The Riigikogu passed with 55 votes in favour (25 votes against) the Bill on Amendments to the Population and Housing Census Act (354 SE), initiated by the Government, which amends the provisions of the Population and Housing Census Act concerning the determination of the time of a Census and a post-enumeration survey and the moment of a census.

The time and the moment of a Census shall be determined by the Government of the Republic on the proposal of the Minister of Finance and the time of a census, except for electronic census, must not overlap with the time of active organisation of elections. The amendment of the Act will ensure enhanced flexibility in the preparation and carrying out of a census.

The Riigikogu concluded the second reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Investment Funds Act, the Securities Market Act, the Commercial Code and the Estonian Central Register of Securities Act (376 SE), initiated by the Government. The Bill specifies the asset objects in which the funds of investment funds may be invested. The procedure for the information concerning investment funds which is subject to disclosure and the advertisement of investment funds is also amended. By way of a somewhat more technical amendment, the method of calculating owner’s equity of management companies is specified. The Bill proceeds from the need to harmonise the Estonian legislation with the corresponding European Union directive. 

The Riigikogu concluded the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Accounting Act (373 SE), initiated by the Government. Repealing of the provisions concerning the management’s declaration will reduce the administrative burden of accounting entities. The implementation of the obligation to prepare a company management report will result in an increased administrative burden for those companies whose securities giving the right to vote are admitted for trading on a regulated securities market of Estonia or another Contracting State. The disclosure of company management systems in company management reports will enhance the credibility of companies by giving investors, financial institutions and the public an opportunity to obtain the necessary information about the management systems of a company which is relevant in making investments and investment decisions. Also, the disclosure of company management systems will help improve the work of the internal control of companies. The reliable implementation of company management systems will facilitate efficient distribution of resources, will have a positive impact on the economic growth and will facilitate economic stability, because a reliable management system reduces the risks of destabilisation of the economic environment. 

At Question Time, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip answered the question about the work of the Government, submitted by Vilja Savisaar. The Minister of Finance Ivari Padar answered the question about the state budget, submitted by Karel Rüütli. The Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo answered the question about national defence, submitted by Kadri Simson. 

The Riigikogu Press Service