By Agendas: Helir-Valdor Seeder

Total Agendas: 137

Fully Profiled: 137

All Categories Political Position Topic Expertise Rhetorical Style Activity Patterns Opposition Stance Collaboration Style Regional Focus Economic Views Social Issues Legislative Focus
2025-10-15
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Law on the Election of the President of the Republic (684 SE)

The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the history of electoral laws and the constitution, citing the original intent of the constitutional drafters and Supreme Court practice. They use technical terms such as "composition of the electoral college" and thoroughly analyze the impact of the legal amendment on the risk posed by a "dark horse" candidate. They clearly distinguish between issues that would require a constitutional amendment (e.g., direct election) and matters that fall within the scope of the current law.
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2025-10-08
Continuation of the first reading of the Draft Law on the State Budget for 2026 (737 SE)

The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The speaker demonstrates a detailed understanding of fiscal policy measures, citing specific tax rates and their changes (for instance, the increase in personal income tax from 20% to 22%, the VAT hike to 24%), as well as new taxes (the motor vehicle tax). Their expertise clearly lies in the domain of budget and taxation policy.
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2025-10-08
Budget and Tax Policy

The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the state budget strategy, tax policy, and fiscal consequences, citing specific details such as the planning of RES revenue after 2027 (330 million euros) and the cost of the income tax amendment (half a billion euros). Technical terms (ETS2, RES, tax hump) are used, and the negative impact of tax hikes on business competitiveness is emphasized.
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2025-10-06
First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (694 SE)

The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The speaker demonstrates a detailed awareness of the technical nuances of the draft bill, particularly concerning the conditions for tax incentives (owner, responsible user, lease agreement). Specific questions are raised regarding the extension of these incentives to rental vehicles and the utilization of the prepayment account in the event of a vehicle being written off or sold. Reference is also made to unanswered questions pertaining to specific vehicle categories (M and N categories).
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2025-09-24
State finances

15th Estonian Parliament, 6th sitting, press briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in state finance oversight and budgetary procedures, citing systemic issues within the Ministries of Education, Social Affairs, and Defense. To support his arguments, he draws upon National Audit Office reports, as well as the opinions of the Chancellor of Justice and the Auditor General concerning the constitutionality of the budgets. Furthermore, he is up-to-date on international developments regarding the review of the ETS2 system.
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2025-09-24
Estonian choices

15th Estonian Parliament, 6th sitting, press briefing

The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the European Union's climate policy, referencing specific mechanisms such as ETS2 and LULUCF. The emphasis is placed on economic and procedural expertise, requiring comprehensive impact assessments, financing schemes, and the careful consideration of technological solutions before decisions are finalized.
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2025-09-17
Re-examination of the Act Amending the Act on Churches and Religious Communities (570 UA) Not Proclaimed by the President of the Republic

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the relationship between security policy and geopolitical aggression, referencing European Union politicians and security agencies. They possess in-depth knowledge of parliamentary procedure, constitutional analysis, quorum requirements, and the principles of the rule of law. Their arguments are based on expert assessments concerning the Centre Party's proposed changes and the opinion article published by ERR.
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2025-09-17
Government decisions

Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, press briefing.

Expertise is demonstrated in adhering to the procedural rules and technical organization of work in the Riigikogu. Particular attention is paid to the technical aspect of displaying names in the chamber, and inquiries are made regarding any resulting inconsistency.
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2025-09-17
The Estonian language

Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, press briefing.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in education policy and language instruction legislation, citing specific legal provisions concerning the organization of mother tongue and culture teaching (at least ten applications). They emphasize practical problems related to the shortage of resources and qualified teachers (for both Estonian and Ukrainian language) during the transition period.
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2025-09-10
A written request for a vote of no confidence in Social Minister Karmen Joller, submitted by 21 members of the Riigikogu.

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of social and healthcare administration, focusing specifically on the finances of the Health Insurance Fund (deficit, State Budget Strategy figures) and management decisions (bonuses, performance scorecards). The need for evidence-based and science-based policy is emphasized, citing the absence of analysis concerning family benefits during the previous minister's term.
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2025-09-10
Information session

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, press briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding parliamentary procedure and the practice of submitting questions. To bolster their arguments, emphasis is placed on their personal, long-standing experience as a Member of Parliament. This knowledge is utilized to justify the submission of questions covering a wide range of topics under the "Varia" category.
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2025-09-09
Draft law amending the Cooperative Savings and Loan Societies Act and, in connection therewith, amending other laws (671 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the role of credit unions in the Estonian economy and regional life, as well as the history of their regulation, referencing the 2010 legislative amendments. This expertise is evident in the field of financial regulation, comparing the scale of damages caused by credit unions and banks, and emphasizing the necessity of responsible supervision.
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2025-09-04
Chair implementation

15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu

The speaker demonstrates exceptional expertise in interpreting the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act and the Constitution. He/She is meticulous regarding procedural matters, such as the bundling of amendments, the qualification of an interpellation, and the application of the requirement for a majority of the membership. The criticism is often supported by references to legal provisions, annotated editions, and the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court.
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2025-06-16
Draft law amending the Waste Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (657 SE) – first reading

