Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (Bill 677 SE)
2025-10-06
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance is firmly against the motor vehicle tax, demanding its swift and complete repeal, rather than just partial modification. The focus is placed on the government's poor economic management, citing a large amount of unused carry-over funds (approx. 1.7 billion euros) and the negative impact of recent years' tax hikes (excise, VAT, income tax). The speaker frames their position as a necessary defense of people and businesses against poor economic decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of state finance and budget management, highlighting specific figures such as 1.7 billion euros in carried-over funds and an 18-billion-euro budget. They are also familiar with the details of previous political and economic decisions, for instance, solutions to the energy crisis (the non-utilization of the LNG terminal) and remaining funds in the Ministry of the Interior’s sector (the example of the Kopli fire station). The speaker stresses that the country is being run by people who actually know very little about economics and private enterprise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, combative, and at times ironic, especially when recalling the previous voting behavior of the coalition partners. Specific examples and historical facts (voting results, the Kopli command incident) are used to support logical arguments. The speaker employs strong metaphors, for example, demanding the tax be repealed rather than "cutting off the dog's tail piece by piece."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, participating in the first reading and referencing repeated previous statements made in the Riigikogu chamber. They are requesting an extension of speaking time ("Three minutes more, please!"), which indicates a desire to thoroughly explain their views.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets are the parties of the ruling coalition (the Reform Party, Estonia 200, and the Social Democrats), whose previous support for the tax is brought up to highlight their inconsistency. Criticism is aimed both at political decisions (tax increases) and at emphasizing the economic incompetence of government members, given that they have never held accountable positions in private business. The Social Democrats are ridiculed for their ambiguous status as an opposition party.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the firm and uncompromising position of the Isamaa Party regarding the motor vehicle tax, demanding its complete repeal. They do not refer to cooperation or a willingness to compromise, but instead expect clear amendments for the tax's repeal to be submitted for the second reading.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on both national economic policy and regional impact, emphasizing that the tax makes life harder for rural residents who cannot bear such a burden. Difficulties faced by people living in the city of Tallinn are also cited as an example (specifically mentioning the French Lyceum case), for whom public transport is simply not convenient enough.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly advocate for reducing the tax burden, stressing that the state has sufficient funds and that recent tax increases have harmed both businesses and individuals. They support the repeal of the motor vehicle tax, proposing to fund this by eliminating the income tax exemption for high earners (those making over 4,000 euros). There is criticism regarding the state's spending habits, where money is simply "used up" or wasted by the end of the year.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the draft Motor Vehicle Tax Act and demanding its complete repeal. The speaker promises that the Isamaa Party will abolish this tax no later than 2027, and also pledges to repeal the bill initiated by the Social Democrats (Sotsid) concerning the raising of the tax on land under one's home.
2 Speeches Analyzed