Plenary Sessions

The Riigikogu session began with a ceremonial welcome, during which support for Ukraine was expressed and the floor was given to the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament, Mr. Ruslan Stefanchuk. Stefanchuk delivered an emotional and thorough speech before the Riigikogu, in which he thanked Estonia for its unwavering and early support, emphasizing that Estonia was among the few who provided Ukraine with weapons even before the full-scale invasion. He highlighted Estonia’s contribution in the form of Javelin missiles, howitzers, and Mistral air defense systems, as well as humanitarian aid and the imposition of sanctions. He separately recognized nine statements adopted by the Riigikogu in support of Ukraine, including the decision to recognize the 1944 deportation of the Crimean Tatars as genocide.

Stefanchuk made a compelling call to accelerate and increase military assistance, requesting, above all, air defense systems to protect Ukraine's sky and the lifting of restrictions on the use of long-range missile systems against military targets in the Russian Federation. He introduced President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s five-point victory plan, which focuses on a swift invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, strengthening defense capabilities, a strategic non-nuclear deterrent package, the joint protection of critical raw materials, and the contribution of Ukrainian soldiers to European security after the war. Stefanchuk emphasized Estonia’s leading role in creating ammunition and IT coalitions, and in ensuring long-term strategic support (0.25% of GDP). He called for investment in Ukraine’s defense industry and stressed that security guarantees must be a two-way street. Finally, he thanked Estonia for creating a mechanism for using Russia’s frozen assets and for rebuilding the Zhytomyr region, affirming that Estonia and Ukraine’s shared pursuit of freedom will lead to victory.

The Riigikogu’s first reading concerned draft resolution 487 submitted by the Estonian Centre Party’s faction, regarding a temporary solidarity tax on the banking sector for the years 2025–2027. The draft resolution was presented to the Riigikogu speaker’s rostrum by Andrei Korobeinik, and the discussion primarily focused on whether the taxation of banks' excessive profits would provide additional revenue to the state budget, and what the impact might be on the economy and consumption. Comparisons were made during the debate concerning Lithuania's experiences, changes to Euribor, and loans, including mortgages, and there was also criticism directed at the proposal, arguing that the tax must be distributed fairly and the economy should not be unduly harmed. As a committee step, it was initially decided to bring the draft resolution to the plenary agenda and Aivar Sõerd was named the lead committee member, but ultimately, the draft resolution was not adopted and was rejected.

The Riigikogu considered the second reading of bill 516, the Act amending the Accounting Act and, consequently, other Acts, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The purpose of the bill is to implement sustainability reporting and to specify its content and formal requirements in accordance with the European Union’s sustainability reporting directive, which is part of the European Commission’s Green Deal framework. The bill prohibits and/or restricts certain obligations for large enterprises and raises the thresholds for accounting obligations and audit control, but at the same time introduces clearer requirements for adherence to and standardization of reporting. The sustainability report will be part of the annual financial statements and will be published digitally; the aim is to align reports with European standards, allowing for a better overview of the environmental, social and governance impacts and risks of enterprises. The debate focused primarily on assessing the size of the administrative burden and costs and on how the regulation will affect the economy and competitiveness.

The Riigikogu discussed the first reading of the draft law amending the Customs Act, initiated by the Republic's Government, 515. The presenter, Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, introduced the main objectives of the draft: improving customs supervision, eliminating excessive regulations, and expanding the powers of the Tax and Customs Board (MTA). Significant changes include abolishing the special procedure previously applied to goods imported by the Defence Forces, transitioning to the European Union's unified customs clearance procedure. Also invalidated is the three-year customs supervision obligation on goods imported tax-free by employees of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations (e.g., furniture, household appliances), as it is administratively burdensome and involves trivial sums. In addition, the circle of MTA employees authorized to wear uniform is expanded, granting this right to the MTA's Director General and instructors at the Academy of the Interior’s finance college. During the debate, most questions arose regarding the expansion of the list of special equipment for the MTA’s investigative department (restraint devices, vehicle forced stop device, technical barrier) and the increase in the fine rate for legal entities for customs offenses from 3200 euros to 100,000 euros. Minister Ligi justified the increase in the fine rate with the need to ensure adequate deterrence, particularly for business entities involved in international trade, where the profitability of illegal activities (e.g., handling liquid fuel) is high. The representative of the Economic Affairs Committee, Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, confirmed that the committee decided unanimously to propose ending the first reading.

The agenda includes an inquiry regarding the leasing of prison spaces and addresses the possibility of renting Estonian prisons to foreign countries, particularly in connection with the interest of the United Kingdom and broader subject investigations. The inquiry was derived from media coverage at the end of August, which discussed plans for foreign countries to use prison spaces. The Riigikogu’s questions focused primarily on whether the negotiations involve other countries besides the United Kingdom, what conditions would exist within Estonia for the reception of prisoners, and what post-sentence return schemes would be in place. Concerns were also raised about the treatment of prisoners with dignity, the terms of the contracts, and humanitarian and security risks.

In connection with Minister Liisa-Ly Pakost's cooperation with speakers, a broad discussion took place regarding the objectives of the preliminary consultations and the red lines to be followed when concluding contracts. The minister's responses clarified that negotiations have not yet been initiated with any country, and that on September 26th, permission was given at the cabinet meeting to hold preliminary consultations with various countries; this does not signify the realization of the project, but rather the continuation of a research and assessment process. The need to ensure safety, human rights, and lawful restrictions was also highlighted, along with potential economic viability and the development of local communities. The entire discussion demonstrates an interest in understanding the risks and added value, but efforts are currently moving in the direction of preparation and analysis, not towards a final decision.

