INATISIARTUT THIS WEEK
The autumn collection is in full swing. Here you get an overview of some of the proposals that the politicians will discuss in the coming week.
In week 43 Inatsisartut must meet for four days – Tuesday to Friday. But what should they debate? Sermitsiaq has read the preliminary agendas and made an extract of proposals.
Internet and data services
On Tuesday 20 October, Inatsisartut will debate whether citizens, companies, public institutions and vessels in Greenland should be able to buy and use satellite-based internet and data services directly from providers other than Tusass.
The inquiry debate has been asked by Naleraq’s chairman, Pele Broberg.
“With this inquiry debate, Naleraq wants an open discussion of how citizens and businesses can really have more choices for digital connection, without the nationwide security of supply and the critical infrastructure being weakened,” the proposal states.
Naalakkersuisoq for housing, infrastructure, outer districts and preparedness, Iddimanngiiu Jensen Bianco (IA) writes in his response note that Tusass is a very small provider on the international market, and that if you open up competition in the area, you may risk that the common telecommunications infrastructure loses a significant revenue base.
“However, the question is not only whether new satellite technology can provide more choices for the individual user. The question is also how Greenland simultaneously ensures a nationwide, robust and socially critical telecommunications infrastructure, on which all cities and settlements depend,” she writes.
Determination of time
On Wednesday 21 October, Inatsisartut will – perhaps – debate the question of the determination of time for the last time.
Parliament must finally decide whether Greenland should return to the UTC-3 time zone and abolish summer time. During the last debate, 18 out of 31 members voted for the changes.
If adopted, summer time will be abolished from next year, while in 2028 we will switch to UTC-3.
Because the EU still has summer time, this will mean that from 2028 Greenland will have a five-hour time difference to Denmark and Western Europe in the summer and four hours in the winter.
Inatsisartut will debate two proposals from Naleraq and Siumut, which are almost identical. The difference between the two proposals is that Naleraq requires the citizens of Qaanaaq, Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit to be consulted before a decision is made to change the time in these areas.
It is planned that Naleraq’s proposal be rejected, while an amendment from the Law Committee to Siumut’s proposal is adopted.
Compensation in the spiral case
On Wednesday, Inatsisartut will also talk about the spiral case – specifically about compensation for the women who received contraception without consent after 1992.
Inatsisartut has previously decided that compensation should be given to these women, and the first money has already been paid.
With this bill from Anna Wangenheim (D), naalakkersuisoq for health and persons with disabilities, the allowances will be exempt from tax, deductions in public benefits and, to the greatest extent possible, creditor pursuit and set-off. This is to ensure that the affected women receive full compensation to the greatest extent possible.
“The purpose of this bill is not to establish new reimbursement schemes or change the basic content of the existing schemes. Rather, the purpose is primarily to lay down clear rules for how the reimbursements must be processed in Greenland when they are to be paid out,” writes Anna Wangenheim in the presentation note.
The allowances amount to DKK 300,000 per woman.
Retirement age
On Thursday 22 October, the retirement age is up for debate.
Isak Johannessen (N) wants Naalakkersuisut to carry out an analysis of the retirement age and present proposals for a Greenlandic model for determining and future regulation of the retirement age.
The retirement age for retirement pension is 67 years. Some can retire at the age of 65 if they are worn out after at least 35 years of hard physical or mental work and are still connected to the labor market.
Naleraq wants that life expectancy, the composition of the labor market, the state of health of the population and the consequences of different models should have an influence on the retirement age.
“A long working life as, for example, a fisherman, prisoner, craftsman or in other demanding occupations can have different consequences for the ability to work than a less physically demanding working life. At the same time, the pension system must be able to be financed and function for future generations,” the resolution proposal states.
However, Naalakkersuisut comes up with an amendment that reads: Naalakkersuisut is tasked with ensuring that the retirement age is analyzed as part of the work on a pension reform, and that, on this basis, Inatsisartut is presented with a proposal for a Greenlandic model for determining and future regulation of the retirement age.
Daycare centers
On Friday 23 October, two proposals from Pipaluk Olsen (D) on daycare centers will be debated.
The one inquiry debate is about improving working conditions and the working environment for the employees in the day care institutions.
“Demokraatit believes that a strong working environment for the employees is an investment in the well-being of the children, the working life of the parents and the overall cohesion of society. It is time that we put action behind our words and prioritize the people who work every day for our children’s future,” writes Pipaluk Olsen for one proposal.
The second inquiry debate is about how the waiting lists in daycare centers can be reduced.
“Demokraatit wants us to create the framework for a country where it is easy to combine family life and working life. Where we as a society support the people who want to take responsibility for themselves and their children. This requires action. And it requires respectful cooperation between the Self-Government and the municipalities, so that together we can ensure children a safe everyday life and parents a real freedom to participate in society.”