XV Riigikogu, V Session, Plenary Sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of waste management logistics and technology by comparing the environmental footprint of various collection routes and advocating for mechanized sorting as a more efficient solution. He/She uses technical terms such as "bio-waste," "collection routes," and "mechanized sorting" to support the argument regarding the technological advantage.
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2025-06-12
Second reading of the draft law amending the Aliens Act, the Code of Administrative Procedure Act, and the State Duty Act (challenging visa decisions) (603 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of security policy, protection of state secrets, and administrative law, addressing the technical and strategic aspects of challenging visa decisions. It is emphasized that the decision to refuse a visa is the sovereign right of every democratic state and should not be subject to judicial review, in order to prevent the disclosure of sensitive data. Reference is made to the rulings of the European Court of Justice and European law, acknowledging their existence but challenging their soundness.
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2025-06-11
Draft law amending the Church and Religious Communities Act (570 UA) – second reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates proficiency in constitutional law and complex legislative procedure, particularly concerning the handling of presidential objections and the interrelation of statutes. He/She explains in detail how constitutional amendments regarding local elections affected the activities of the clergy, and references knowledge of KAPO (Internal Security Service) threat assessments.
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2025-06-11
Second reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of budget processes, particularly concerning the targeted use of gambling tax receipts, successfully identifying a specific project (the Tartu basketball arena) based on the representative's answer. Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about local-level political decisions, citing the votes of the Viljandi coalition.
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2025-06-11
Draft law amending the simplified taxation act for entrepreneurs and the income tax act, and repealing the security tax act – second reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedure, particularly in interpreting the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act concerning the handling of amendments. The discussion is technical and centers on procedural practice, specifically questioning whether an amendment must be related to the bill's objective. There are no references to economic data or statistics.
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2025-06-04
Draft Law on Annulment of Excise Tax Increases on Energy Carriers (627 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates proficiency in the field of tax policy, particularly regarding the history and implementation of the land tax, referencing the earlier stair-step tax increase mechanism. He emphasizes the critical importance of tax policy predictability for investment planning and expresses surprise at his colleagues' rather limited knowledge of tax policy.
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2025-06-04
Draft law amending the State Audit Act, the Political Parties Act, and other laws (control body for political party funding) – first reading.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker exhibits profound expertise concerning the mechanisms for supervising political party financing and existing legislative gaps, specifically drawing attention to issues involving electoral coalitions and NGOs that are effectively transitioning into political parties. They cite concrete examples (e.g., Reinsalu, Saks, Ossinovski, Jaanson) of the system's uneven implementation and analyze the differences in mandate, resources, and cost-effectiveness between the ERJK (Supervisory Committee on Party Financing) and the National Audit Office.
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2025-06-04
Draft law (642 SE) on the withdrawal from the convention prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requiring their destruction – second reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in national defense strategy and the history of security policy, citing the 2004 decision and the positions of Russia and the US concerning their accession to the convention. Furthermore, the speaker addresses the technological evolution of warfare, stressing that ground combat and modern self-neutralizing mines are still relevant and necessary.
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2025-06-02
First reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in state budget planning and the accounting of ministry expenditures, particularly concerning energy cost forecasting. They use specific terminology, referencing the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, the reallocation of expenditures, and the precision of planning. The expertise is focused on the control of financial mechanisms and budgetary procedures.
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2025-05-21
Draft law on establishing tax peace (607 SE) – first reading

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the argumentation surrounding fiscal policy and the tax burden. He employs comparative analysis, questioning whether neighboring countries (Finland, Latvia) have chosen the same path of significant tax hikes to resolve the crisis. Questions are raised concerning the government's rationale for not supporting a reduction in the tax burden.
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2025-05-21
Draft law (642 SE) for withdrawing from the convention prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requiring their destruction – first reading

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the history of security policy and legislation, detailing the 2004 Riigikogu debate and the opposition voiced at the time by the Isamaa faction. This expertise is grounded in political memory and the long-term assessment of historical decisions.
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2025-05-19
Inquiry Regarding the Future of Estonian Agriculture (No. 730)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in agricultural policy, the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and land use planning. He/She explains in detail the historical background of the inequality within the CAP, referencing the pre-accession subsidy negotiations involving Estonia and other member states (e.g., Finland). Technical terms such as land use concentration and economy of scale are used to justify the competitive conditions facing Estonian agriculture.
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2025-05-15
Draft law amending the Nature Conservation Act, the Hunting Act, and the State Property Act (612 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates a strong grasp of the bill's specifics, particularly the methodology used for compensating land use restrictions, citing concrete compensation rates (100% and 50%). The expert analysis focuses on the technical and financial dimensions of property rights and state compensation. Crucially, clarification is being sought regarding the methodology applied when restrictions are being relaxed, rather than intensified.
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2025-05-14
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia’s Government to submit a negative supplementary budget bill to reduce administrative expenses in 2025" (608 OE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding state budget cuts and layoffs, referencing a specific agreement for a 20% reduction. They use the economic term "purchasing power" in the context of teachers' salaries, demonstrating awareness of changes in the real value of wages. This knowledge also encompasses the exclusion of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Education from these cuts.
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2025-05-14
Reconsideration of the Act Amending the Act on Churches and Religious Communities (570 UA), Not Proclaimed by the President of the Republic

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates authority regarding constitutional law and procedural matters, citing the work of the Constitutional Committee and the rule of law oversight mechanisms (the Supreme Court, the Chancellor of Justice). He explains the broader scope of application of the law, which affects both religious associations and civil society organizations, emphasizing that the prerequisite for its implementation is the threatening of national security.
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2025-05-14
Close and sheep

15th Riigikogu, fifth sitting, information briefing.

The speaker demonstrates thorough expertise in public administration, budget processes, and the quality of lawmaking. They utilize specific data and reference assessments made by the National Audit Office, highlighting a 155 million euro discrepancy between the reduction base and actual expenditures. Furthermore, they demand a technical clarification regarding exactly whom the proposed 20% reduction in the number of officials affects (3,000 versus officials employed under employment contracts).
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2025-05-06
The Minister of Finance's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term strategy "Estonia 2035" (including an overview of the development directions of the public service in 2024)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

Expertise is evident in the knowledge of the Riigikogu's organization of work and procedural rules, especially concerning the requirements for ministers' participation and the implementation of remote working arrangements in parliamentary operations. The speaker knows when the remote working arrangement is prescribed (i.e., when the parliament as a whole operates remotely) and when it is precedent-setting.
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2025-04-23
Second reading of the draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (555 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

There is not enough data.
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2025-04-23
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Appointment of Members of the Bank of Estonia Supervisory Board from Members of the Riigikogu" (629 OE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The assessment is tied to a specific legislative procedure (the appointment of members to the Supervisory Board of the Bank of Estonia) and an awareness of political rumors circulating within parliament. The speaker has sufficient command of the subject matter to connect the appointment with previous controversial tax policy (the car tax), but there is no evidence of deep financial or economic analysis.
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2025-04-16
Draft law amending the Energy Sector Organisation Act (574 SE) – First Reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in energy policy and the pricing mechanisms of the universal service, employing specific terminology such as "fixed price" and "market price." The discussion also briefly addresses the logic behind milk price formation, noting the presenter's lack of knowledge on that particular subject.
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2025-04-14
Inquiry regarding energy supply reliability (no. 717)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of energy policy, utilizing specific terminology (e.g., the procurement of onshore wind farms) and posing a technically complex question regarding energy supply security. The speaker expects detailed forecasts and calculations from the minister concerning scenarios involving production disruption.
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2025-04-09
Government decisions

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and budget matters, citing presentations and charts from the Bank of Estonia, with which he claims to have comprehensively familiarized himself. He also discusses specific economic measures, such as pension indexation and the value-added tax on foodstuffs.
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2025-04-09
Varia

