Agenda Profile: Madis Kallas
Second reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Land Tax Act (437 SE)
2024-06-12
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political stance is one of strong support for increasing the autonomy and decision-making power of local governments (LGAs), emphasizing trust in all 79 LGAs. The draft bill aims to provide local governments with opportunities without imposing additional obligations, allowing them to independently decide on the ceiling for land tax increases. Furthermore, we support maintaining the percentage rate for agricultural land taxation at the current level to avoid placing an excessive burden on farmers and foresters.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates technical expertise regarding the Land Tax Act, detailing the difference between the maximum growth cap (10%) and the actual growth, emphasizing that the limit is not a growth floor. Statistics are utilized, showing, for instance, that 25% of cadastral units experienced a tax decrease despite the existing 10% cap. It is recommended that Riigikogu members consult with officials from the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture for further clarification.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, explanatory, and persuasive, focusing on elucidating complex technical details (the mechanism of growth restriction). Logical argumentation and personal authority are employed, referencing the author's experience as a former city and municipal leader to underscore confidence in local governments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity was restricted to two clarifying questions and one detailed speech explaining the positions, all presented during the second reading of the draft bill. The speaker mentions that several members of the Riigikogu understand the topic exactly the same way he does.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker categorically objected to the position that local government leaders do not want to gain more autonomy. The criticism is directed at those who do not trust local governments (LOAs) and wish to restrict their decision-making freedom from Toompea.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach involves referring members of the Riigikogu to officials at the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture for further clarification. It is stressed that, at the local level, achieving consensus within the council and explaining the use of the supplementary funding to the community are crucial.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a strong focus on the local level, emphasizing the trustworthiness and capacity of all 79 Estonian local governments to make decisions that are significantly closer to the people than decisions made in Toompea. This specifically refers to local citizens, entrepreneurs, farmers, and foresters.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations support the fiscal flexibility of local governments for financing projects through the land tax. Furthermore, the protection of the interests of farmers and foresters is supported by maintaining the taxation percentage rate for agricultural land at the 0.5% level to prevent undue burden.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft legislation (Bill 437 SE) amending the Land Tax Act, which supports the right of local municipalities to set an annual land tax increase cap ranging from 10% to 100%. The speaker is a clear proponent and explainer of the bill's objectives and technical details.
3 Speeches Analyzed