Session Profile: Annely Akkermann
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-06
Political Position
The political focus is on the implementation of the motor vehicle tax law and bringing it into compliance with the Constitution. There is strong support for the tax benefit aimed at families with children (automatic, equal division between parents), and the necessity of quickly resolving the constitutional bottlenecks highlighted by the Chancellor of Justice is emphasized. These positions are policy- and procedure-based, stressing administrative feasibility and a fair tax system.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Displays profound expertise in tax legislation and parliamentary procedural processes, particularly within the scope of the Finance Committee's work. Utilizes specific data (e.g., 680,000 euros for IT expenditure, 151,000 affected parents) and possesses a thorough knowledge of draft bill texts and prior rulings (e.g., proposals from the Chancellor of Justice). Demonstrates the capacity to clarify complex administrative details, such as the process of refunding money to the Tax Board's prepayment account.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly formal, procedural, and fact-based, focusing on the content and procedural progress of the draft legislation. The tone is analytical and defensive, particularly when addressing criticism regarding the speed of lawmaking or technical details. It appeals to logic and legal correctness, emphasizing the multi-layered oversight of the legislative process (the ministry, Riigikogu lawyers, and the Chancellor of Justice).
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Very active in the work of the Finance Committee, citing several specific session dates (e.g., September 16, March 11 and 25) and emphasizing the committee's heavy workload. Consistently acts as the committee's representative before the plenary, presenting consensus procedural decisions. Notes that the committee handles a quarter of all Riigikogu draft legislation and holds extra sessions.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is directed at the misconceptions and criticism put forth by colleagues, particularly concerning the difficulties in the coalition's work and the technical details of fund reimbursement. It rejects accusations of neglecting people with disabilities, highlighting a 14 million euro increase in support payments. It defends the legislative process, asserting that critics have "completely misunderstood" something.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The text emphasizes consensus-based work within the Finance Committee and close cooperation with the Ministry of Finance during the drafting of legislation. It recognizes the role of the Chancellor of Justice in overseeing lawmaking and is open to submissions from interest groups (e.g., leasing companies, the Chamber of Disabled People). Although merging the bills was considered for procedural economy, the decision was made to proceed with faster, more urgent solutions.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports targeted tax relief for families with children regarding the motor vehicle tax, while acknowledging the resulting reduction in revenue. Defends state budget support for public transport as an alternative for carless families. Emphasizes administrative accuracy and the need for IT solutions to ensure the automatic application of the tax relief.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on socially sensitive issues, supporting families with children through tax benefits. It defends the government's decision to support people with disabilities by increasing social benefits (14 million euros) to compensate for the motor vehicle tax, rather than providing a direct tax exemption. It also raises the aspect of gender inequality in the distribution of the tax benefit.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the rapid amendment of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (Bills 694 and 677) to resolve constitutional conflicts (e.g., regarding stolen or destroyed vehicles) and establish a tax benefit for families with children. The goal is to ensure the law enters into force before December 1st so that the Tax Board can implement the necessary corrections in the second tax notice. We are the initiator and supporter of the bills that were consensually initiated by the committee.
17 Speeches Analyzed