Agenda Profile: Annely Akkermann
First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (694 SE)
2025-10-06
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is moderately supportive of the draft amendment to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (694 SE), which provides automatic tax relief for families with children. The focus is on the implementation of the policy, emphasizing the timely completion of IT solutions and the automatic application of the measure. Furthermore, the aspects of social and gender inequality that were raised during the committee discussion are being addressed as part of a compromise.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates strong expertise in tax laws and administrative procedures, referencing precise figures, such as IT investments totaling 680,000 euros and 151,000 affected parents. He/She authoritatively explains legal definitions (child's age up to 18) and the technical details concerning the operation of the Tax Authority’s prepayment account. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the work of the Finance Committee and the procedural economy considerations involved in merging draft legislation.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, procedural, and explanatory, characteristic of a committee rapporteur. The speaker relies heavily on logical arguments, referencing the explanatory memorandum, specific sections of the law, and concrete data. The tone is predominantly neutral and accommodating, allowing for additional information to be requested from the Tax Board for the second reading if necessary, but remains firm when refuting colleagues' misunderstandings.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the Riigikogu session, presenting the Finance Committee report and answering questions. The scope of activities includes chairing committee meetings (on September 16th) and interacting with the Minister of Finance and ministry officials. He/She promises to obtain additional technical information from the Tax Board concerning the usability of the prepayment account for the second reading.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is directed at questions and doubts raised by colleagues (such as Aivar Kokk) concerning the technical clarity of the law and the applicability of the Tax Board's prepayment account. The speaker firmly refutes claims that the coalition is struggling to process the motor vehicle tax drafts, labeling such an understanding as completely wrong.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is open and procedural, highlighting the Finance Committee's consensus proposal to conclude the first reading of the bill. Collaboration took place with the Minister of Finance and relevant officials, and permission has been granted to request technical information from the Tax Board for the second reading. Concerning the potential merger of the draft bills, both supporting arguments and risks were considered, but no final decision was reached.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Data is scarce. The discussion centers on national tax policy and administrative structure (the Tax and Customs Board, the Parliament).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports targeted tax relief for families with children to mitigate the costs associated with the motor vehicle tax, while simultaneously acknowledging that this will reduce overall tax revenue. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of ensuring that any administrative reduction in tax revenue is factored into budget amendments, and the need for IT investments is highlighted. State-budget-supported public transport is also cited as an alternative measure of assistance.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Socially, the focus is on supporting families with children through an automatic tax benefit, defining the child's age (up to and including 18 years old). Concerns were raised regarding gender inequality and the lesser benefit received by lower-income families, which was addressed by referencing public transport supported by the state budget. The purpose of the benefit is to mitigate car tax expenses.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on concluding the first reading of Draft Bill 694 SE and processing the amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act. The issue of procedural economy concerning the consolidation of three similar draft bills is being addressed. Furthermore, another draft bill is mentioned, which, following the proposal of the Chancellor of Justice, stipulates the calculation of the tax based on the number of days the motor vehicle is used.
7 Speeches Analyzed