Estonia fires adviser over €4M gambling tax blunder—now she's fighting back

Piia Schultz, an adviser to a Riigikogu committee, has been dismissed over a drafting error in Estonia's Gambling Tax Act. The mistake is estimated to cost the country €4 million in lost tax revenue for 2026. Schultz now plans to challenge her removal in court. The issue began when Schultz, responsible for ensuring draft laws are legally precise, allegedly made a wording error in the Gambling Tax Act. Antero Habicht, the official who dismissed her, claimed the oversight led to the financial shortfall. Schultz, however, had over a week to review the text before the bill's second reading concluded on November 19.

Lauri Hussar, President of the Riigikogu, had advised against her dismissal. He argued that lawmakers—not advisers—bear final responsibility when they press the voting button. Külli Taro, another official, also stressed that civil servants retain the right to speak with the press.

The Riigikogu Chancellery oversees the correct preparation of draft laws, but members of parliament are not expected to have expert legal drafting skills. Despite this, Schultz's case has raised questions about accountability in legislative processes. Schultz's legal challenge will test whether advisers can be held solely responsible for errors in complex legislation. The outcome may also clarify the division of duties between civil servants and elected officials. For now, Estonia faces a €4 million gap in its 2026 gambling tax income.