Agenda Profile: Annely Akkermann
Second Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act and the Traffic Act (694 SE)
2025-11-05
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the motor vehicle tax relief for families with children and people with disabilities, viewing it as a political decision that will result in a total tax cut of 16 million euros for 150,000 taxpayers. However, he sharply criticizes the imprecision of the policy, particularly concerning the tax break for large vehicles, stressing the need to transition to much more personalized and targeted subsidies in the future. He believes the car tax is here to stay because the use of cars inherently involves societal costs.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise regarding the technical details of the motor vehicle tax bill, referencing the effective dates of the legislation, the complexity of linking databases (SKAIS versus the Vehicle Register), and changes to the tax categories (taxing M-category vehicles at the N-category rate). They make extensive use of statistics, citing precise figures for affected taxpayers (55,000, 97,000) and target groups (700 large families versus 13,400 vehicles receiving exemptions).
22 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is predominantly formal, informative, and analytical, centering on the delivery of details concerning the bill's content and the procedural process. He relies heavily on logical arguments and data to explain both the extent of the tax reduction and its inefficiency in reaching the target audience. Noteworthy is the critical self-reflection regarding the policy's targeting, which he describes as the "helicopter method."
22 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, driving the swift handling of the draft bill (with the goal of enacting the law by December 1st). He/She references committee meetings (October 21, November 3) and the engagement of interest groups, including a meeting with a representative from the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People. He/She is also closely involved in coordinating the development of IT systems (for the Tax and Customs Board and the Transport Administration).
22 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker acknowledged the submission of amendments by the opposition (Isamaa, the Social Democratic Party, Anti Allas, and Madis Kallas), even though they failed to gain support in the committee. He/She noted that the coalition did, however, take the opposition’s proposals regarding child-related tax benefits into account. The criticism directed at the opposition was rather indirect and political, citing the change in the coalition as the underlying reason for the political decisions.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the consensus-based approach within the committee, noting that six amendments were adopted by consensus and the decision to conclude the second reading was also unanimous. He/She referenced cooperation with stakeholders, although acknowledging that technical obstacles (SKAIS) limited the rapid implementation of their proposals.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports tax relief for families with children and people with disabilities, aimed at improving their financial well-being. He is critical of the imprecise tax concession that reduces state revenue (a tax cut for 13,400 vehicles benefiting only 700 families), emphasizing the need for more targeted support. He considers the car tax (under 200 million euros) to be significant, but not an excessively large tax burden in the context of the state's 15 billion euro tax revenue.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker is focusing on supporting families with children and people with disabilities through tax incentives. He/She emphasizes that the tax reduction (100 euros per child) is aimed at improving the family's financial well-being and covering the costs associated with raising children. Furthermore, he/she acknowledges the complex challenges people with disabilities face in making ends meet, noting that disability benefits have remained stagnant and unchanged for a long time, specifically since the year 2000.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the swift adoption and retroactive entry into force of the draft act amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Act and the Traffic Act (Bill 694 SE), effective January 1, 2025. He/She is a key proponent and driving force behind the bill, highlighting as achievements the tax reduction for families with children and the easing of taxation on larger vehicles. The goal is to hold the final vote next week.
22 Speeches Analyzed