Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (694 SE)
2025-10-06
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the motor vehicle tax, demanding its complete repeal. This stance is value-based, criticizing the tax as a punishment for people and deeming the bill hostile. Emphasis is placed on the Isamaa Party's promise to abolish the tax after the 2027 elections. The position is also results-oriented, criticizing the government's failure to prevent errors in the draft legislation and protect family benefits.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise regarding the substance of the draft bill and its explanatory memorandum, specifically highlighting concrete errors in the age restrictions (18 versus 19) and the omission of the word "up to." Fiscal figures are also addressed, referencing the 500 million euro cost associated with the income tax exemption and the resulting 2 billion euro tax hike. The speaker's expertise further extends to the procedures for refunds and attachments handled by the Tax and Customs Board.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative and critical, accusing ministers and the coalition of ignorance regarding the draft bill and outright lying ("calling black white"). Both logical arguments (errors in the explanatory memorandum) and emotional appeals (the removal of benefits from large families) are employed. The tone is formal, yet direct and intense, highlighting the government's "blunder."
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All speeches relate to the Riigikogu plenary debate on the first reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill. In these debates, the speaker is an active questioner and consistently presents the opposition's viewpoint. Data regarding patterns (for example, weekly appearances or travel) is not available.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The strong opposition is directed at the governing coalition (Reform Party, Estonia 200, Social Democrats), which is being criticized both for its political choices and for flaws in the draft legislation. The criticism is intense, accusing the Social Democrats of lying about their support for the car tax and naming the individuals who participated in the negotiations. Compromise is ruled out, as the objective is the complete repeal of the tax.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker clearly operates as a representative of the opposition (the Isamaa Party) and demonstrates no readiness for cooperation. Cooperation is only mentioned in a historical context, referring to the role of other parties (the Social Democrats) in increasing tax numbers during coalition negotiations, based on the alleged words of Mart Võrklaev.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on rural areas, where the lack of public transport forces families to use two or more cars to take their children to school and extracurricular activities. Consequently, a car tax is particularly punitive for rural residents, as they are forced to rely on their cars for transport.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes. Specific criticism is leveled at the 2 billion euro increase in the tax burden, which will be taken directly from the pockets of individuals and businesses. An inconsistency is seen in funding the income tax exemption for high earners by simultaneously raising other taxes and excise duties. They advocate for reducing the overall tax burden and abolishing the proposed motor vehicle tax.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on supporting large families, criticizing the government for cutting 2023 benefits (2,400 euros annually) at a time when only a small reimbursement (100 euros per child) is being offered. Also mentioned are the removal of income tax exemptions for pensioners and plans to reduce benefits for pregnant women.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the draft Motor Vehicle Tax Act and demanding its repeal. The speaker is acting as a strong opponent of the bill, highlighting technical flaws (such as the criterion concerning an 18-year-old child) and demanding the rejection of the draft. Previous legislative steps concerning family benefits and the taxation of pensioners were also mentioned.
6 Speeches Analyzed