The Riigikogu discussed the second agenda item, which concerned the inquiry submitted on September 17 by members of the Riigikogu: Lauri Laats, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Andrei Korobeinik, and Vladimir Arhipov regarding the care reform. The inquiry addressed the distribution of care responsibilities and funding between local governments and the state, the reform’s impact on general care, the growth of home care services, and potential legal resolutions in light of the National Audit Office’s audit results. The central theme was whether and how the accessibility, affordability, and quality of services are ensured, and what the financial risks are for local governments related to the increase in care costs.

The Riigikogu discussed interpellation number 647, submitted by members of the EKRE faction, regarding tax increases and their impact on the Estonian economy. Siim Pohlak, speaking on behalf of the interpellers, highlighted concerns regarding classified impact assessments within the Ministry of Finance, the risk of bankruptcy for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the tax chaos created by the government. He also asked why state defense investments are preferred to be financed through tax increases rather than targeted bonds. Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi rejected the interpellers’ dramatic depiction of the situation, claiming that the main reasons for the economic downturn are the war, the coronavirus, high Euribor rates, and the weakness of the Nordic markets, not the tax increases, most of which have not yet come into effect. Ligi emphasized that Estonia's tax system remains one of the most competitive in the world and that the increase in VAT has a neutral effect on the economy. He explained that state defense must be funded with permanent revenue, not loans. The debate was extremely tense and personal. The opposition (primarily EKRE members Martin Helme, Helle-Moonika Helme, Rain Epler, Mart Helme, Riina Solman and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart) largely focused on criticizing Ligi’s performance from the previous week, accusing him of insulting female colleagues and lying. Ligi refused to apologize, claiming that his words had been misinterpreted and that the opposition was engaging in defamation. Substantive economic questions were largely overshadowed by personal bickering.

Inquiry No. 642 addressed the questions posed by members of the Riigikogu, Jaak Valge and Varro Vooglaid, regarding the confiscation of an Estonian soldier memorial on the Lihula road in September 2024. The petitioners criticized the government's actions, considering them disgraceful and supportive of the suppression of the memory of those who fought for Estonia’s independence. Jaak Valge emphasized that the memorial was a copy of the 2004 monument, which a semiotic expertise did not identify as containing Nazi symbolism, and that the 1944 leadership of the Republic of Estonia called on men to fight against the Red Army, regardless of uniform.

The Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, responded that the government respects freedom fighters, but the police’s actions were justified in preventing an offense. He highlighted two reasons: the planned installation of the monument in a prohibited road safety zone and received information regarding the presence of Nazi symbolism, which required expertise. Läänemets denied the execution of a special operation and stressed that a minister lacks the competence to direct police operations. During the debate, Läänemets confirmed that the commissioned expert analyses did not identify any prohibited symbolism on the memorial. The petitioners (Vooglaid, Lukas, Põlluaas) demanded the immediate return of the monument and a public apology, highlighting the government’s double standards compared to the red symbolism located on the Defense Forces’ cemetery, which Läänemets condemned in the same instance.

The last item on the agenda concerned the inquiry presented by Members of the Riigikogu, Jaak Valge, Henn Põlluaas, Ants Frosch, and Leo Kunnas, on September 9, 2024, regarding the provision of international protection to Ukrainian men of mobilization age (no. 643). The presenter of the inquiry was Henn Põlluaas, and the content of the inquiry focused primarily on why Ukrainian men of mobilization age are receiving international protection, what the basis for this is, and what it means for everyone. The figures presented and discussed highlighted significantly large differences between national protection forms and raised questions about the logic of granting temporary and international protection and the nature of the applications.

The first reading in the Riigikogu's speaking queue: Bill 439, amending the Act on the Implementation of the Code of Civil Procedure and the Enforcement Procedure Act. The purpose of the bill is to give those who received a court decision before January 1, 2006, a new opportunity to file a motion for review based on a new ground, due to significant evidence that emerged later (a so-called retrospective review), within six months after the entry into force of the relevant amendment. The content includes amendments to § 1 and additions regarding the grounds and deadlines for review, with the aim of reducing unexpected deficiencies in justice in older decisions. The central debate concerned legal certainty, the sacred protection of property, and how to ensure the possibility of re-examining decisions without creating a precedent.

The discussion continued on agenda item 510, the first reading of the draft law amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel, and Electricity Excise Tax Act and other laws, which had been left unfinished at the previous session. The debate was concluded, and the vote proceeded on a proposal to reject the draft. The leading committee had proposed ending the reading, but the Isamaa, Estonian Center Party, and the Conservative People’s Party factions submitted a joint proposal to reject the draft in the first reading.

The proposal to reject the draft did not receive support, with 27 members of the Riigikogu voting in favor and 56 against. Therefore, the first reading of draft 510 was concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments was set for 5:15 PM on October 30th of this year.

The agenda included the Riigikogu’s first reading of Bill 506 amending the Prison Law. The bill concerns the provision of detention services in Tallinn Prison and related budget allocations, as well as organizational changes made at the local level. The justification states that a significant portion of the costs must be covered through further cuts to the prison service budget, and for the provision of the service, a portion of the operations will be transferred to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice in a detention center being established at Tallinn Prison. Critical attention was focused on both logistical and law enforcement principles: how the transfer of detention, arrest, and 48-hour custody to Tallinn will be handled, and how human rights, medical services, and supervisory services will be guaranteed. The discussion of the bill raised numerous technical and financial questions and involved several members of parliament and the minister presenting the bill.