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in macroeconomics, referencing the Bank of Estonia's forecasts (6% price increase, decrease in purchasing power) and the National Audit Office's data concerning the increase in central government expenditures. They also possess detailed knowledge regarding cross-border energy policy (wind farms, the Lode project) and vocational education funding issues. They refer to previously seeking information from the Ministry of Climate and the State Secretary, emphasizing the necessity of mastering the subject matter.
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2025-04-08
Draft law repealing the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (571 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in transport policy, citing issues with public transport in sparsely populated areas, the Saaremaa demand-responsive transport experiment, and the failure of the mobility reform. Furthermore, they possess detailed knowledge of the Riigikogu (Parliament) procedural rules and the operational culture of its committees, criticizing the processing of the draft legislation when the initiator is absent. They put questions to the Finance Committee expert to contrast state spending with the public's ability to cope independently.
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2025-03-27
Board elections of the Riigikogu

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates awareness of Estonian folk wisdom, utilizing it to support their argument. There is no evidence of mastery over deep political, economic, or technical subjects. Expertise is currently limited to the procedural context of applying for the position.
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2025-03-26
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – Third Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of constitutional and electoral law, supporting their arguments with historical precedents (the 1992 and 1999 amendments). Particular emphasis is placed on the security aspect and its link to the formation of political power, drawing comparisons with the practices of other countries (Latvia, Germany, France). Furthermore, legal issues concerning citizens of unrecognized states and war refugees are discussed.
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2025-03-19
Politics

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of national defense and internal security, highlighting specific deficiencies (e.g., wartime structure, territorial defense communication equipment, logistical support system). Technical terminology is used, and detailed questions are posed regarding the management and personnel policy of the Defense Forces. Awareness of the issues surrounding the admission competition for the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences is also shown.
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2025-03-12
Governing the state

The 15th Riigikogu, fifth sitting, information briefing.

The speaker demonstrates a high level of detail regarding public administration and bureaucracy, citing specific initiatives (such as dividing Estonia into oblasts and establishing regional transport centers). Furthermore, they are familiar with R&D funding agreements (1% of GDP) and demand precise figures concerning the reduction of the number of civil servants. Their expertise also encompasses previous state failures (Nordica, energy management).
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2025-03-11
The Prime Minister's address for 2025 on the implementation of the long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035" (including an overview of the situation of research and development activities and the government's policy in this area).

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker addresses the country's long-term development strategy, "Eesti 2035," and issues of government accountability, while also referencing the Reform Party's previous mistakes. Specific data, statistics, or technical terms are not used; instead, the focus is placed on the general failure of governance.
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2025-02-25
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – second reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of constitutional law, security matters, and international law (EU law, the Lisbon Treaty). He/She cites a report from security agencies and the positions of the authors of the constitution (Jüri Adams), highlighting the legal uncertainty regarding the treatment of citizens of unrecognized states and persons with undetermined citizenship. He/She utilizes statistics concerning the number of individuals who have acquired Russian citizenship and those with undetermined citizenship.
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2025-02-17
Inquiry Regarding the Impact of Elron Ticket Price Increases on Regional Policy (No. 708)

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge concerning the funding and organization of public transport, citing specific data on train frequency (for instance, 60 trains on the western route versus 5 heading to Viljandi) and the number of stops. Special emphasis is placed on the complexity of subsidizing student transport and the financial burden placed on local municipalities (such as Põhja-Sakala and Mulgi municipality) in sparsely populated areas. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the government's reform documents ("Mobility Reform," "Public Transport Reform") and their respective funding models (reserve fund versus base funding).
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2025-02-17
Inquiry Regarding Regional Representatives (no 706)

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of regional administration, the financial impacts of the administrative reform, and the reorganization of county development centers. They reference the Ministry of Finance's official response regarding the cost of the administrative reform and use arguments concerning the optimality of historical administrative divisions (counties). Furthermore, they provide specific examples of state institutions (the courthouse, the MTA [Tax and Customs Board], and the Unemployment Insurance Fund) leaving Põlva County.
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2025-02-17
Inquiry Regarding Plans for the Construction of a Wind Farm on Saaremaa (No. 680)

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the energy sector, detailing both technological aspects (storage solutions, nuclear energy, gas plant location) and economic costs (maintaining reserves, grid development). Specific figures are provided (e.g., 60 million euros for frequency control, 2.6 billion euros for offshore wind farms), and the necessity of balancing intermittent and dispatchable energy is underscored. Furthermore, national defense expenditures related to the protection of offshore wind farms are highlighted separately.
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2025-02-17
Inquiry regarding the merging of schools for children with special educational needs (no 684)

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates profound knowledge of the school network for children with special educational needs, highlighting specific examples of the differing status and funding of schools in Viljandimaa (Ämmuste, Kaare, Lahmuse). He/She is familiar with the substantive workload of school principals, the shortage of support staff, and the challenges associated with implementing inclusive education. Technical terms such as "lead school" (Kammeri School) are used, and reference is made to the conditions for utilizing European funding.
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2025-02-13
Draft Law Amending the Act on the Election of Municipal Councils (544 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary meeting

Speaker 1 demonstrates profound technical expertise regarding the Local Government Council Election Act, citing specific sections and subsections, and differentiating between the number of voters and the number of residents when allocating mandates. He/She is familiar with the observations submitted by the government and the electoral commission and is capable of logically refuting them. Speaker 2 is aware of the political procedures and media coverage (Juhan Parts, Igor Taro) related to energy issues.
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2025-02-12
A written request for a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Kristen Michal, submitted by 29 members of the Riigikogu.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates a thorough awareness of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, particularly concerning the procedural exceptions for votes of no confidence (Section 134) and historical precedents. They show expertise in education policy (restructuring of vocational education, the merger of Maarjamaa School) and tax policy (the impact of the car tax). Specific data is utilized, such as the reduction in pensions for 146,000 pensioners in January.
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2025-02-12
Government coalition policy

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of energy and financial accounting, highlighting specific amounts (e.g., 2.6 billion in subsidies, 1 billion for the Paldiski site liability, 60 million euros in monthly reserve fees) and technical factors such as network tariffs and CO2 policy. Furthermore, they possess knowledge of the legislative process (the Climate Law, EAK) and the coordination of cross-border environmental impact.
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2025-02-12
Damage to Allied Relations by Ministers

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and political ethics, emphasizing the duty of the Riigikogu Speaker to respond appropriately to serious accusations. They refer to the necessity of informing security agencies if the accusations of anti-state activity are serious. There are no references to technical data or statistics.
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2025-01-29
Sideteenused

