Continuation of the first reading of the Bill on the Tax on Sweetened Beverages (418 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-05-02 13:05
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 117
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 6m
AI Summaries: 117/117 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The draft law on the tax on sweetened beverages (Bill 418) was presented for discussion in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament). The debate primarily focused on the structure of the tax and its anticipated effects from the perspective of both public health and the state budget. Technically, the stated objectives of the tax were reducing sugar consumption and promoting healthy lifestyles, particularly among children and young people. However, opposition parties raised several critical questions: Will the tax guarantee the expected health benefits, or is its primary function revenue generation? Furthermore, is the tax design sufficiently evidence-based, legally sound, and administratively feasible? The Minister and the parliamentary groups cited the health impact, international experience (e.g., Portugal, Great Britain, Latvia, Finland), and the analyses included in the assessment of the tax law’s effects as the main points of reference. Additionally, the discussion covered national engagement, potential cooperation with producers and other stakeholders, and the responsibility of schools and the education system in promoting health objectives.
An agreement was ultimately reached not to interrupt the first reading, allowing the bill to proceed to the second reading. Agreement was also reached regarding deadlines, post-evaluation obligations, and the necessity of impact assessments (future evaluations and analyses for public sector appraisal). The voting results on the bill indicated that the objections (the motion to reject the bill) were not adopted (the votes for and against were 22 and 51, respectively, thus determining the outcome). Consequently, the main features established during the first reading largely remained unchanged, and the legislative procedure will continue with the second reading.
Decisions Made 1
The first reading was concluded. Bill 418 proceeds to the second reading; the voting result on the proposals (to reject Bill 418, the sweet drink tax bill, during the first reading) was 22 in favor and 51 against. Deadlines and the obligation for subsequent evaluation were specified (evaluations and analyses until 2029, followed by possible amendments).
Most Active Speaker
Tanel Kiik (SDE) was the most visibly active speaker during the presentations; his participation reflects his sectoral influence and left-leaning political position (left). He spoke consistently, asked questions, and expressed his stance on the relationship between health policy and a sustainable budget, stressing that the tax aims to improve healthy lifestyles and the school environment, and that the tax’s impact must be evaluated in conjunction with other measures (promoting physical activity, school meals, and prevention activities).
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Riigikogu will proceed with the pending matter following the conclusion of the presentation by Health Minister Riina Sikkut. This will be followed by a round of questions, for which Aivar Kokk is registered, and Eero Merilind is registered to participate in the ensuing debate.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He notes that punishing soda drinkers is pointless and suggests, in order to promote healthier eating, reducing the tax on fruits and vegetables, as his faction has proposed.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that achieving a long and healthy life requires healthy eating and sufficient physical activity. Furthermore, the purpose of the sugary drink tax is to reduce the consumption of high-calorie, low-nutritional-value beverages among children and youth, not to penalize them. She added that the cost of the shopping basket will not increase due to milk, dairy products, or bread, as that is a separate discussion.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Lauri Laats to the stage.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats asks whether the sugar or sweetened products tax truly improves public health, and whether the objective isn't merely to bring 25 million into the state treasury, and why the draft bill includes a study commissioned from Australia, and how much that study cost.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that in Estonia, a tax aimed at achieving health goals is being implemented to reduce sugar consumption and promote health, not to maximize tax revenue, and various analyses, including an impact assessment, have been commissioned to evaluate its effect.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev critically questioned whether the tax on sugary drinks genuinely improves children's health, or if it is merely a measure driven by the need to finance the state budget. He referenced Portugal's experience and figures from the Estonian Food Industry Association, which showed that childhood obesity actually increased after the tax was implemented.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that the sweetened beverage tax is not a nationwide weight loss program, but rather a tool for preventing long-term health risks. Furthermore, the examples of Portugal and Great Britain prove that a reduction in consumption and energy intake, along with changes to recipes, decreases health problems and premature death, and does not lead to the substitution of soda with candy.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Tanel Kiik to the floor and asks him to deliver his speech.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik emphasizes the importance of policy continuity, expecting the support of the Centre Party and Isamaa, similar to 2017. Furthermore, he asks the Minister of Health for an overview of other measures aimed at improving children's health, beyond just the sugary drink tax.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut confirms that the sugary drinks tax is the same as it was in 2017, and tax rates will be updated in line with the rising cost of living, as additional analyses and public awareness campaigns provide strong evidence for this. Furthermore, implementation will focus on school meals, promoting physical activity, regulating the school environment, and restricting the use of smart devices so that children acquire healthy habits and water becomes their primary thirst-quenching drink.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
This text is not the content of a speech, but a request to Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski.
Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He/She recalls that previously in school, it was readily possible to buy lemonade and other sweet drinks from the school cafeteria, and asks what the situation is now: are these drinks available in school cafeterias, and is there a plan to reduce children's consumption of them.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
A national decision is not required, but schools, with the support of parents and staff and based on the guidelines of the Health Development Institute, can remove sugary drinks from the school cafeteria and offer healthy alternatives, such as salads, fruits, and drinking water.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Since the mid-1990s, the importance of health promotion and disease prevention has grown in Estonia, and efforts have been made to reduce sugar consumption. However, sweeteners—both natural and synthetic—have become increasingly prevalent, raising the question of whether the tax ensures that sugar substitutes do not gain an unfair advantage.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas asks that Urve Tiidus be called to the stage.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that sugar substitutes will be taxed more strictly than natural sugar—the tax applies to natural sugar starting from the fifth gram, but for sweeteners, it applies from the first gram—and the purpose of the taxes is to prevent the replacement of sugar with synthetic sweeteners.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Aleksei Jevgrafov to speak.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jevgrafov recommended that instead of implementing a sugary drink tax, efforts should be focused more heavily on promoting sports participation. He also suggested increasing collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education and Research, and strengthening support for recreational sports in schools to foster a healthy lifestyle.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stresses that the movement standard for young people is a minimum of 60 minutes a day, but the role of nutrition is more significant, and both aspects must be promoted concurrently. Movement has already been implemented in kindergartens under the "Seikluste Laegas" (Adventure Chest) program. Furthermore, the "Liikuma Kutsuv Kool" (School that Invites Movement) and "Sport Kool" programs are being launched in schools, and a physical activity plan covering the entire lifespan is being developed in cooperation with the Ministers of Education, Culture, and Health.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas asked Priit Sibul to speak.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul stated that he does not support the draft legislation, as it is primarily budget-related, and requested a specific list of taxable products, while avoiding references to European Union regulations.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut said that although the 2017 tax had a flawed design and its implementation was complicated and expensive, the tax is well suited for achieving health goals, provided that drinks containing added sugar or sweeteners are taxed (sodas, energy drinks, sugary waters, sports drinks, and juice drinks), but milk and dairy products, natural juices without added sugar, medicines, certain sweet drinks prepared on site at the point of sale, and beverages intended for export are exempt from taxation.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Jüri Ratas invites Lauri Laats to take the floor.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats criticized the government’s tax corridor and sugar tax plan, pointing out that the increase in excise and consumption taxes, coupled with rising fees and levies, will make groceries more expensive and the purchase of healthy food more difficult. He also asked what the government could do better to ensure that people’s diets remain diverse and healthy.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut said that the commissioned study did not cost Estonia anything separately, because it is a WHO analysis, and since Estonia is a WHO member, we can provide input on the topics of the research, but we do not have to pay a separate study-specific fee. Furthermore, the discussion regarding the taxation of sugary drinks or all sugar-containing products is optional, and implementing the tax is not mandatory, and its impact on the food basket or people's choices is not noticeable.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Ratas calls upon Helir-Valdor Seeder to speak.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder claims that the draft bill lacks a scientific basis and an impact analysis concerning the situation in Estonia, arguing that its primary objective is financial revenue, not health. He is also seeking a legal commentary and highlights concerns regarding the unequal treatment of producers.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut urged everyone to read the explanatory memorandum, emphasizing that the tax on soft drinks containing 5% added sugar is evidence-based and could have a significant impact on long-term health and the state budget. She added that distinctions regarding other sugar-containing products must be considered within the context of EU law, which is similar to the practice in other countries; therefore, she requested that pages 22–23 of the explanatory memorandum be read.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas addresses Siim Pohlak and asks him to speak.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak criticizes the government for its yearning for a soft dictatorship, arguing that taxation and the restriction of consumption complicate matters. However, he does not support tax hikes and instead calls for a positive program aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that the government has absolutely no desire to impose a dictatorship, and that taxes are a democratically standard tool for directing consumption and promoting public health and the environment, including environmental taxes, alcohol and tobacco excises, the sweet drink tax, and the car tax. Furthermore, the impact of the sweet drink tax is evidence-based—an approximately 10% price increase reduces consumption by about 9%.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Arvo Aller to take the floor.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller says that the year has not changed the governing culture or attitude, and the steamroller is moving ahead; tax increases are continuing, and the income tax law and the sweet drink tax law were adopted without an intention to draft, and he asks why the government is not preparing that intention to draft.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