The third item on the agenda concerned the procedure for the first reading of draft resolution 521 of the Riigikogu, "Recognizing the expulsion of the Crimean Tatars in 1944 as an act of genocide." The submitted resolution had the participation of 54 members of the Riigikogu, and the foreign affairs committee was designated as the leading committee; the Riigikogu board accepted the resolution into procedure on October 8th. The content of the resolution focused on three main themes: firstly, the affirmation that this was an act of genocide – the deportation of the Crimean Tatars and the destruction of these people has fallen into one of history’s darkest categories; secondly, the contemporary situation on the Crimean peninsula, where Russia has continued a repressive policy since 2014 and the suppression of cultural and national identity; thirdly, the statement that Crimea belongs to Ukraine and must in the future be part of Ukraine’s composition so that the indigenous people can return to their homeland.

The authors of the resolution expressed solidarity with Ukraine and the Crimean Tatars and called on the international community to recognize and confirm the past and present status of Crimea as part of Ukraine. It was also emphasized that, as the genocide continues through historical and contemporary events, it is important that states and international organizations respond and preserve memory and justice in an international context. For the members of the Riigikogu, it was important to demonstrate historical responsibility and to create a space for discussion and legal assessment that could contribute to international accountability and future decisions regarding the status of Crimea.

The fourth agenda item concerned the procedure for the first reading before the Riigikogu of the draft state budget law amendment 511. The Minister of Finance, Jürgen Ligi, delivered the presentation from the Riigikogu rostrum. The main message was that the draft's purpose is to increase the transparency of the state budget from 2025 and to abolish the unnecessary requirement of a stability program in accordance with the new fiscal rules of the European Union. Due to the amendments, the economic content of expenditures will be added to the activity-based allocation by institution, and this information will be incorporated as part of the explanatory notes to the state budget. However, the draft should not change the established expenditure limits or the flexibility of state budget usage and reduces the government’s requirement to prepare a stability program, which is in line with EU reforms. The debate focused on both the technical content of the draft and whether it increases transparency and reduces risks associated with the constitution. A second part of the discussion raised criticism that full visibility of expenditure lines may not be guaranteed and that alternative proposals might be needed or a quicker route to increase transparency. Overall, the need for continued open discussion and potential amendments by parliament was emphasized.

The Riigikogu began debate on the draft security tax bill initiated by the Republic’s Government, first reading 512. The presenter, Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi, justified the need for the tax due to the accelerated growth of security expenditures (over 3% of GDP) triggered by Russia's aggressive war and the consequences of eight years of living on borrowed funds. The security tax is temporary (until the end of 2028) and broad-based, consisting of a 2% increase in value-added tax (effective 01.07.2025), a 2% additional component of personal income tax, and a 2% taxation of business profits (both effective 01.01.2026). Ligi emphasized that the revenue collected (forecasted at 2.3 billion euros) would only partially cover the additional security expenditures (3.3 billion plus broad-based security).

The debate was tense and focused on the earmarked nature of the tax. The opposition (Isamaa, EKRE, Keskerakond) accused the government of patching budget deficits under the label of the security tax and covering the Reform Party’s election promises, particularly concerning the exemption from income tax for high earners. Criticism was directed at the increase in consumption taxes and the tax’s negative impact on the economy and the ability of low-income people to cope. Coalition politicians (Eesti 200, SDE) supported the bill, stating that every euro would go towards security and that it is an emergency and earmarked measure necessary to strengthen Estonia's defense capabilities. The opposition made three rejection proposals, which were voted down (19 in favor, 56 against). The first reading of the bill was concluded.

The Riigikogu discussed the draft law on the 2025 state budget in the first reading, number 513. Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi was appointed to deliver the presentation. Issues were raised regarding twists and turns in tax and budget policy and defense spending, reference was made to the balance between economic growth and inflation, and significant investments and managed volumes from both national and European Union funds were highlighted. Concerns were also raised regarding superficial questions about transparency and fixed resource allocations, and a discussion was held on the balance between sustainable security and economic growth. The final objective of the draft law is clarity in the activities of budget institutions and transparency in the state budget, and cooperation between the governing coalition and the opposition in the name of balance between security, the social sphere, and the economy.

The draft concerns the act amending the Social Welfare Act and the Value Added Tax Act (mental health services) for the first reading. The aim is to increase the accessibility of mental health services and to create a state budget resource for local governments to provide these services, with a focus on developing low-threshold and easily accessible services close to where people live. Funding will be distributed based on population, with a minimum and maximum support amount per local government of €6,000–€96,000. The purpose of the funding is to be used purposefully and to collect feedback on how the money is spent and the availability of services, in order to better develop mental health services on a national scale and to understand which services are available in different local governments. Based on data from 2023, experience has already been gained with project-based funding, and the desire is to transition to a large-scale support fund model, which will help to harmonize the accessibility of services and reduce bureaucracy in local applications.

The first reading will address bill 508, an initiated draft law amending the Social Welfare Act, which concerns support for pensioners. The bill stipulates that a single pensioner will receive an annual support payment of 200 euros, and starting in 2025, this amount will no longer be paid to those living in general welfare institutions. In addition, the correction of placement fees for nursing homes and general welfare homes, as well as the distribution of resources between local municipalities, will be addressed. The bill is estimated to affect approximately 6700 people, while the total pensioner support represents a larger portion of the funding for welfare programs, and the decision will impact the budget by €1.34 million in 2025 and a projected saving of €1.54 million by 2028. For the first reading, the issue will be placed on the agenda, and it will be recalled that a €200 supplement will be added to the list in October, with the focus of the discussion being the size of the support and how to distribute the funding for local municipalities.

The first question discussed the scope of fraudulent call schemes in Estonia, their statistics, and measures to prevent their activity. Questioner Lauri Laats highlighted the widespread nature of the problem, including how these fraudulent calls often originate in Russian and utilize numbers registered in Estonia, and what is being done in international cooperation to stop them. The topic was addressed as a global and multi-layered problem, concerning both security and the public’s trust in services and the country’s digital safety.

