Agenda Profile: Annely Akkermann
Draft Act Amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (677 SE), second reading
2025-11-05
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
There is strong support for introducing the motor vehicle tax, which is viewed as a fair and necessary levy intended to cover public costs (roads, traffic safety). The political focus remains on amending legislation and ensuring its compliance with the constitution, stressing that correcting mistakes is part of the legislature's daily work. This structure defends a taxation system designed to steer consumer choices towards more economical vehicles, including electric cars.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates in-depth expertise regarding the handling and administration of tax legislation, citing the Chancellor of Justice’s observations, retroactive application, and the administrative expenses of the Tax and Customs Board and the Transport Administration. Utilizes specific budgetary figures (100 million in revenue, 9 million for social benefits, 17 million for children’s allowances) and references market behavior analysis (pre-buying/stockpiling, market stabilization). Is capable of distinguishing between various draft bills and their regulatory scope in detail.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly factual and procedural, especially when introducing the content of the draft legislation, but it becomes defensive and occasionally ironic when answering questions. It employs logical arguments regarding the necessity of taxes and the practice within the European Union. It criticizes politicians' "thoughtless use of language" and refers to personal memories (radio broadcasts, previous committee work) to support its positions.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
An active participant in the work of the Finance Committee, referencing specific discussion dates (October 21, November 3) and the consensus decisions reached. Organized stakeholder engagement sessions, soliciting input from 13 institutions and organizations. References a prior visit to Finland to study their motor vehicle tax system.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at politicians who are speculating about abolishing the motor vehicle tax, claiming that it disrupts business and market stabilization within the automotive sector. This stands in contrast to the ironic remarks made from the floor regarding the frequent changes to tax legislation, emphasizing that such work is unavoidable. It also dismisses claims that the car tax is too expensive, highlighting the affordability of the median tax rate (116 euros per year).
23 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It works closely with the Ministry of Finance, which drafted the bill at the request of the Finance Committee. It emphasizes consensual decision-making within the committee and actively involves interest groups, such as the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People, even though not all of their proposals could be addressed. It recognizes that legislative work is an ongoing process that requires cooperation to correct mistakes.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national tax policy and the compatibility of laws with the constitution. The only geographical reference is the examination of the Finnish tax system, intended to find a model for financing road construction.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports fiscal discipline and tax collection aimed at covering the societal costs associated with vehicle use (roads, maintenance, traffic police). It defends the motor vehicle tax as a mechanism that steers consumer behavior towards more environmentally friendly vehicles (electric cars). It acknowledges that tax design is a complex and ongoing effort.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Acknowledges the importance of the issue of tax exemptions for people with disabilities and large families. It explains that support payments for people with disabilities were already increased earlier by 9 million euros, and concessions for children are addressed in the next draft bill initiated by the government. It understands the problem of the high annual tax on adapted vehicles for people with disabilities.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main priority is amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Law (677 SE) to ensure constitutionality, especially concerning the shortening of the taxation period when a vehicle is destroyed, stolen, or removed from the register. It supports the retroactive application of the amendments and emphasizes that this is one of several legislative changes designed to eliminate bottlenecks.
23 Speeches Analyzed