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the telecommunications sector, covering specific issues like 5G coverage, the future of 4G service, and the mechanisms behind hidden price increases. They are also well-versed in the regulatory authority of state agencies (the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority) and relevant ministries. This expertise is reflected in the details pertaining to contractual relationships and the nuances of service quality.
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2025-01-22
Continuation of the first reading of the draft law declaring the Motor Vehicle Tax Act invalid (538 SE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates profound knowledge of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act and its interpretations. In their argumentation, they cite the law's commentaries (the "yellow book") and previous practice across various compositions of the Riigikogu. This expertise is clearly focused on mastering the parliament's internal regulations and procedural nuances.
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2025-01-20
Inquiry regarding the promotion of family and large families (no. 667)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates authority in the fields of demography and family policy, using specific terminology and referencing the positions of demographers. He/She relies on the three main factors influencing the birth rate that emerged from surveys (economic situation, sense of security, housing policy). Furthermore, he/she is knowledgeable about specific family policy measures, such as the reduction of parental benefits and changes to the indexation of allowances.
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2024-12-18
Guardians of the Economy

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding regional administration and the structures of local governments, referencing the actual location and specific tasks of the development centers. He uses historical context (Soviet-era oblasts) and technical details (positions existing only on paper and unfilled posts) to support his arguments. He demands that the information presented by the minister accurately reflect reality, thereby positioning himself as the guardian of the facts.
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2024-12-18
Tourism Strategy

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of sports management and funding, serving as the president of the Jõud Sports Union. He/She presents specific information regarding the activities and survival of organizations and is intimately familiar with the details of the project for building football halls, which was initiated by the 2019 coalition agreement. He/She knows precisely that the games organized by Jõud sometimes attract more participants than the Estonian championships.
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2024-12-17
Draft law on aligning the State Budget Act with the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (525 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of constitutional law and state budget procedures, citing authorities such as the Chancellor of Justice and the Auditor General. Specific terminology is employed to highlight the legal and institutional problem of budget opacity.
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2024-12-12
Draft Law Amending the Act on the Government of the Republic (523 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the Riigikogu's procedural processes, referencing discussions held in the Constitutional Committee and the first reading of the draft bill. This expertise is also evident in the ability to distinguish political ideologies, highlighting the conceptual difference between left- and right-wing populism.
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2024-12-11
Third reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

Strong expertise in the procedural rules and budget process of the Riigikogu, referencing violations of the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act. It emphasizes the technical details of processing amendments (explanatory memoranda, tables, related proposals) and demands specific data regarding the securing of public transport funding. It demonstrates consistency in posing questions, referring back to previous readings and the minister’s commitments.
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2024-12-11
Confusing substitution activity

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth session, press briefing.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the areas of local government financing, state budget strategy, and public transport organization, utilizing specific terminology such as "budget strategy" and "mobility reform." Particular emphasis is placed on knowledge of constitutional amendment procedures and the views of legal experts regarding voting rights. The speaker directly references the fact that the solution proposed by the coalition is not supported by any consulted lawyer or expert.
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2024-12-10
Draft law amending the Waste Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (461 SE) - second reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates strong expertise regarding the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act and related procedural regulations, particularly concerning the requirements for voting on amendments and ensuring the validity of documents. Furthermore, they exhibit knowledge of taxation terminology, stressing the necessity of clearly differentiating between cost-based state fees and environmental charges.
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2024-12-05
Draft law amending the Citizenship Act (522 SE) – First Reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the Citizenship Act and its administrative practices, referencing specific sections of the law and historical amendments (1995 vs 2006). They utilize detailed statistical data from the Ministry of the Interior regarding citizenships granted or denied by exception by various governments. Furthermore, they are well-versed in aspects of constitutional and international law (crimes against humanity, dual citizenship).
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2024-12-05
Second reading of the Basic Education Act bill (419 SE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the Riigikogu's procedural rules (the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act) and constitutional matters, particularly in the context of the fundamental right to equality (Section 12). They accurately cite the draft bill's sections and the comments within the explanatory memorandum, showing expertise in the details of legislation and the regulation of early childhood education. They are capable of analyzing the conflicting positions of the Ministry of Education and Research and the Cultural Affairs Committee regarding the interpretation of the Constitution.
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2024-12-04
Second reading of the draft law on the security tax (512 SE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act and procedural regulations, accusing the Finance Committee and the chairman of a gross violation of the law due to the unlawful exclusion of amendments. He/She also shows knowledge of the bill's financial details, pointing out the discrepancy between the amount collected (2.4 billion) and the planned investments (1.6 billion). He/She emphasizes the theoretical issues of earmarked taxation and flexibility in the context of national defense expenditures.
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2024-12-04
Draft law amending the 2024 State Budget Act (517 SE) – third reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the details of the state budget, demanding the location of a specific 10 million euro budget line that has been repeatedly requested. They possess specific knowledge regarding the process and timeline for the takeover of adult gymnasiums, referencing correspondence between the city of Viljandi and the ministry dating back to the end of November.
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2024-12-03
Continuation of the second reading of the draft law amending the Child Protection Act and other laws (427 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

Insufficient data.
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2024-11-21
Second reading of the bill amending the Income Tax Act and the Defence Service Act, and the bill amending the Income Tax Act (509 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker fails to demonstrate substantive knowledge regarding income tax or military service legislation, relying instead purely on procedural authority. There are no references to data, technical terminology, or detailed explanations.
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2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Act on the Government of the Republic and amending other acts related thereto (505 SE) - Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in public administration and ministerial structure, citing the historical shuffling of the Land and Spatial Planning Agency between various ministries as an example. They emphasize the irrational division of functions and the resulting necessity for the duplication of competencies across ministries, particularly regarding the management of public transport and digital affairs. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the legal requirements for the position of Secretary of State and the background context surrounding their modification.
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2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (527 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional law, electoral law, and security policy, citing constitutional provisions, the requirements of the Venice Commission, and previous legislative practice. He supports his arguments with data from sociological studies (e.g., the similarity of attitudes between Russian citizens and stateless persons) and analyzes legal risks, particularly those related to the vague registration provision in the opposing draft bill. He emphasizes the use of citizenship as a legally clear and measurable parameter for determining the basis of voting rights.
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2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates a thorough knowledge of constitutional law and the legislative process, focusing on the inconsistencies in the draft bill regarding the application of the principle of legal certainty. He analyzes the peculiar delegation clause within the constitutional amendment concerning the procedure for inclusion in electoral lists, questioning both its substance and its applicability. To support his arguments, he uses historical parallels (the 1992 Latvian practice).
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2024-11-20
Amendment of the Constitution

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing.