The Riigikogu posed today's second question to the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, concerning electrical equipment and energy security. Aivar Kokk posed the question, addressing whether the state could increase directed energy production and utilize pellet boiler combustion, for example in Narva, to ensure a stable flow of electricity and control consumer prices during the winter period. A key concern raised was the balance between capability and economic viability: whether retrofitting old shale boilers into pellet-based boiler types would be realistic, and whether it could replace or reduce the need for wind and solar energy implementation, especially when these are often unmanageable. Challenges were also raised regarding pellet production volumes, production costs, and the potential impact on state procurements, as well as the need for greater investment in new boilers or biogas plants that could utilize biomethane. Another topic addressed the levels of support for green energy producers and their impact on energy prices, and discussed how to ensure long-term energy security and a competitive price for consumers, taking into account European Union rules and costs associated with climate change.

Riigikogu member Kert Kingo submitted an inquiry to Minister of Health Riina Sikkut regarding the accessibility of medical care, focusing on the government's plan to raise the fee for specialist medical care and emergency room visits from 5 euros to 20 euros. Kingo criticized the sudden fourfold increase, arguing that it will significantly worsen the accessibility of medical care, especially for residents of rural areas with lower incomes, for whom additional transportation costs will make visiting a doctor too expensive, forcing them to choose between medical care and food. She accused the government of saving money at the expense of people's health.

Minister Riina Sikkut explained that the fees have remained at the same level since 2013 and the purpose of the increase is to better target support and motivate behavioral change. Sikkut emphasized that the fee of 5 euros remains for vulnerable groups (children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with reduced ability to work, and recipients of subsistence benefits). The increased 20-euro fee for working people for emergency room visits should motivate them to see a family doctor, as over half of emergency room visits are unnecessary. She added that specialist medical care fees are mostly charged only once a year. Sikkut also pointed out that other Nordic countries have higher fees.

Lauri Laats submitted a clarifying question, criticizing the restriction of emergency room visits in a situation where access to a family doctor is difficult. He also inquired about the deficit of the Health Insurance Fund and the inaccuracy of the financial data presented in the explanatory memorandum of bill 507. Minister Sikkut confirmed that there was an error in the explanatory memorandum (data from the spring forecast was used) and the overall impact of the fee increase and the reduction of patient co-payments for nursing care on the 2025 budget is approximately 20 million euros, in addition to 21 million euros in savings from increased efficiency of the Health Insurance Fund.

The session focused on questions from members of the Riigikogu, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, to the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets (performing the duties of the Prime Minister), directed at the Minister of Finance, Jürgen Ligi, regarding his controversial statements. Tšaplõgin first asked whether criticism of the government is now an anti-state activity, referencing Ligi’s assertion that the Kremlin applauds those who criticize the government. Läänemets distanced himself from Ligi’s position, emphasizing the importance of constructive criticism from the opposition in a democratic society. He explained that complex budgetary decisions, such as covering the healthcare deficit, require unpopular measures. Secondly, Ligi's statement that he is forced to eat canned goods due to high prices was addressed, with Tšaplõgin asking how pensioners and minimum wage earners should view this. Läänemets acknowledged the difficulties faced by low-wage earners and underscored the Social Democrats’ position that the state budget’s problems should be solved through the taxation of wealth, not by raising consumption taxes. Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticized Ligi’s rhetoric, who has reportedly labeled the opposition's expressions as "whining," and claimed that taxes are rising because of Putin, while in Latvia and Lithuania taxes are not rising. Läänemets challenged the tax situation in the neighboring countries and affirmed that tax increases are unavoidable to finance national defense and the welfare state, but repeated that the tax burden must fall on the shoulders of the wealthier, as Estonia's assets have been concentrated in the hands of a small portion of the population.

Today, within the framework of the fifth question of the Riigikogu, topics related to internal security and state security were discussed, represented by the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, in the duties of the Prime Minister (asked by Helir-Valdor Seeder). The discussion focused primarily on internal security, including an overview of hazards and risks and their solutions, touching upon both domestic and international influencing factors. The conversation extended to migration, language and education policy, and other questions of sustainability and security, including the influence of Russian and Belarusian citizens and the subject of the Moscow Patriarchate, viewed from the perspective of Estonian security.

In the background, more technical and political viewpoints emerged regarding different solutions, including the issue of dual citizenship and citizenship by birth, the reading aloud of requirements for DNA testing to enhance internal security, and questions regarding the refugee quota. The discussion raised strong criticism between the government and the opposition and concludes with the note that no decisions were made at this session and further discussion will continue.

This agenda item included a discussion of the sixth question concerning internal security and the defense of the eastern border. The question was raised by Arvo Aller, performing the duties of the Prime Minister, to the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, and focused on the organization of police operations in Sinimägedes (Blue Hills), the safety of the memorial events held there, and the presence of a special unit. The discussion raised questions about the objectives of the police response and the actions taken during those events, as well as the potential consequences for Estonia’s security and the country’s reputation. Of significant importance was the context of Russian hybrid attacks and the impact of memorials on the geopolitical atmosphere, and how these events could affect the country’s security and national unity. The discussion highlighted the need for clarity, accountability, and stricter enforcement of the law regarding memorials and symbolism, which are part of national security.

The seventh question at the Riigikogu session addressed Regional and Agricultural Minister Piret Hartman and the topic of “ferry ticket price increases.” The questioner was Mart Maastik, whose speech emphasized the vital importance of ferry connections to the islands and his concern about the rise in ticket prices and its impact on life, the movement of goods, and tourism. There were also rumors of a possible next increase in ticket prices, and discussion centered on how to limit prices and how to ensure reasonable and sustainable public transport between the major islands through cooperation between the state and local governments. It was pointed out that the ferry connection is not merely a convenience service, but an essential route for access to the islands, and its price affects the wider regional economy and the quality of life for communities.

