Agenda Profile: Annely Akkermann
Second reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 SE)
2024-06-05
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the introduction of a motor vehicle levy starting in 2025, justifying the move with environmental goals and the redistribution of the tax burden toward the wealthy. They emphasize that Estonia remains one of the last European nations without a car tax, while stressing that the overall tax burden must stay below 34% of GDP. Furthermore, the speaker defends abolishing the "tax hump" (maksuküür) as eliminating an unjust system that harms middle-income earners.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates deep knowledge of taxation, particularly the technical details of the motor vehicle tax, EU law, and the complexities of fiscal policy. Uses precise figures (34% of GDP, 200 million euros in revenue), explains the mechanisms of the registration fee in detail, and references the comments of the European Commission and Supreme Court rulings. Also exhibits expert knowledge of parliamentary procedure.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Uses a detailed, technically precise style, combining fact-based explanations with personal examples (Land Rover Defender on Kihnu, millionaire media personality). Maintains a predominantly calm, explanatory tone, but occasionally becomes defensive when criticized. The approach is rather pedagogical, attempting to explain complex tax topics simply.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Actively led the work of the Finance Committee during the processing of the motor vehicle tax bill, organizing 10 sessions from March to June 2024. Organized a wide-ranging engagement process, inviting all interest groups and citizens who had contacted the committee to a public hearing on March 12th. Demonstrates a systematic and thorough approach to lawmaking.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The text criticizes the obstructionist tactics employed by the opposition parties (Isamaa, EKRE, Center Party), noting they submitted 831 amendments without any constructive cooperation. It accuses them of failing to reach a unified position even within their own parliamentary groups. Furthermore, it stresses that the opposition did not offer a substantive alternative, focusing instead only on hindering the processing of the draft bill.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It emphasizes a broad inclusion process, inviting all stakeholders and citizens to participate in the commission's work. It demonstrates openness to compromise, taking into account the European Commission's feedback and amending the draft accordingly. It acknowledges mistakes (specifically, the failure to invite the association of large families) and is prepared to rectify them. It strives to find a balance between various interests.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker acknowledges the unique challenges faced by sparsely populated areas where public transport is non-existent and car dependence is high. They support increasing the revenue base for local municipalities so that they can provide assistance to families for whom traveling via public transport is impossible. The speaker uses a personal example from Kihnu, noting that they themselves use an old car purely for practical reasons.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports redistributing the tax burden toward the wealthier through wealth taxes (car tax, land tax) and eliminating the tax hump. It emphasizes that the overall tax burden must remain below 34% of GDP, and subsidies must be personalized and directed only to those who genuinely require assistance. It defends the state’s right to collect taxes necessary for the functioning of the country and covering defense expenditures.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Stresses that subsidies must be personalized and targeted specifically at those who genuinely need assistance, rather than being universal. It supports tax exemptions for vehicles used by disabled people but opposes widespread tax breaks for large families, arguing that Estonia's family benefits are already among the highest in the European Union. It reiterates that aid must reach those who truly require it.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Focuses on the adoption of the motor vehicle tax law, intended to raise 0.2 billion euros (half a percent of GDP) for the state budget. It highlights the law's environmental goals (reducing CO2 emissions) and social justice aspects (shifting the tax burden toward the wealthier). Furthermore, it supports boosting the revenue base of local municipalities through income tax distribution and amendments to the Land Tax Act.
40 Speeches Analyzed