Session Profile: Annely Akkermann
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-06-05
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the implementation of the motor vehicle tax starting in 2025, emphasizing its environmental objectives and the redistribution of the tax burden toward wealthier individuals. They express clear support for abolishing the tax hump, the Rail Baltic project, and supporting Ukraine. The speaker defends the government's tax policy, asserting that Estonia's tax burden remains below 34% of GDP and is among the nine lowest in the European Union.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates deep knowledge of tax policy, particularly the technical aspects of the motor vehicle tax, including the requirements of European Union law and the principle of equal treatment. Uses precise figures and percentage indicators, explains in detail the mechanism of the tax hump and its impact on various income groups. Shows good familiarity with the working procedures of the Riigikogu and the nuances of the legislative process.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Employs thorough, fact-based argumentation, relying on specific figures and legal citations. The style is formal and technically detailed, but also incorporates personal examples and anecdotes (e.g., concerning a millionaire media personality). Criticism is handled calmly, often utilizing irony and humor in responses. The necessity of making pragmatic decisions in the national interest is repeatedly stressed.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The text refers to the intensive work carried out by the Finance Committee, noting ten sessions held between March and June 2024. It emphasizes the extensive engagement process, including a public meeting held on March 12th jointly with the Rural Affairs Committee. Furthermore, it indicates regular communication with various stakeholders and citizens who contacted the committee regarding the draft legislation.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
It criticizes the obstructionist tactics employed by the opposition parties (Isamaa, EKRE, Center Party), specifically mentioning the submission of 831 proposed amendments. It further accuses the opposition of a lack of constructiveness, asserting that they failed to agree on any alternatives even within their own factions. The text dismisses claims regarding the cumulative nature of the registration fee, labeling Urmas Reinsalu's statements as erroneous.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It stresses cooperation with various committees (the Environment, Social, and Culture Committees) and the European Commission. It mentions a constructive dialogue held with stakeholders during a public engagement meeting, where the majority of participants supported implementing the motor vehicle tax. It demonstrates a willingness to take reasoned proposals into account, particularly concerning the requirements of European Union law.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Acknowledges the specific issues faced by sparsely populated areas where relying on public transport for mobility is challenging. Mentions Kihnu island as a personal example, stressing the necessity of increasing the revenue base for local municipalities. Supports mitigating regional disparities by granting local governments greater autonomy and amending the Land Tax Act.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports shifting the tax burden toward property taxes (such as the motor vehicle tax and land tax) and lowering labor taxes. It maintains that Estonia's tax burden must stay below 34% of GDP, but stresses the necessity of collecting additional revenue to fund national defense and social benefits. It criticizes universal benefits, favoring personalized, needs-based support instead.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It emphasizes the necessity of supporting large families and people with disabilities through personalized benefits, rather than tax breaks. It asserts that Estonian family benefits, as a percentage of GDP, are among the highest in the European Union, but acknowledges that these benefits have failed to boost the birth rate. It supports environmental protection goals by using a motor vehicle tax to incentivize environmentally friendly behavior.
40 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on adopting the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, which is viewed as a crucial tax policy reform. It stresses the necessity of aligning the legislation with European Union law, particularly the principle of equal treatment. Furthermore, it mentions bills aimed at increasing the revenue base of local governments and amendments to the Land Tax Act as key legislative priorities.
40 Speeches Analyzed