The speaker demonstrates thorough expertise regarding the procedures for amending the constitution, referencing the required support of 21 Riigikogu members and the limited opportunities parliamentary groups have to propose amendments. Historical comparisons (the year 1992, the example of Latvia) are also employed to counter the Social Democrats' arguments concerning integration and security.
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2024-11-18
Inquiry regarding tax changes (no. 657)

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth Session, Plenary Session

The speaker demonstrates competence regarding tax policy, the business environment, and legislative procedure (parliamentary queries, accuracy of the transcript). Direct quotes and references to key stakeholders, such as the Chamber of Commerce, are used to support the arguments. Particular emphasis is placed on the growth of tax revenue and increasing the revenue base of local governments.
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2024-11-18
Inquiry Regarding the Involvement of Interest Groups (no. 656)

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth Session, Plenary Session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative processes and the history of taxation, emphasizing the protracted nature (spanning over a decade) of the land tax reform procedure. Technical terms are employed, such as "principles of good law-making," "legal certainty," and reference is made to the failure to implement existing legislation (specifically, regular assessment) since 2001.
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2024-11-13
Second reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates deep technical knowledge of the state budget drafting processes, criticizing the activity-based budget due to its lack of transparency and the resulting increase in power for Ministry of Finance officials. The speaker also demonstrates familiarity with the history of budget compilation and the rushed three-week process. Specific emphasis is placed on the history of the Land Tax Act and the violation of the principle of legal certainty concerning the guarantees provided by the 2021 legislation.
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2024-11-13
Draft law amending the 2024 State Budget Act (517 SE) – Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and the State Budget Act (the foundational law), highlighting the technical specifics concerning the total budget volume, the state reserve, and transferable appropriations. Mathematical reasoning is employed to prove that the proposals (reducing expenditures and limiting transfers) do not alter the overall budget volume (resulting in a zero balance). It is stressed that the funds saved are directed to the state reserve, rather than reducing the overall budget volume.
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2024-11-13
Draft law amending the State Budget Act (511 SE) - Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.

The scope of expertise is restricted to mastery of the Riigikogu's Rules of Procedure and voting processes, including the management of recesses and the submission of amendments. There is no substantive demonstration of knowledge regarding the budget or other policy matters in the speeches. The speaker is proficient in the technical management of parliamentary procedure.
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2024-11-13
Draft law amending the Weapons Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (468 SE) – Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the procedural rules of the Riigikogu and the handling of amendments, particularly concerning the explanatory memoranda of the draft bill and the decisions made by the lead committee. He/She is able to compare the ways proposals from various factions are processed and directly links the amendments to the Weapons Act with the 2025 state budget draft bill.
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2024-11-13
Regional policy

15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the terminology of Estonian administrative history and regional development, referencing historical divisions and the role of the county (maakond) as the optimal level of governance. They emphasize that regional policy must be integrated into the government's overall activities (the education network, hospital network, infrastructure). The criticism stems from the alleged lack of analysis and expert assessment supporting the ministry’s proposals.
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2024-10-23
A written request for a vote of no confidence in Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, submitted by 29 members of the Riigikogu.

15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the handling of the state budget, the constitutional role of parliament, and local government budgetary processes. Specific attention is also drawn to the topic of participatory budgeting and the issue of distributing public funds through a referendum. The expertise focuses primarily on the legislative procedure and its quality.
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2024-10-23
Minister of the Interior's political statement on internal security

15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of Estonian laws and the types of legal entities (commercial undertakings, non-profit associations (MTÜs), foundations, and public legal persons), emphasizing that the universal applicability of security requirements should be fundamental and may already stem from existing legislation. They are proficient in assessing internal security threats, especially concerning suffrage (voting rights) and foreign influence.
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2024-10-23
Red symbolism in public spaces

15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the details of the legislative process, particularly concerning the substance of the bill initiated by Isamaa and its impact on the voting rights of third-country nationals and allies. He relies on the precise wording of the draft legislation to refute the prime minister’s claims, referencing both the statutory amendment and the constitutional amendment.
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2024-10-16
Draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE) - first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the methodology of compiling the state budget and specific expenditure lines, especially public transport subsidies, citing concrete figures (a 6 million cut versus 30 million in reserve). They also possess knowledge regarding the usage and interpretation of economic terms, such as "negative economic growth" and "economic contraction."
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2024-10-16
Draft Security Tax Act (512 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the logic of state budget compilation, especially regarding the principles of flexibility and earmarking. They use terms like "general budgeting logic" and "earmarked tax" and understand their influence on public perception.
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2024-10-16
State security

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of internal security and migration policy, highlighting specific unresolved issues (the Moscow Patriarchate, dual citizenship, migration quotas). Precise statistical data concerning the migration balance (+14,000) and a comparison with the birth rate are used to support their arguments. The concerns of the Security Police (KAPO) regarding the issue of dual citizenship are emphasized separately.
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2024-10-15
Draft law amending the 2024 State Budget Act (517 SE) – first reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and procedural matters, particularly regarding the timing and validity of submitting motions. Specific terminology, such as "procedural observation," is employed, and reference is made to a concrete agenda item, thus demonstrating knowledge of the parliament's internal workings.
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2024-10-14
Draft law amending the Act on the Government of the Republic and amending other laws thereof (505 SE) – First Reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the structure of state governance, the division of ministerial jurisdictions, and the technical aspects of the communications sector. Special emphasis is placed on the legal nature of the position of the Secretary of State, demanding the retention of a legal higher education requirement and citing historical precedents. He/She uses precise terminology (telecommunication, duplication, Land and Space Agency) and analyzes the inefficiency of the allocation.
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2024-10-14
Draft law amending the Family Benefits Act and other laws (507 SE) – first reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates a deep understanding of the social benefits system, particularly regarding family benefits and the debate surrounding means-testing. They specifically reference points in the coalition agreement related to the analysis of social benefits and demand a detailed financial analysis of the cumulative impact of the increases in taxes, excises, and service fees on families. Furthermore, the discrepancy in the figures presented in the explanatory memorandum is highlighted.
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2024-10-10
Draft law amending the Child Protection Act and other laws (427 SE) – second reading

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth sitting, plenary session.

