Agenda Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov
Second reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 SE)
2024-06-05
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the car tax and the government’s policy of tax increases, emphasizing that this makes life harder for people and deepens the economic recession. This stance is results-oriented and value-based, focusing on protecting the livelihood of the most vulnerable population groups and criticizing the government for breaking its pre-election promises. The temporary introduction of the car tax to cover the budget deficit is also being called into question.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of macroeconomics and fiscal policy, referencing specific economic indicators (nine quarters of recession, inflation at the top in Europe, unemployment) and historical data. Detailed alternative budget solutions are presented, such as a bank tax and public sector personnel reform, along with the expected financial revenue (over 1 billion euros). Separately, the impact of taxes on family livelihoods and rural regions is emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and forceful, employing strong emotional appeals and leveling accusations regarding the government's greed and unpredictability. Literary comparisons are utilized (Pushkin's "The Captain's Daughter": "senseless and merciless Russian revolt") alongside sharp expressions (e.g., the finance minister's statement is "cynical and out of touch with reality"). The appeals blend economic statistics with moral arguments emphasizing the necessity of protecting vulnerable groups.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action is limited to participation in the Riigikogu session, where pointed questions are posed to the rapporteur regarding the temporary nature of the car tax and the consideration of a bank tax. This is followed by a thorough and critical monologue aimed at rejecting the draft bill.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and the ruling coalition, whose economic policy is described as "senseless and ruthless." The criticism is intense and policy-based, accusing the government of arrogance, stubbornness, and ignoring the recommendations of economic experts to invest during a crisis period. The opposition is absolute, with calls to vote against the car tax.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is focused on mobilizing other members of the Riigikogu to vote against the car tax bill, using the rallying cry: "Let's say no to the car tax together!" There is no mention of seeking compromises with the government or engaging in cross-party cooperation to amend the draft bill.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is clearly directed at rural areas, emphasizing that the car tax will hit families with children living there the hardest. For them, a personal vehicle is often the only transportation solution, and they simply cannot trade a large car for a smaller one.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly advocate for investments and the development of an economic rescue plan, while rejecting tax increases and budget cuts during the crisis. They support implementing a bank tax on banks that have earned massive profits (with an estimated revenue of 550 million euros) and abandoning the income tax reform that primarily serves the interests of the wealthy. The preference is to achieve fiscal discipline through public sector personnel reform, rather than at the expense of family livelihoods.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is centered on improving the well-being and coping mechanisms of the most vulnerable population groups and families. There is criticism regarding the removal of 200 euros per month from multi-child families, the imposition of income tax on the average pension of retirees, and the introduction of a car tax, which disproportionately affects low-income earners. The topic of combating childhood obesity is also brought up to demonstrate the government's inconsistency (specifically, the withdrawal of support for the Estonian School Sports Union).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the draft Motor Vehicle Tax Act (364 SE), where the speaker is acting as a strong opponent and calling for the bill to be rejected. Furthermore, the opposition to the sugar tax and the income tax reform is also a key area of focus.
4 Speeches Analyzed