The Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi replied to the interpellation concerning the increasing of the basic exemption from income tax (No 383) submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Kadri Simson, Yana Toom, Viktor Vassiljev, Priit Toobal, Kalev Kallo, Tarmo Tamm, Eldar Efendijev, Enn Eesmaa, Vladimir Velman, Mihhail Stalnuhhin, Valeri Korb and Marika Tuus-Laul on 29 January. 

Ligi explained that the rise of the basic exemption has to keep a sustainable pace. It must not be too fast. “No doubt a mistake was made during the boom when very rapid rise of the basic exemption was promised in 2003. It proved impossible for the budget when circumstances worsened,” Ligi said. 

When answering the question as to whether he saw opportunities for raising the income exempt from tax as of 1 January 2015, Ligi said: “Yes, but I certainly consider this rise of the minimum salary more important than the rise of the basic exemption. It is also much more important to people that salaries were higher. It affects their welfare more than the basic exemption rate the rise of which I also support.” In Ligi’s words he is certain that the basic exemption will rise again in 2015. 

The Minister of Education and Research Jaak Aaviksoo replied to the interpellation concerning supporting of children with special educational needs (No 385) and the interpellation concerning problems with Tapa special school (No 391). 

The Minister of Social Affairs Taavi Rõivas did not have to reply to the interpellation concerning alcohol policy (No 384) and the interpellation concerning e-health information system (No 386), because the interpellators withdrew them. 

During the open microphone, Viktor Vassiljev and Olga Sõtnik took the floor. 

The Riigikogu Press Service