This question refers to the practice over the last five years or more where a large portion of bills are fast-tracked and processed without the required preliminary assessment (VTK), which is not considered good legislative practice. Furthermore, the decision to implement the sweet drink tax was made in mid-September, indicating that background analyses and stakeholder consultations have already been completed, and that the positions of the interest groups are known and will not change.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas addresses a procedural question to Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder addresses the presiding officer, asking whether the chamber is permitted to debate draft legislation that fails to adhere to good legislative practice. He then stresses that the usual procedure cannot be followed due to the urgency of the matter and requests clarification.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas stated that the decision to bring the draft legislation to the chamber floor depends first and foremost on the lead committee, and his personal view is that we should adhere to good legislative practice, even though practices unfortunately vary and this may not be done every single time.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The report highlights that taxes intended for the purpose of state budget revenue do not change consumer behavior, and that the sugar tax is not an effective tool for improving public health, and further, that changes must begin with the home, physical activity, and school.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that although international experience with sugar taxes varies and no single model can be simply copied, there has been a clearly growing trend over the last seven years for more and more countries to tax sweetened beverages—soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, and juice drinks—due to their high sugar content and associated health risks.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called on Riina Solman to speak.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman argues that the proposed sugar tax will neither solve the problem nor ensure budget fulfillment. She emphasizes the equal treatment of food groups and a wider product range, and questions whether involvement means merely listening or genuinely taking into account what the producers have actually said.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that taxing sugary drinks is clearly justified and targeted for the sake of young people's health, but taxing all sugar in food products would be administratively complex and require more extensive discussion. At the same time, she stressed that engagement with interest groups must be substantive, although there is no requirement for proposals to be mandatorily taken into account, despite the existence of an obligation to respond and a comprehensive coordination table.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman invited Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to take the floor.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speaker criticizes the fact that during the economic downturn, more and more new taxes and fines are being introduced—including VAT, income tax, excise duties, the sugar tax, and increased state fees—which burden businesses and individuals. The speaker also asks why healthcare financing is not addressed holistically and why ministers are only called to the table when new taxes are being implemented.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that a strong left-wing party would be more beneficial for Estonia. She praised the cooperation between the Centre Party and the Social Democrats and recalled previous increases in funding for pensions, child benefits, and healthcare. She emphasized that the rise in defense spending forces the state to increase revenue through taxation (income tax and VAT), noting that the sweet drink tax, which takes effect in 2026, aligns with IMF recommendations. Although it was not implemented during the economic downturn, she concluded that it is better late than never.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asked Helir-Valdor Seeder to speak.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder criticized the bill's justification, citing one-sided examples, pointed to different practices around the world, and questioned why tap water couldn't be free in public eateries and why they had to resort to taxation.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut emphasizes that health depends on consumption behavior, not on the composition of individual food items, and although sweetened drinks are absorbed quickly and eating chocolate every day is not a health recommendation, drinking soda reduces vegetable consumption among teenagers compared to consuming tap water.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The presenter must answer the question, and after that, we will move on to the next one.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut emphasizes that free tap water in schools and the workplace is beneficial for health, and she is ready to discuss creating an obligation for manufacturers. However, taxation is still under discussion, and both consumers and producers can avoid the tax by changing their choices and product formulations.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas turns to Priit Sibul and asks for something.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul stressed that the impact analysis for the draft bill has not been carried out, and the effect seems more like a punishment than a motivator. He also asked how the price increase would actually affect consumers and whether the funds could instead be directed towards product development.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut said that the explanatory memorandum describes the impact and includes numerical assessments if necessary, and mandates an analysis, no later than January 1, 2029, of whether the law's objective has been met and what effects have resulted from its implementation, which allows the tax to be adjusted if necessary. She added that future discussion must focus on product development and making recipes healthier (reducing salt, sugar, and saturated fatty acids), although regarding soda, she does not see the state focusing on product development. Furthermore, the proportionality of the tax and administrative costs must remain justified in order to better achieve public health goals, with the discussion continuing after 2029.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The speech was simply a request to call Siim Pohlak to the stage.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak warns that taxing harmful things could turn into an endless revenue stream and lead to a hidden yearning for dictatorship, where, for example, eating meat or even just existing could be taxed or prohibited.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut said that a tax designed to modify behavior that harms the environment or health is international practice, and a discussion must be held on whether public health provides sufficient justification for using such a fiscal instrument. In her opinion, it is sufficient, and she hopes that the same will hold true when the bill is voted on.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Kalle Grünthal to speak.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal is accusing Riina Sikkut of breaking the law, asserting that the draft bill was flawed and that she denied its urgent nature. He also exposes the tax as being part of a crippling scheme, pointing to ESTDEV funding in foreign nations, specifically 518,000 euros in Moldova and 400,000 euros in Georgia.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Health Minister Riina Sikkut said that asking a question is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Riina Solman is called onto the stage at the beginning of the address.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman labeled the minister's response as demagogic, stating that the suggestions put forth by cooperation experts are being ignored. She subsequently raised the issue of added sugar in baked goods and requested international examples and preventative measures to address the situation.