Agenda Profile: Madis Kallas
First reading of the Bill amending the Land Tax Act (437 SE)
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position strongly supports increasing the financial autonomy and decision-making freedom of local governments through an amendment to the Land Tax Act. This stance is framed by a value-based approach, emphasizing trust in local leaders and the principle of proximity. The goal is also to reduce regional inequality by granting local councils greater decision-making authority.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the fields of local government administration, finance, and land taxation, drawing on their previous experience as a city mayor, rural municipality mayor, and minister. They address technical details, such as fixing the tax rates for agricultural land and extending the deadlines for determining land tax until October 1st. Practical examples are used to clarify complex points, for instance, comparing the 10% growth restriction to a speed limit.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confident and persuasive, combining logical arguments (flexibility, the principle of proximity) with a strong expression of trust in local authorities. The speaker uses an explanatory analogy (the speed limit in a residential zone) to clarify the complex restriction. He is formal, but allows for the draft bill to be refined between the two readings to prevent any ambiguity.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker referenced their previous activity while serving as minister, including a meeting with the Central Union of Farmers regarding the taxation of agricultural land. Their current course of action involves actively defending and clarifying the draft bill in the Riigikogu, responding to the observations made by the parliamentary factions. They have also met with numerous city mayors and rural municipality leaders to discuss financial autonomy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct confrontation, but the speaker is addressing questions raised by the Social Democratic faction and others, particularly concerning the lack of forecasts and the interpretation of the 10% growth limitation. The criticism is aimed more at clarifying the ambiguous parts of the draft bill and clearing up misunderstandings. He emphasizes that the clear message from the Central Union of Farmers has been taken into account regarding the change in the tax rate for agricultural land.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is open and consultative, highlighting prior cooperation with the Central Union of Farmers, which had an impact on the taxation of agricultural land. The speaker demonstrates a willingness to compromise and make amendments, promising that the draft bill will be written more precisely between the two Riigikogu readings to prevent differing interpretations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, stressing that decisions shouldn't be dictated by Toompea or Tallinn; instead, local councils should be empowered to make their own decisions. Specific regions mentioned include Võrumaa, Mulgimaa, Viljandimaa, Saaremaa, and Ida-Virumaa, highlighting the critical need to reduce regional inequality.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives advocate for fiscal decentralization, granting local municipalities greater latitude in setting the percentage rate for land tax and increased flexibility in budgetary decision-making. Simultaneously, it is emphasized that the taxation rate for agricultural and forest land (commercial land) should remain unchanged, thus safeguarding the interests of farmers. The overall objective is to boost local investments and enhance budgetary flexibility.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the Draft Act on Amendments to the Land Tax Act (Bill 437 SE), which aims to grant greater financial autonomy to local municipalities. The speaker strongly supports and champions this bill, highlighting as key achievements the extended decision deadline (until October 1st) and the stability of the tax rate for agricultural land. He promises that the bill will be further clarified and refined between the two readings.
3 Speeches Analyzed