Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
Draft Act Amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (677 SE), second reading
2025-11-05
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
Strong opposition to the motor vehicle tax, stressing that this tax should never have been implemented in the first place, and criticizing the government's attempts to "saw the branch piece by piece and fix it." The stance is results-oriented, highlighting the tax's negative impact on the government's approval rating and state budget revenues. The speaker represents the position of the Isamaa Party, stating that the complete abolition of the tax is a prerequisite for joining the next coalition.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of detail regarding tax and state budget figures, citing specific amounts (e.g., 50 million collected in registration fees, 1.9 billion required for road construction). He/She is an authority on the financing of transport infrastructure, criticizing the misuse of the fuel excise tax and the lack of clarity surrounding the funding of public transport subsidies (175 million euros). Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about the financial impact of abolishing the income tax exemption for pensioners (17–30 million euros).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is critical, confrontational, and at times ironic, accusing the government of "senseless flailing" and foolish decisions. Both logical arguments (specific budget figures and statistics) and emotional appeals are used, highlighting the unfair taxation imposed on car owners and pensioners. The style is direct and politically charged, employing figurative expressions such as "cutting the dog's tail off piece by piece."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu debate during the second reading of the bill, repeatedly posing clarifying questions to the committee chairperson (e.g., regarding the number of people subject to recall and the sum involved). He/She reacts directly to the shifting positions of other politicians (e.g., Anti) and references information circulating on social media (Facebook) concerning car purchases.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the governing coalition (the Reform Party, Estonia 200, the Social Democrats), which is accused of lowering the country's rating and implementing unsuccessful legislation (the motor vehicle tax, the land tax). The criticism is policy- and results-based, accusing the government of making foolish and emotional decisions. A compromise regarding the motor vehicle tax is ruled out, with critics demanding its complete repeal.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There are no direct references to cooperation, but the speaker represents the rigid and clear stance of the Isamaa Party, which makes the abolishment of taxes a prerequisite for any future coalition. He stresses his party’s consistency in opposing the tax right from the start.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national infrastructure and budget allocation, emphasizing the necessity of completing the 2+2 highways connecting Tallinn to Tartu and Narva. Also mentioned are the protracted delays in railway construction and the current status of land tax collection by local municipalities.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker opposes tax hikes (VAT, income tax, excise duties), claiming they scare people into hoarding their money, thus failing to generate revenue for the state budget. He criticizes the income tax exemption granted to high earners, arguing that this policy comes at the expense of pensioners who are simultaneously losing their own tax-free status. He supports fiscal discipline and condemns wasteful spending.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus of social issues centers on pensioners and their economic situation, stressing that changes to the income tax exemption are taking money away from them, while high-earners are receiving support. This is framed as a matter of economic justice and protecting the interests of the electorate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on opposing the draft amendment to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (677 SE) and demanding its complete repeal. Furthermore, there is a demand for the annulment of the land tax amendments concerning the taxation of land under one's home. The speaker opposes the existing draft legislation and calls for radical legislative changes in the future.
4 Speeches Analyzed