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stressed in her speech that the sugary drink tax represents a compromise. The various parties involved are seeking different approaches; some want a higher rate or a broader tax base, while others want the opposite. However, the majority supports the taxation measure as a stronger tool for promoting public health, with only water being excluded from the tax.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Tanel Kiik to the stage.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik was startled by Kovalenko-Kõlvart’s comment that all Centre Party members who supported the sugar tax have left, and he questions whether taxing unhealthy products is immoral or if healthy products should be taxed instead.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that the purpose of taxation is to reduce choices that are detrimental to the environment and health. This raises the question of why unhealthy choices are being taxed, while the taxation of healthy choices is also under consideration.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas called Rene Kokk forward and asked him to speak.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk points out that the tax being discussed is actually intended to fulfill the budget, criticizes the coalition for prioritizing rhetoric over action, and calls for adherence to sound legislative practice and for processing the VTK as is duly required by law and custom.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut proposed implementing a sugar-sweetened beverage tax in Estonia starting January 1, 2026, in order to combat the rapid rise of obesity among children and adults. She asserted that international experience demonstrates the effectiveness of such measures, though good legislative practice must continue to be observed.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas invites Arvo Aller to appear.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In Arvo Aller's speech, the issue is raised that the taxation of small producers and farm producers is organized unfairly, and beverages prepared at fairs are tax-exempt. He criticizes the lack of control and asks how drinks sweetened with the addition of honey are taxed, and whether the content of honey and sugar is taken into account during the taxation process.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut explained that the tax applies to beverages where the sugar content exceeds 5 g per 100 ml or which contain artificial sweeteners, based on the information provided on the product label. If honey is added, but the sweetness level does not rise above 5 g/100 ml, the tax does not apply. Craft lemonades that are prepared locally without an industrial label are exempt from the tax, but industrially produced and labeled products may be subject to it, and verification will be based on the information on the label.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Kalle Grünthal to speak.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal criticized the distribution of state taxpayers' money worldwide, citing the 101 million euros spent last year and the plan to funnel funds to Georgia and Moldova. He asked the rapporteur if they felt any embarrassment and warned that such activities could harm Estonia’s interests.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that she does not feel embarrassed and could neither confirm nor deny whether 100 million is the correct figure, but emphasized that Estonia is and remains committed to supporting Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine in the name of democracy and accession to the European Union, and this is a shared moral obligation of the entire Estonian people, financed by taxpayers' money.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Aivar Sõerd is invited to speak.
Aivar Sõerd
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Sõerd claimed that regarding this tax, the revenue is likely overestimated and the expenditure underestimated, and he presented specific questions to the Finance Committee concerning fixed costs, the number of officials working in the Tax and Customs Board, and the resulting additional economic outlay, noting that the responses have not yet been provided.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that the goal of the sugar tax is to modify the behavior of consumers and producers, and the tax will take effect on January 1, 2026. However, revenues might be lower than projected due to undercollection, and costs over the first four years are approximately 5 million euros (40% of which is a one-off expense), with the annual cost being around 750,000 euros. Furthermore, the decrease in consumption might be greater than anticipated.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas asked Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to take the floor.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
It was a short, but heartfelt thank you.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called for silence in the chamber and apologized.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart stresses that the registration fee is discriminatory, a fact confirmed by the European Commission. She adds that similar conflicts with EU law could arise concerning the proposed car tax and the sweet beverage tax bills. Therefore, she argues, these bills should be withdrawn immediately. She also asks whether the government intends to consult with the European Commission to ensure the drafts comply with EU law.
Terviseminister Riina Sikkut
AI Summary
Riina Sikkut stated that the car registration fee is not standard practice in Estonia, and an assessment from the commission is required if the tax is intended to be implemented in a non-standard way. She added that the sweet drink tax is common practice and does not constitute state aid; if necessary, an additional assessment will be sought from the European Commission.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas thanked the minister for the report and the responses, stated that there were no questions, and invited Annely Akkermann, Chair of the Riigikogu Finance Committee, to deliver her presentation.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann stated that the bill was discussed with Riina Sikkut in the Finance Committee on April 18th. The minister introduced it thoroughly, confirming that dairy products are not included in the scope of the bill. The Tax and Customs Board has calculated 5 million euros for administrative costs over a four-year period. Furthermore, the connections between nutrition, physical activity, and sports concerning sugar consumption were debated. The committee subsequently made procedural decisions, including the plan to move the bill to the plenary session agenda and designate the lead committee as the representative.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The manager asked whether the date mentioned was May 17th or May 16th.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann says that she has April 30th and May 15th, and she doesn't know how those workdays fall on the calendar.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas stated that there were no further questions, thanked the participants, and opened the floor for debate, inviting Eero Merilind, the representative of the Reform Party faction, to deliver his address.
