As reported by Estonian publication ERR
The Estonian General Prosecutor’s Office has asked Parliament to lift the parliamentary immunity of Kalle Gröntal after charges were brought for the misuse of fuel cards designated for official use. According to law enforcement, in 2023 he refueled his own car at least 46 times using official cards, and the total amount spent was around 3,000 euros. The investigation is classified as embezzlement of state property under the relevant provisions of the criminal code.
The Prosecutor General Eneli Laurits said that the evidence has been gathered, and next in line is the drafting of the indictment and the transfer of the case to court.
Under Estonia’s constitutional principle, deputies have immunity from criminal prosecution. To deprive them of immunity, the Chancellor of Justice must submit a corresponding proposal to Parliament. If Parliament does not approve the removal, the request will be returned to the Prosecutor’s Office, and the procedure by law must be completed within a month.
The Prosecutor General Astrid Aisi confirmed that she sent the Chancellor of Justice a request demanding that Parliament be asked to deprive Kalle Gröntal of his parliamentary immunity.
What to Expect Next and the Implications
The Parliament’s decision will determine the next steps in the case: if immunity is removed, the prosecutor’s office will be able to continue the criminal investigation and move to court on charges of embezzling state property.
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