Expert assessment is clearly linked to the quality of the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and legislation. The speaker demonstrates authority regarding the procedure for suspending a reading, emphasizing that this is a basic step when clarity is lacking. He/She also notes the inadequate work of the Social Affairs Committee during the thorough discussion of the issue.
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2024-09-25
The Regional Affairs and Agricultural Minister's 2024 presentation on the implementation of the state’s long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"

15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session

The speaker (especially the second one) demonstrates deep technical expertise regarding legislation on the protection of agricultural land, the specifics of local government revenue bases, and vocational education financing models. Concrete financial examples are utilized (such as the 500,000 euro loss suffered by the city of Paide), and references are made to prior ministerial experience and the positions held by the Chancellor of Justice. This expertise also extends to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the detailed organization of public transport.
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2024-09-25
Draft law amending the Income Tax Act and the Defence Service Act (432 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates significant expertise in tax legislation and state budget matters, providing a detailed explanation of the history of the income tax-free minimum and its effect on various salary brackets (1,200–2,100 euros). Concrete financial figures (half a billion euros) are cited, and procedural norms governing the entry into force of legal amendments (the six-month principle) are referenced. Furthermore, the speaker exhibits knowledge concerning the potential violation of existing laws and the constitution when implementing changes to tax legislation.
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2024-09-25
Security

15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, press briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in security and electoral legislation, distinguishing between the need to amend statutory law and constitutional law. They are familiar with the details of the pending bill, explaining that it only concerns third countries lacking reciprocal agreements, and not allies such as the USA or Japan.
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2024-09-18
Second reading of the Draft Act (359 SE) on amendments to the Law on the Organization of the Energy Economy, the Electricity Market Act, and the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System Act

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates a strong command of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, as well as the relevant procedural regulations. They specifically cite the sections of the law pertaining to modifications of the timetable and the protocol for holding a session under exceptional circumstances. This expertise is focused on guaranteeing the technical and legal validity of the sitting, including detailed inquiries regarding the fixed deadline for submitting questions and the established procedure for conducting votes.
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2024-09-16
2024 Report by the Minister of the Interior on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"

The 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting.

It demonstrates a detailed awareness of internal security and demographic issues, utilizing specific statistical data (the 2023 net migration balance of +14,000, and 2021 census data). It highlights the shortage of instructors in the Defense League (Kaitseliit) and the necessity of regulating language requirements for platform workers. Furthermore, it references the Chancellor of Justice’s stance regarding the risks associated with bringing prisoners into Estonia, thereby demonstrating an understanding of both legal and cultural risks.
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2024-09-11
Minister of Defence's 2024 Report on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"

Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of national defense planning, utilizing technical terminology such as the "NATO Defence Planning Process" and "out-of-cycle accelerated capability development." He/She possesses detailed knowledge regarding the personnel issues within the Kaitseliit (Defense League), citing the shortage of instructors and the position cuts implemented by the previous Minister of Defence.
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2024-09-09
Interpellation Regarding the Technical Failure of the Joint Entrance Exams for State Gymnasiums (No. 627)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding education administration and the process for entrance exams to state gymnasiums. Particular emphasis is placed on issues of responsibility and procedural fairness related to the technical failure. He/She distinguishes between students who already had good grades and those who viewed the test as an additional opportunity.
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2024-07-29
A written demand submitted by 23 members of the Riigikogu for a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Infrastructure, Vladimir Svet.

15th Riigikogu, Riigikogu extraordinary session.

The speaker demonstrates strong expertise regarding the Riigikogu's Rules of Procedure and internal working order, as well as parliamentary procedures, zealously defending the rights of Members of Parliament to raise objections. Substantively, the focus is on security and border issues, emphasizing a firm personal stance rather than citing expert opinion.
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2024-07-29
Third Reading of the Draft Motor Vehicle Tax Act (364 UA)

The 15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu.

The speaker demonstrates comprehensive expertise regarding the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and procedural regulations, precisely citing Section 83, "Voting Procedure," and its annotated edition. The expertise focuses on the specifics of the parliament's internal rules, particularly the right of the deputy chairman of a standing committee to request an adjournment.
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2024-07-29
Second Reading of the Bill to Amend the Income Tax Act (443 SE)

15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu

The speaker demonstrates competence in distinguishing between tax policy and the revenue base of the state versus local government (KOV). He highlights the effect of new taxes accruing to the state budget (VAT, excises, motor vehicle tax, corporate income tax) and criticizes the draft bill for its inadequate impact assessment concerning the expenditure burden on local governments for the upkeep of the elderly and children. He employs technical terminology such as "revenue base enhancement" and "regional balance."
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2024-07-29
Second Reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 UA)

15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu

The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedures, referencing the requirements of the Tax Administration Act and unconstitutional proceedings. Deep knowledge regarding the necessity and methodology of impact assessments is particularly emphasized, with the speaker demanding analysis concerning specific target groups and regional differences. Furthermore, the relationship between the State Budget Strategy (RES) and public transport financing is discussed.
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2024-07-22
Granting Authorization to Prime Ministerial Candidate Kristen Michal to Form the Government

15th Riigikogu, Riigikogu's extraordinary session.

The speaker demonstrates proficiency in comparative financial and security policy, bringing up detailed comparisons with Latvia and Lithuania (tax policy, the size of the allied forces brigade, and the development of the defense industry). The issue of the demographic crisis is also raised, which is considered to have been addressed in the coalition agreement. This expertise is utilized to underscore the failures of the government's policy.
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2024-07-15
Extraordinary Election of the Riigikogu Vice-Speakers

15th Riigikogu, Extraordinary session of the Riigikogu

The speaker demonstrates expertise in assessing the organization of parliamentary work and political leadership, emphasizing the candidate's long parliamentary and executive experience. A crucial topic is the effective organization of parliamentary work and maintaining relations with the government. This knowledge is used to justify the candidate's qualifications.
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2024-06-14
Second Reading of the Draft State Supplementary Budget Act for 2024 (456 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, additional plenary session

