirmed that the Finance Committee has approached the European Commission for an assessment regarding the registration fee. Tsahkna criticized the Centre Party for irresponsible fiscal policy in the past and stressed that the car tax is a necessary source of revenue. He confirmed that a specific measure to support disabled people is ready and will be sent to the Riigikogu. Kovalenko-Kõlvart reiterated her criticism, warning of large compensation claims and high interest rates (21.9% annually) arising from the conflict with EU law, and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the bill. Tsahkna responded that the bill was sent to the Riigikogu precisely so that its quality could be debated and improved in parliament. An additional question covered the impact of the recession and tax increases on economic growth. Tsahkna acknowledged the poor state of the economy but emphasized that the government, led by Minister of Economic Affairs Tiit Riisalo, has an ambitious plan to double the Estonian economy by 2035, focusing on innovation and improving the business environment.
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not made
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riigikogu member Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart submitted a question to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who was acting in the capacity of the Prime Minister, concerning the government's decisions.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The motor vehicle tax is contrary to the Constitution and EU law, as it fails to provide special provisions for disabled individuals, large families, and low-income households. Furthermore, although the government promises future relief or support measures, these lack concrete analyses and guarantees, and the Chancellor of Justice has criticized this approach. Consequently, the bill should be immediately withdrawn.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that the draft car tax bill has been submitted to the Riigikogu (Parliament) and is not unconstitutional. He stressed the importance of responsible fiscal management, noting that the revenue generated by the car tax will be roughly the same amount needed for the increase in child benefits proposed by the Centre Party, and that support for disabled people and other individuals in need must be flexible and adequately funded.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the speaker], refers to the supplementary question, and notes that Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart finally managed to press the button, and asks for a clarifying question first.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In her presentation, Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticizes the minister and the Centre Party for the lack of answers, highlights that the draft bills generate additional costs and interest, are contrary to both European Union law and the constitution, references the commissioned legal analysis, and recalls that the ministry knew about the problems but still brought the registration fee before the Riigikogu, asking why it has not been immediately retracted for all vehicles.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the Riigikogu will decide on the car tax law, because the Riigikogu is the place where debates are held, and this is a normal democratic process where necessary amendments are made during the second reading to ensure legal certainty, and the Riigikogu must not be a rubber stamp.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Aleksandr Tšaplõgin to ask a follow-up question.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He/She is asking the government if they understand that tax hikes and the introduction of a new tax will slow down economic growth. And if businesses aren't operating and people are out of work, where exactly are we supposed to get tax revenue from?
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that the Estonian economy will not recover on its own, and therefore, an ambitious economic plan must be implemented. The goal of this plan is to double the Estonian economy by 2035 and provide entrepreneurs with clarity, drive, and access to capital, achieved in cooperation with ministries and businesses.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He thanks the audience and announces that he is concluding the discussion of today's fifth question.