In the first session, the duties of the Minister of the Interior regarding the topic of police misconduct were discussed at the Riigikogu information session. This was questioned by Member of the Riigikogu Mart Helme, referring to publicly released footage and events of recent weeks (including the Sini­mäged event, demonstrations organized by the Foundation for the Protection of Family and Tradition, and other episodic events), and presenting critical examples of police equipment and operating style. He spoke of patterns and the danger of escalating fear, and asked directly whether the police misconduct would be stopped or further amplified. The second part of the discussion focused on Minister Läänemetsa’s response and the duties and safety of the police, its role in serving the people, and the clarification of boundaries and mechanisms.

The first reading concerns draft law no. 517 to amend the 2024 state budget law, initiated by the Republic's Government. The changes are largely of a technical nature and aimed at the redistribution of funding, not a change in the budget volume. Key points involve the transfer of expenses for defense-related special equipment to investments (€42 million), clarifications directed at infrastructure and land acquisition (respectively €27.6 million and €5.6 million), a reduction in loan obligations as a result of the repayment of loans and guarantees for COVID measures (€82 million), and additional redistribution of funding to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Rural Affairs and Regional Development (respectively €69 million and €13.1 million). In addition, the draft addresses changes concerning the notation of departments related to financing transactions and targeted capital, and the establishment of the Enterprise and Innovation Foundation and the SmartCap defense industry fund. The budget volume is not changed, and the changes are based on the use of previous years' surpluses and a redistribution of financial possibilities.

The Riigikogu discussed the bill regarding amendments to the Income Tax Act and the Defense Service Act, and the bill regarding amendments to the Income Tax Act, for its first reading (509). The main concept of the bill is to continue the existing tax bracket or maintain its validity in 2025, and to increase the unified, tax-free income to 700 euros per month (8400 euros per year), which would take effect on January 1, 2026. The budgetary rationale states that a significant tax increase is necessary to cover used reserves and to balance the deficit, and that the tax bracket will, in the short term, cover state budget expenditures, helping to improve the balance and the relative level of GDP. In addition, the package includes various adjustments to limits and expenditures: adjustments for daily allowances for foreign trips, catering for ship and aircraft crews, reception expenses, promotional gifts, and compensation for the use of a personal car, as well as increasing the flexibility of employer-funded healthcare expenses. The changes are planned to take effect on January 1st.

The presented bill 510 includes amendments to excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and electricity, as well as related laws. In the first reading, it is planned to increase excise rates on alcohol, tobacco, and gasoline (both leaded and unleaded fuels) by a total of 5% over the next four years, while no increase in diesel excise is planned (diesel regulation will remain in effect). The linguistic mechanism is aimed at limiting consumption of goods with harmful side effects, and the tax revenue collected as excise duties will be directed both budgetarily and to limit vices. In addition, the relationship between gambling tax and the funding of the Cultural Capital will change: to increase the target capital of the Cultural Capital, the proportion of gambling tax allocated to cultural construction will be reduced and county cultural and sports support will be increased. According to forecasts, the bill will generate an additional 179 million euros in excise and VAT revenue over five years, with the main sources of revenue being tobacco, gasoline, and alcohol. The application impact of the bill must be confirmed in the subsequent discussion, as well as specifying the distribution of application cases and the risk of cross-border trade. Another topic is the course of procedure: the Finance Committee prepared the groundwork and presented the agenda and decisions to conclude the first reading, following which a question-and-answer session and discussion between factions took place. Overall, the consideration of the bill is polarizing and generates strong political attention regarding consumption, inflation, and infrastructure funding.

The first item on the agenda concerned the first reading in the Riigikogu (Parliament) of bill 507, the Act amending the Family Benefits Act and other Acts, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The presenter was the Minister of Social Protection, Signe Riisalo, who introduced the changes relating to the reduction of the parental benefit ceiling, the cessation of paying for spousal health insurance for dependents, and other changes in the health care and social protection sector. In addition, the extension of procedural deadlines and the health insurance funds' reserves, which allow for the distribution of additional funds to improve health services, were discussed. The economic impact of the changes in the social protection and health care sectors and their entry into force schedule were also important topics.

The second part featured a thorough discussion on demographics and impact assessments: the opposition emphasized that there is no clear responsibility and authority for those who prepared the impact assessment and why the involvement of demographers has not been undertaken; the discussion drifted towards greater and lesser social impacts and in the name of transparency. The day ended with the issuance of a final document and the next steps: the first reading was concluded, and the next presentation and procedural notice are scheduled for October 28th.

The agenda included the first reading of bill 473, amending the Plant Propagation and Variety Protection Act and the Forestry Act, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The presenter, Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman, emphasized the bill's purpose: to reduce bureaucracy, create more flexible solutions for entrepreneurs, and address bottlenecks arising from the sector's development. The bill contains five main changes.

Among the more significant changes, an exemption is established for the marketing of small quantities of old or heritage varieties (such as "Peipsi onion") to prevent their disappearance, as they do not meet strict uniformity requirements. The possibility of obtaining a variety listing in a simplified procedure for well-known varieties of fruit and berry crops is also restored. In addition, seed potato suppliers are given the opportunity to print their own labels, which reduces time and workload for the Agricultural and Food Agency. To optimize national supervision, the inspection of seed equivalence and plant health requirements at border inspection points is consolidated within the competence of the Agricultural and Food Agency. Finally, a requirement is established to notify the Environment Agency of any planned trials involving forest plants. The Chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee, Urmas Kruuse, confirmed that the committee unanimously supported the bill’s objectives and proposed concluding the first reading.