The expertise demonstrated is confined to knowing the Riigikogu's rules of procedure, particularly the process for voting on proposed amendments. There is no substantive display of knowledge in the speeches concerning the budget's content, economic data, or technical specifics.
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2024-06-12
Second reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Land Tax Act (437 SE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the technical details of the Land Tax Act, particularly concerning the mathematical and legal interpretation of the ceilings for tax increases (10–100%). The complexity of establishing the principle of legal certainty and the previous tax structure is also highlighted, referencing its impact on entrepreneurs' business plans.
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2024-06-06
Second Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the State Fee Act and the Amendment of Other Related Acts (417 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the methodology and transparency of calculating state fees, while questioning the government's claims that these fees are cost-based. He/She notes that despite previous inquiries and questions, the calculation process has never been disclosed or detailed in the explanatory memorandum. He/She provides specific numerical examples of the multiple-fold increase in fees (e.g., rising from 45 euros to 250), particularly concerning identity documents.
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2024-06-05
Second reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act and associated procedural rules, particularly concerning the bundling of amendments, obstruction, and the procedure for their withdrawal. They are also well-versed in tax law matters, criticizing the retroactive character of the tax and its contradiction of the principle of legal certainty. Additionally, they reference the positions held by the European Commission and the Supreme Court rulings concerning parliamentary organization.
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2024-06-05
Tax Policy

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in budget and tax policy, raising specific questions about the income tax exemption limit for pensions (776 euros) and its effect. They use mathematical examples (800 euros and 900 euros) to prove that the change results in a decrease in net income. They also challenge the government members' grasp of Estonian fiscal policy.
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2024-06-05
Tax policy

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of tax policy and social security, specifically referencing the abolition of the income tax exemption for pensions and the reading of the car tax bill. They use precise references to the coalition agreement, quoting the promise regarding keeping the average old-age pension income tax-free. Furthermore, they emphasize the violation of the principle of legal certainty concerning the retroactively enforced car tax.
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2024-06-04
Third reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (416 SE)

15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the specifics of the coalition agreement, citing the commitment to keep the average old-age pension tax-free. Furthermore, knowledge is presented regarding Estonia’s recent economic history (three years of crisis, Europe’s highest inflation) and the tenures of previous finance ministers. This expertise is aimed at highlighting the failures of fiscal policy and the reversal of social policy measures.
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2024-05-29
First reading of the Bill amending the Land Tax Act (437 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of land tax and its implementation, referencing a prior legislative amendment that guaranteed a 10% annual cap on increases. Concrete data is presented concerning the utilization of maximum rates by local municipalities (12/79), and the government's impact assessment is disputed, with the speaker predicting an effect totaling hundreds of millions.
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2024-05-28
Second Reading of the Bill for the Amendment of the Income Tax Act (416 SE)

15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary session

Demonstrates profound expertise in fiscal and budgetary policy, utilizing specific figures (500 million, 400 million, a billion) and referencing issues of budget balance and the revenue side of the state budget. Possesses a good understanding of the legislative process, referencing proposed amendments and the possibilities for suspending proceedings.
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2024-05-15
Third Reading of the Draft Act on the Protection of Whistleblowers Reporting Workplace Violations of European Union Law (257 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of legislative procedures, referencing a violation of the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act regarding the bundling of amendments. They also possess an understanding of the scope of the EU directive's transposition, arguing that Estonia has addressed it more broadly than the minimalist requirement. The historical argument is supported by references to archival materials and the context of deportations.
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2024-05-13
Interpellation regarding the suffrage of Russian citizens in Estonian local government elections during Russia's war against Ukraine (No. 624)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in security policy and legislative matters, citing assessments from constitutional law experts and relying on restricted security reports (KAPO). He uses this knowledge to justify Isamaa's initiatives and directly link the issue of voting rights to Russian aggression and the threat of mobilization. He claims that Isamaa's proposals are fully consistent with the risk analyses provided by security institutions.
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2024-05-08
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Local Government Council Election Act (387 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of electoral law regulation, European Union law, and Estonian constitutional procedures, including the requirements for amending the constitution and the case law of the Supreme Court (Riigikohus). In their argumentation, they rely on assessments by internal security experts, referencing the need to mitigate risks outlined in the KAPO report. They also use comparative examples drawn from the electoral law practices of Latvia and other European countries.
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2024-05-08
Second Reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Food Act (378 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.

Insufficient data
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2024-05-08
Second Reading of the Draft Act on the Protection of Whistleblowers Reporting Work-Related Infringements of European Union Law (257 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, particularly regarding the procedures for bundling amendments, voting, and preventing obstruction, while also citing a Supreme Court decision. He/She has an overview of the history of the implementation of the European Union directive (since 2018) and the practice of representing Estonia in EU institutions. He/She is capable of distinguishing between substantively different and mutually exclusive amendments.
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2024-05-08
Election Promises and the Fulfillment of Agreements

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the legal framework and constitutional amendment procedures, citing expert opinions that confirm the government's proposed solution is unworkable. A clear distinction is drawn between the regulation of voting rights for citizens of the European Union and those of third countries, with reference made to the explanatory memorandum of the Isamaa bill. Several alternative legal solutions are presented (e.g., bilateral agreements, the inclusion of all third countries), indicating a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
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2024-05-07
Second Reading of the Draft Act Amending the 2024 State Budget Act (389 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

Demonstrates proficiency in the field of taxation and income tax law, using terms such as "tax bulge," "Income Tax Act," and "deciles." They use their knowledge to refute the opposing side's claims, stressing that the tax bulge does not exist. They position themselves as an authority, calling on colleagues to speak only on subjects they truly master.
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2024-05-07
Third Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Riigikogu Election Act and the Amendment of Other Related Acts (Bill 344 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of electoral legislation, constitutional principles (proportionality, uniformity), and the technical security of e-voting. This expertise is substantiated by references to the positions held by the Electoral Commission, the Electoral Service, and the Chancellor of Justice, particularly concerning the lack of verifiability of operating systems (Google, Apple) on smart devices. He stresses that the environment for m-voting falls outside the control of state institutions, which leaves the issue of trust unresolved.
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2024-05-02
First Reading of the Riigikogu Draft Statement (420 AE) "On Declaring the Moscow Patriarchate an Institution Supporting the Military Aggression of the Russian Federation"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the links between internal security and legal proceedings, particularly the relationship between political statements and subsequent legal actions (such as forced dissolution). They reference meetings held with Ministry of the Interior officials and the Deputy Secretary General, emphasizing the critical role of KAPO (Security Police) risk assessments in informing decision-makers. The speaker also addresses the domestic legal implications of the statement, questioning its function as a political platform for the ministry's subsequent course of action.
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2024-05-02
Continuation of the first reading of the Bill on the Tax on Sweetened Beverages (418 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of legislative procedures, criticizing the absence of both a drafting intent and a substantive impact analysis. This specialized knowledge is also evident in the analysis of the narrow scope of the taxation, highlighting that the tax covers only about 5% of sugar sources, and by comparing sugary drinks with other harmful foodstuffs (fats, salt, whipped cream, condensed milk).
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2024-04-17
Second Reading of the Draft Act (344 SE) on the Amendment of the Riigikogu Election Act and Related Amendment of Other Acts

