Helme said that a better definition for an emergency was also discussed. Right now, every agency is free to decide when something becomes an emergency. The politician said that pragmatic aspects proved decisive here. “While it was debated whether an emergency would need to be approved by the government, because there are very different emergencies, certain agencies need to be able to react very quickly. It makes no sense to slot the government in there somewhere. The government will, however, be able to decide the extent and aim of assistance. Involvement of the police will not see the automatic transfer of all their powers to crisis management.”
Amendment will take more time
EKRE MP Kalle Grünthal introduced 39 separate proposals to amend bill 347 SE. Martin Helme promised that there will be no scheming and that Grünthal will also withdraw his amendment proposals. “The agreement covers all of our MPs,” he assured.
Even though a compromise has been found, it will take more time to enter the law into force. The bill will go to the Riigikogu Social Affairs Committee where amendments will be discussed and need to be approved before moving to its second reading in May. This means that the law will likely not enter into force before the second half of May, Postimees’ sources agreed.
Võrklaev admitted that the police will not be able to launch misdemeanor proceedings [for failure to comply with Covid restrictions] during the current wave of the virus. “Rather, this will not prove possible [in spring], while we will need this law in the future. We do not know what will happen come fall. The law is not just a reaction to this crisis and will remain applicable in future ones.