The Riigikogu discussed the draft law amending the Public Transport Act, initiated by the Republic’s Government, in the first reading (499). The presentation was given by Regional and Agricultural Minister Piret Hartman. The main objective of the draft law is to bring the regulation of travel discounts into compliance with the European Court's 2022 decision, which requires compensation for the financial impact arising from the obligation to provide free transport (for preschool children and people with disabilities) for commercial carriers. The law declares invalid a provision that prohibited paying compensation to carriers and establishes an enabling clause to establish the procedure for paying earmarked support. This concerns approximately 19 commercial carriers, and the state budget expenditure is planned at 600,000 euros per year. The draft law is scheduled to come into force on January 1, 2025.

The presenter from the Economic Affairs Committee, Tarmo Tamm, confirmed that there was consensus within the committee regarding the need to resolve the situation, noting that previous retroactive refunds had reached 4 million euros. In the discussions, Ando Kiviberg (Eesti 200) highlighted the lack of consideration for consumer interests among the draft law’s objectives and emphasized the need to maintain the specialized expertise of regional public transport centers. He also drew attention to the risk that, in the case of a new system of express lines and feeder lines, feeder lines might become local lines, the funding for which would fall on the shoulders of local municipalities with insufficient capacity.

The agenda item was the first reading of the draft law amending the Competition Act, initiated by the Republic's Government, 466. Justice and Digital Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta introduced the draft as a technical amendment aimed at reducing administrative burden and bureaucracy, saving resources for both the state and interest groups. The draft is driven by proposals from entrepreneurs and its main content is the smoother adoption and implementation of European Union competition law group exemptions in Estonia. This allows for exemptions to be established by a minister’s regulation in cases where cooperation between entrepreneurs (e.g., research and development) is beneficial to consumers.

The leading committee, the economic committee, and rapporteur Mario Kadastik highlighted a discussion focusing on raising the turnover limit for vertical integration group exemptions. While the current limit is 3.2 million euros and the draft proposes 10 million, EU rules allow for a limit of 50 million euros, which remained a matter of political discretion. The committee also raised questions about the use of a minister’s regulation instead of a government regulation, leading to a decision to request an assessment of this hybrid solution from the Riigikogu's legal department. Ultimately, the leading committee proposed to conclude the first reading.

The main item on the agenda is the first reading of the draft law amending the State Government Act and, in connection therewith, amending other laws 505. The initial aim of the draft is to consolidate and reorganize the areas of responsibility of ministers based on the coalition agreement: The Ministry of Justice will be transformed into the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs, whose sphere of governance will include tasks related to digital development and the development of e-services, as well as the design and coordination of state information systems. Additionally, the areas of responsibility of the Regional and Agricultural Ministry pertaining to land use policy, spatial planning, and tasks related to land and space will move to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, and within it, the newly created Land Board. The draft also introduces a special provision regarding the granting and alienation of real estate rights and adds population protection as a new area of responsibility within the Ministry of the Interior. Furthermore, the draft addresses changes to the educational requirements for the position of Head of the Government Office and the State Secretary, largely related to changes in the roles of the positions and a re-evaluation of current educational needs. The draft is the result of a package of reforms undertaken based on the coalition agreement, and the discussion will focus on both the structural changes and the political and legal implications.

The central point of the agenda was the discussion of draft law 427 for amending the Child Protection Act and other laws during its second reading. The main objective of the draft is to better ensure the well-being of children and strengthen the child protection system, along with updates to various laws, including amendments and adjustments to the Child Protection Act, the Social Welfare Act, the Psychiatric Care Act, the Social Support Act for People with Disabilities, and the Criminal Record Act. The changes involve establishing a special duty of care for specialists to quickly identify children in need of help and ensure timely assistance, correcting the processing of personal data to allow local governments and the Social Insurance Board to exchange information, and creating an automatic data exchange system for children with serious health conditions to help contact the child’s family. In addition, opinions from various parties were discussed, as were topics relating to funding and the organization of foster families; the session of September 17th highlighted issues of finding foster families and assessing their readiness, as well as the workload of child protection workers. The changes will take effect in several stages: the notification obligation for specialists in 2025 and changes to the support service for family-based substitute care in 2026. This discussion is based on previous discussions and four submitted amendments, which were unanimously adopted and represent a collective decision. Furthermore, a decision was passed on October 9th to bring the draft law onto the plenary agenda and to schedule a final vote for October 16th, when the second reading procedure is completed. The deadline for submitting amendments was set for 5:15 PM on October 14th; the session concluded clearly, and further agenda items remained unresolved on the same day.

The first item on the agenda was the third reading of the draft law amending the Social Welfare Act and other laws (special care services and change of residential address) initiated by the Government of the Republic, bill number 421. Following the opening and closing of debate, which indicated that no one wished to speak, the lead committee proposed putting the bill to a final vote. The bill was put to a final vote and passed with a comfortable majority.

The Riigikogu discussed in the first reading draft law 496 initiated by the Republic of Estonia’s Government, amending the Social Welfare Act and the Act on the Organisation of Healthcare Services. The draft concerns the organisation of independent nursing care when providing round-the-clock special care services. Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo presented the draft, whose main objective is to transfer the financing of independent nursing care provided in special care to the Health Insurance Fund (HIF), from the Social Insurance Administration (SKA), similarly to the reform carried out in general care in 2020. The aim of the change is to ensure a more uniform quality of the service and more flexible organisation according to the need for assistance, by creating a nationwide service description.

The Minister pointed out that the component spent on nursing care within the service price by the SKA has previously been 1.2 million euros. The Health Insurance Fund will add 1.65 million euros from its own funds, increasing the total cost of the service to 2.85 million euros per year starting from January 1, 2025. Riisalo acknowledged that special care remains underfunded (covered only 60% of the actual price) and that there are long waiting lists for the service. She also announced that co-payments (which cover living conditions and catering) will increase by 10% by agreement with the parties involved. During the debate, questions were raised about the accessibility of the service, the direction of home care, and the transparency of financing, particularly concerning the use of HIF reserves to cover fixed costs.