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting

The expertise is clearly demonstrated in the field of election laws and the procedural rules of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), including knowledge of the Rules of Procedure Act and relevant precedents. He/She thoroughly cites the remarks of the Republic's Electoral Commission regarding the risks of voting using smart devices, covering technical details such as the compilation of the voter application, authentication, and compliance with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation. Furthermore, he/she is familiar with the electoral principles of proportionality and uniformity.
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2024-04-08
Interpellation concerning the incitement of hatred towards families with children (No. 612)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of demography and social policy by highlighting specific statistical data on birth rates in Estonia (1923 vs 2023) and Finland. Technical terms such as "poverty risk," "life course," and the "principle of legal certainty" are employed, stressing the policy's influence on the number of children and the economic standing of families. A distinction is drawn between the higher poverty risk faced by a single parent with many children compared to a single parent with only one child, thereby correcting the minister’s claim.
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2024-04-03
National Security

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in security and legislative procedures, referencing reports from security agencies and his involvement in negotiations. He has detailed knowledge of government tax packages and legal precedents, citing, for instance, the challenge to the pension reform in the Supreme Court. He stresses the necessity of initiating the legislative process to test its constitutionality.
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2024-04-02
First reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Abandon the Imposition of the Car Tax and Withdraw the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill from the Riigikogu Proceedings" (374 OE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the working procedures, constitutional requirements, and voting thresholds of the Riigikogu, emphasizing that certain bills do not require 51 votes. He/She also possesses knowledge of economic policy, referring to specific measures such as indirect taxes, consumption taxes, and the abolition of the tax hump, while criticizing their ideological inconsistency.
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2024-03-19
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic for Improving Teachers' Working Conditions" (373 OE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in procedural matters concerning education funding, teacher salary negotiations, and the processing of the state budget. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the interplay between ministerial negotiations and the parliamentary approval of legislation and the budget. Technical terms such as "state budget processing" and "legal amendments" are utilized.
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2024-03-11
Question Regarding the Financing of Cultural Buildings of National Significance (No. 600)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedure and legal matters, offering criticism regarding the logic of the new regulation and its potential consequences. Furthermore, they possess detailed knowledge of the list of cultural objects currently under discussion, specifically referencing the existence of the seventh, eighth, and ninth objects, along with the conditions required for their implementation.
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2024-03-06
Coalition Agreement

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing

The speaker demonstrates competence in constitutional law and the legal framework, referencing the conclusions drawn by the Ministry of Justice and experts regarding the legal impossibility of suspending voting rights without amending the constitution. Furthermore, the speaker is aware of the internal coalition negotiations and the positions of the partners (Social Democrats), knowing their "red line" and conditions. The general direction of tax policy and energy policy is also addressed.
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2024-03-05
First reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Recall of a member of the Supervisory Board of the State Forest Management Centre and appointment of a new member" (386 OE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the procedures for appointing political representatives and inter-factional agreements, concentrating on the legislative process for the Riigikogu draft resolution. The expertise is focused on political procedure (committee debate, non-affiliated member). There are no references to technical data or specific field-related expertise.
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2024-02-21
The voting rights of Russian citizens

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional law and constitutional matters, asserting that suspending the right to vote without amending the constitution is impossible. He also draws on international comparisons (Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, France) concerning the lack of voting rights for third-country nationals. Furthermore, he is well-versed in the specifics of the coalition agreement and the substance of previous government negotiations.
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2024-02-14
First reading of the draft Act amending the Aliens Act (European Union Blue Card) (349 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in migration policy, labor market restrictions, and wage criteria (1.5 times the Estonian average), emphasizing the vast size of the unrestricted labor market (one billion inhabitants). Data concerning the population sizes of the EU, USA, and Japan are utilized, and the annual reports of the Security Police (Kaitsepolitsei) are cited to support security arguments.
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2024-02-14
First Reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the legal dimension of taxation (retroactivity) and regional impacts, specifically highlighting the unique transport needs of sparsely populated areas. Detailed exceptions are also addressed, such as seasonal vehicles (ATVs, harvesters) and culture-related automobiles (racing and vintage cars). This expertise is utilized to underscore the inadequacy of the draft bill's impact analysis and the insufficiency of the minister's responses.
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2024-02-14
Immigration

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding migration policy regulations, pointing to the absence of specific restrictions for high-paying jobs (1.5 times the average salary). He relies on the explanatory memoranda of the draft legislation, citing their objectives, and refers to the criticism of security institutions (the Internal Security Service) regarding immigration.
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2024-02-07
Tax Policy

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of tax policy and legislation, addressing both the general situation surrounding tax increases and the specific details of the draft bill. Particular emphasis is placed on the technical immaturity of the proposed car tax, raising questions about its application to non-road vehicles such as tractors and ATVs. Furthermore, the speaker is aware of the coalition partner's proposals regarding the tax exemption for vintage and racing cars.
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2024-02-07
Motor Vehicle Tax

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Riigikogu's internal regulations and the procedures of the information hour, knowing exactly the usual number of questions (eight) and the rules the Presidium uses for setting the order of those questions. They are also aware of the frequency of ministerial attendance, noting that the Prime Minister participates weekly, while other ministers attend only every couple of months.
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2024-02-05
Inquiry concerning immigration (No. 588)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates authority on the topics of migration policy, security, and economic strategy, referencing the yearbooks of the Security Police (KAPO) and migration balance figures. They employ specific terminology, discussing the openness of the labor market (one billion inhabitants) and integration capacity, while highlighting the necessity of developing a science-based economy.
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2024-01-24
Voting rights of Russian citizens

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of legislative procedures, emphasizing the necessity of taking legally complex issues to the Supreme Court for a final ruling, citing the proceedings regarding the Land Tax Act as an example. Reference is also made to international practice concerning reciprocal voting rights agreements, offering this as a good and straightforward solution.
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2024-01-24
Money

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing

Shows good awareness of the details of the state budget and the Medium-Term Budget Strategy (RES), referring to specific sums and shortfalls (e.g., 400 million, 1 billion, 26 million for public transport, 8 million for Estonian-language education). Is aware of the government's internal conflicts (Läänemets, Võrklaev, Tsahkna) and the specific costly aspects of the education reform, such as raising the compulsory school age and extending vocational education.
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