Eero Merilind
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Eero Merilind is calling on the Riigikogu to adopt a progressive tax on sugary drinks in order to improve public health, promote balanced nutrition, and reduce obesity. He bases this proposal on both international experience and Estonian studies, emphasizing that the revenue generated could be directed toward school meals and fostering physical activity habits among children.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked [the previous speaker] and, speaking from the Riigikogu rostrum, gave the floor to Lauri Laats, the representative of the Estonian Centre Party faction.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats states in his presentation that the sugar tax is not an effective tool for improving public health, and that it unfairly increases the burden of consumption taxes on low- and middle-income individuals. He emphasizes the necessity of preventative work and promoting sports culture, and notes that the Centre Party faction does not support this bill.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Ratas noted that the wish which had remained unmentioned in the letter was ongoing, and invited Arvo Aller, the representative of the EKRE faction, to the podium.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller says that Bill 418 concerning the tax on sugary drinks is purely for filling the state budget, and not for improving the health of the Estonian people. He argues this because it will raise prices, and the Latvian experience shows that money allocated for health improvement does not change outcomes. He stresses that prevention must be emphasized, especially increasing children's physical activity, and he condemns the replacement of physical education classes in schools and the resulting burden on teachers.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas requests three extra minutes.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The EKRE faction does not support the bill and proposes rejecting the sweet drink tax act at the first reading, justifying this by arguing that personnel costs are increasing with a 25 million budget, and revenue collection is uncertain, given the continuation of the car tax, yesterday’s raised excise duties and VAT, and other taxes planned for the future.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Ratas announced that Tanel Kiik is currently representing the Social Democrats' faction at the podium, and the authorization is already on its way.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik requests three minutes of extra time.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Jüri Ratas requests eight minutes.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik, speaking on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction, supports the sweetened beverage tax, emphasizing that the arguments from 2017 have not changed and the goal is to guide people towards healthier choices, not to establish a dictatorship.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanks [the previous speaker/person] and poses a procedural question to Priit Sibul.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul asked whether the Riigikogu Board has convened or plans to convene, and whether they are considering postponing the discussion of the next item due to today being Maundy Thursday. He also inquired about the solutions available to avoid upsetting Orthodox believers.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas stated that despite receiving appeals and even a phone call with the Speaker of the Riigikogu, the board has not discussed the matter separately. Since the agenda has already been confirmed, it is not possible to remove this item from the agenda today, unless the rapporteur fails to appear or the initiator decides not to make the presentation.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas responded briefly and affirmatively: "Yes, please!"
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder confirmed that the sugar tax is an inappropriate and harmful tax that increases bureaucracy, burdens both citizens and businesses, and damages the Estonian economy. Furthermore, the Isamaa faction does not support it and intends to reject the bill during the first reading.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Isamaa has already submitted one proposal.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He sums it up briefly: something is there, but having a double safeguard won't hurt.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The statement simply said there were two pieces.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced that this was a response statement, noted the harmonization of the date, and promised to discuss how to vote, while also inviting Tanel Kiik to come and speak.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik is clarifying the historical facts regarding the sweet drink tax, explaining that Helir-Valdor Seeder was elected as the chairman of IRL after supporting the measure in parliament, and calls for consistency in political stances.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas declared the debate closed and announced that the lead committee wishes to conclude the first reading of Draft Act 418. There are three similar proposals on the table from the factions of the Estonian Conservative People's Party, the Estonian Centre Party, and Isamaa, all of which aim to reject the bill during the first reading, and a vote must now be held.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Estonian Centre Party faction requests a 10-minute recess before the vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Thank you! The break lasts 10 minutes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar proposed rejecting the first reading of Bill No. 418 – the Sweetened Beverage Tax Act – submitted by the Isamaa, Estonian Centre Party, and EKRE factions, and requested that a position be adopted.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Twenty-two members of the Riigikogu voted in favor of the proposal and fifty-one voted against it. Consequently, the proposal failed to gain support. The first reading of Draft Bill 418 has been concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments is 17:15 on May 16th of the current year.