The Riigikogu debated the first reading of Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu No. 324, "Formation of a Special Committee for Solving the Demographic Crisis," submitted by the faction of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE). The presenter, Evelin Poolamets (EKRE), emphasized the depth of the demographic crisis, citing a historically low birth rate and the projected decline in population, and criticized the government's inaction and the use of immigration as a short-term solution. She highlighted that although women desire more children, economic and other factors prevent their wishes from being fulfilled. The debates addressed the effectiveness of family policy measures (such as the third child benefit) and the need for cross-party consensus on demographic issues. Representatives of the governing coalition (e.g., Signe Kivi) questioned the necessity of the special committee, preferring instead to deepen economic security and family-friendly services. The rapporteur for the Constitutional Committee, Pipi-Liis Siemann, announced that the committee proposed rejecting the draft resolution, citing the poor performance of a previous committee and the ongoing preparation of a development plan for a cohesive society by the Ministry of the Interior. In the final vote, the Riigikogu supported the leading committee's proposal to reject the draft resolution.

The discussion topic was the state of the market economy in Estonia. Divergent viewpoints raised the question of whether government interventions in the economy are truly transitioning to a market economy and whether the rhetoric of the green turn and planned economy will evolve into actual economic policy. In the first question, Martin Helme presented various evidence-based critical claims about the government’s economic policy and accused the government of ending the market economy and establishing socialism. He sought answers regarding the future of the Estonian economy’s viability and which products or sectors might become subject to shortages. Regarding Russian studies and energy policy, there was also a need to consider how the market economy aligns with the defense sector and the energy sector, and what legislative changes could promote innovation and the development of local production. The second part of the discussion focused on regional policy and agriculture: what is the state's role, how is support money directed outside of Tallinn and Tartu, and how to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of food producers in the European Union, taking into account the expected impact of tax increases in 2025 and 2026.

The first topic addressed agricultural policy and the future of Tartu Agro. The discussion centered on the expiration of a long-term lease agreement signed in 2000, which ends in November of next year. Tartu Agro is a large employer with a diverse range of activities; work is divided among approximately 110 people and it has livestock and a seed center, making the company's sustainability important both economically and from the perspective of regional food security. The government has previously decided on the use of real estate through a market-based auction with a 12-year lease period, and starting prices are determined based on the Land Board's market analysis. As a key principle, it was emphasized that the use of state property must take place under fair competitive conditions, and agricultural land is allocated through auction; Tartu Agro has a preferential right to the next lease period regarding state property. At the same time, discussions are underway regarding whether the land should be given over all at once or in pieces, and how this affects the company's sustainability, taking into account the views of the climate and regional ministries. The second part focused on the continued need to consider ensuring sustainable agricultural activities and to weigh various solutions that the government will consider in its decision-making.

The second topic concerned the rise in prices of local food products and the decline in the standard of living, and the associated food security. This issue highlighted that food security is critical and that the government is trying to respond using both economic stimulus and regional policy measures. The Prime Minister stated that food security is a priority and that the discussion will continue to coordinate measures with other ministers, including in relation to question 11, which is being resolved with colleague Svetk. In conclusion, there was an emphasis on the need to ensure the sustainability and safety of local production, while ongoing dialogue and clarification are required to reach decisions.

The topic of the third question concerned the basis for management decisions and their transparency in energy policy, focusing on decisions made with the support of offshore wind farms. Urmas Reinsalu posed a thorough question, referencing a news article published in February, and asked what information and calculations those decisions were based on, and whether the source data is fully accessible to the public. Coalition partners Ossinovski and Kristina Kallas voiced criticism regarding both the substantive quality of the decision and the availability of calculation data, emphasizing that consistent figures are not visible. In response, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas confirmed that the data is publicly available and has been discussed in committees and parliamentary groups; an explanation was given regarding the calculation basis, including aspects related to consumption volume and the amount of state aid, as well as the roles of the European Commission and EISA/EIS.

The fourth question to the Riigikogu concerned the possible deployment of Estonian soldiers to Ukraine. The questioner, Rain Epler, pointed out that the discussion primarily involves forms of training and assistance, not the deployment of a direct brigade-sized unit, and emphasized that the topic is linked to both logistics and security concerns. Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur explained that Estonia's position has not changed in recent months: they are prepared to consider various ways to assist Ukraine, but the government has mainly focused on training and education, and the deployment of large units has not been part of the current discussion. It was clarified that coordination is taking place with allies, and any refinements to plans are within frameworks consistent with allied directives and mandates, with a primary focus on the continuation of the EUMAM and Interflex missions. Extensive discussion and clarifications indicated that no decisions have yet been made, and the final outcomes of available options depend on further consultations from the perspective of both government and parliamentary mandates.

Today's sitting focused on Estonia’s foreign policy course, particularly regarding Estonia’s vote on a controversial Middle East resolution in the UN General Assembly on September 12th. Member of the Riigikogu Vadim Belobrovtsev (TqT5YjnBr0U) posed questions to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding explanations from Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, as Estonia voted in favor of the resolution alongside countries like Russia and North Korea, while the US and most EU countries were against or abstained. Belobrovtsev also inquired about the alleged spread of misinformation by the minister concerning EU voting patterns.

