Session Profile: Madis Kallas
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
2024-06-12
Political Position
The political position centers on strong support for increasing the autonomy and decision-making power of local governments (LGAs), emphasizing trust in all 79 LGAs. This is a policy-based stance that stresses that local governments should be given opportunities to implement projects, rather than additional obligations. The speaker categorically disagreed with the opinion that LGA leaders do not wish to gain more autonomy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough technical command of the Land Tax Act and taxation principles, repeatedly delineating the difference between the growth ceiling and the actual increase. They utilize specific data, for instance, citing that 25% of cadastral units actually saw a reduction in land tax. Furthermore, they recommend reaching out to officials at the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture for additional clarification. To substantiate their position, they reference their prior experience as a city and rural municipality executive.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is explanatory, formal, and focused on logic, seeking to dispel confusion regarding the nature of the land tax growth limit by emphasizing that it is a ceiling, not a floor for growth. The speaker uses personal authority ("as a former city and municipality leader") to support their arguments and presents their position firmly but courteously. They directly address the members of the Riigikogu who are specifically interested in the topic, advising them to communicate with the officials.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is limited to asking questions during the plenary session, followed by giving a thorough presentation or explanation, which points to active participation in the legislative debate. All these appearances occurred within a single session day.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The stance is directed at those who doubt the reliability or capacity of local authorities to exercise autonomy responsibly—a claim the speaker categorically refuted. Furthermore, there is an indirect criticism of decisions being made "from here on Toompea," far removed from local circumstances, which restricts the decision-making freedom of local governments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach stresses the need for consensus at the local level (in the municipal council) before implementing any new tax hikes. At the level of the Riigikogu (Parliament), he refers to a shared understanding of the law's technical details among other members, noting that many people interpret it exactly the same way he does.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is very strong, concentrating on all 79 Estonian local governments and their capacity to make decisions that are significantly closer to the people. Special emphasis is also placed on the interests of local citizens, entrepreneurs, farmers, and foresters, whose needs local governments address when making their decisions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support the fiscal autonomy of local governments, allowing them to independently decide on project financing, provided there is a consensus within the council. However, the subject is clearly opposed to raising the percentage rate for taxing agricultural land, stressing that the 0.5% rate must be maintained to prevent an undue burden on farmers and foresters.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on amending the Land Tax Act. The goal of this amendment is to grant local municipalities greater discretion in setting the annual land tax growth limit (ranging from 10% up to 100%). The speaker is a strong proponent of the draft bill and highlights the success achieved in keeping the taxation rate for agricultural land at the current level of 0.5%.
3 Speeches Analyzed