The Riigikogu passed with 58 votes in favour the statement Supporting Democracy in Belarus (837 AE). The statement says that president Lukashenka’s regime has further reduced democratic rights in Belarus on the eve of the presidential elections taking place on 19 March: the statement refers to the lack of free media, to the imprisonment of opposition leaders, to the imposition of unjustified restrictions on the activities of intergovernmental organisations. In connection with the above, the Riigikogu expresses its concern about the situation in Belarus. “Free elections imply equal opportunities for all. This principle has been repeatedly violated in Belarus where no conditions have been created for free elections,” the statement says. “The Riigikogu stands for democracy, human rights and free elections in Belarus,”the passed statement declares.

The Riigikogu concluded the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to § 56 of the Environmental Charges Act (819 SE), initiated by the Estonian People’s Union Faction, Estonian Centre Party Faction and Estonian Reform Party Faction. The Bill provides for the appointment of four members by the Riigikogu to the foundation formed for the use of environmental charges.

The Riigikogu Press Service