Prime Minister Kallas explained that the topic was discussed in the government cabinet following the previous debate and the conclusion was reached that, in the future, complex foreign policy decisions should be preceded by a debate before a decision is made, rather than afterward. She also presented statistics showing that 13 EU countries (including Estonia) voted in favor and 12 abstained, which may have formed the basis for the foreign minister's cited statement. In a follow-up question, Lauri Lääts (dCJrTlUxNYA) raised the topic of tariffs being imposed on Chinese electric cars within the EU, to which the Prime Minister confirmed that Estonia’s position developed during a previous discussion, based on the risks of market distortions. Belobrovtsev posed a clarifying question, asking about the Prime Minister’s trust in the disagreements that had arisen between the Foreign Minister and foreign policy experts from his own party (Mihkelson, Kross). The Prime Minister emphasized the need for unity in foreign policy, which will be achieved through prior discussion.

This agenda item addressed the Riigikogu’s 6th question regarding mass labor migration and its impact on Estonian employment. The questioner was Riigikogu member Tõnis Lukas, and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was to respond. The debate primarily revolved around the question itself: whether and to what extent Estonia is prepared to increase the migration quota, and what the associated risks and benefits would be. Under discussion were national security, language…, the right to vote, and sustainable integration, as well as the economic necessity (the shortage of skilled workers), which is critical for the Estonian economy. In addition, exemptions, quotas, and the sectoral input from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and OSKA reports were examined, and how all of this aligns with the expectations of employers regarding the demand for skilled labor.

Today's seventh question addressed the potential for phosphate mining in the Aru-Lõuna quarry in Lääne-Virumaa. News on September 26th reported the start of phosphate test drilling, and a larger extraction of up to 25 tons of phosphate is planned for November, with the involvement of an international German company. The studies include drilling both small boreholes and boreholes with a diameter of up to 1.2 meters, with a depth that may reach up to 30 meters, and the purpose is not just to understand existing reserves, but also to consider mining directions. This is causing concern among the people that the mining studies may lead to decisions on two fronts: continuing the studies and initiating possible mining, which in turn would affect the environment and living environment.

The central debate seemed to be shaped by the question of whether a referendum should be implemented in the case of a decision of this significance, or whether decisions should continue to be made based on scientific assessments and national supervision. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Estonian Geological Service is leading and controlling the assessment of mineral resources and that by the end of 2025, the studies should indicate whether to continue or exclude parts of the area from research, and how to make decisions going forward. The opposition expressed concerns about democracy, transparency, and environmental impacts, and suggested considering involving the people through a referendum – but in the current stage, the government believes that the results of the studies should first be awaited and then decisions made based on a scientific assessment.

The eighth question of the information session addressed the situation of airline Nordica and management errors associated with it, highlighting parallels with the failure of Estonian Air. Member of the Riigikogu Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart (uIN2fJ9voPY) posed questions to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding the repeated losses of the national airline, citing errors in management, the absence of strategic goals, and the government’s lukewarm interest. Kallas explained that Vladimir Svet, the Minister of Infrastructure, is now responsible for Nordica, but affirmed that, as Minister of Climate, she refused to inject additional taxpayer money into the company, and the government supported this position. The Prime Minister emphasized that Nordica is no longer a strategic enterprise for Estonia, especially since direct flights from Tallinn were discontinued in 2019. The company must now either manage on its own or its operations will be terminated, with assets (aircraft in the Transpordi Varahaldus) being separated. Kallas highlighted that the findings of the special audit she initiated have led to a preliminary investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office, which is assessing the legality of what transpired within the company. Varro Vooglaid (dSDfxfKs4Jw) sharply criticized the hundreds of millions of euros in losses and questioned the lack of accountability both within Nordica’s management and among government officials. Kallas affirmed that accountability must come from the company’s management level and that the Prosecutor’s Office is doing its job independently. The discussion concluded with Kovalenko-Kõlvart’s remark regarding the Prime Minister’s personal allusion to her master’s thesis.

The Riigikogu’s questions concerned ongoing reorganizations and the combining of ministries, directed at Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. The questioner, Riigikogu member Mart Maastik, raised a historical tendency whereby each government establishes new ministries with new names and contents, referring to the creation of hyper-ministries, including the Ministry of Climate, and in later years, the creation of three new ministries under the leadership of the Ministers of Justice, Infrastructure, and Economy and Industry. He asked whether artificially consolidating fields and changing ministers’ perspectives and party interests is sensible and sufficiently well-considered.

The Prime Minister responded that changes arise from necessity and keeping pace with the times: the state needs to be modernized and planning and development activities need to be accelerated. It was explained that the new composition of the Ministry of Economy and Industry, and the core areas included, are aimed at simplifying investments, accelerating permit processing, and creating better access for entrepreneurs. It was also explained that cooperation and the review of fields led by ministers do not depend solely on changes in job titles, but focus on specific objectives such as competitiveness and a more efficient public sector.

The tenth question of the information session addressed immigration and the tripling of its quota. Riigikogu member Anti Poolamets sharply criticized the prime minister, calling the government's approach irresponsible and comparing the current immigration to Soviet-era mass Russification ("Stop Lasnamäe!"). Poolamets expressed concern that Estonians would become a minority in the capital, and accused the government of failing to integrate existing Ukrainian refugees (language learning, jobs). He asked which groups of employers pressured for the increase in the immigration quota.

The prime minister refuted Poolamets’ claims with both historical data and fresh statistics. He noted that the proportion of Russians, Belarusians, and Ukrainians in Estonia has significantly decreased since 1989 (from 34.94% to 27%). The prime minister also emphasized that Poolamets' statement about "the largest mass immigration ever" was untrue, pointing out that immigration actually decreased in 2023 compared to 2022. The government representative explained that the purpose of raising the quota is to bring highly qualified skilled workers (e.g., mechatronics engineers, food technologists) to Estonia, as indicated by a study from the Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts OSKA, who earn above-average salaries. The goal is to increase the added value and export capacity of Estonian companies, not to bring cheap labor into the country. The proposal to change the quota came from the business sector.