Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk

The speaker takes a very strong stance against the car tax, demanding its complete repeal, effective retroactively from January 1st. He criticizes the government coalition’s tax hike policy and accuses them of deceiving voters, since none of the coalition parties promised to introduce a car tax before the election. He stresses that Isamaa has been opposed to the car tax from the very first moment and has fulfilled all its election promises.

Demonstrates thorough knowledge in the areas of tax policy, the state budget, and the economy. Uses specific figures and examples—mentioning 8% of the state budget money that is transferred, the 875-euro car tax bill for a family with six children, and the 17 million euro loss suffered by pensioners. References the work of the Finance Committee and the questioning of ministers regarding budget residuals, thereby providing insights into state budget processes.

Uses an emotional and combative tone, combining personal stories with specific data. It employs direct accusations ("large-scale deception of voters," "extremely stupid and unjust") and rhetorical questions. It concludes with a personal appeal to the members of the Riigikogu, urging them to "decide bravely" and "think for themselves."

This indicates active participation in the work of the Finance Committee, specifically mentioning the discussions held yesterday and today concerning ministers and budget surpluses. It also demonstrates regular intervention in Riigikogu debates and the utilization of the podium to articulate previously held positions.

Levels sharp criticism against the Reform Party and the governing coalition, accusing them of deceiving voters and breaking their promises. It specifically criticizes the Reform Party and the Eesti 200 party for reversing their pre-election stances. It emphasizes that the coalition is ignoring the effects of the car tax on vulnerable groups.

He/She calls on other members of the Riigikogu to support the repeal of the car tax, stressing that "there are other parties in this chamber who have very clearly stated that the car tax is not sensible." He/She addresses the coalition partners directly, especially the politicians from Eesti 200, hoping to gain their support.

It strongly emphasizes the issues facing rural areas, where a sparse or non-existent public transport network makes a car the only viable means of transportation. It specifically mentions the shooting ranges in Võru and Põlva and criticizes the inter-county competition for resources. It highlights the unfair treatment of rural residents regarding the implementation of the car tax.

The speaker expresses strong opposition to the proposed car tax and tax increases in general, stressing that they damage economic growth and undermine the competitiveness of businesses. They criticize the government for implementing these tax hikes—including income tax, VAT, and the car tax—during an economic recession, arguing that this is the entirely wrong approach. Instead of raising taxes, the speaker advocates for cutting costs, reducing bureaucracy, and increasing the efficiency of the state apparatus. Furthermore, they claim that 8% of the state budget consists of funds that could be better utilized or reallocated, suggesting this money should be used instead of imposing the car tax.

It strongly emphasizes the negative impact the car tax will have on the financial standing of vulnerable groups—families with children, pensioners, people with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. Specific examples are highlighted, such as a family with six children who received an €875 car tax bill, and a single parent of a disabled child who is required to pay €864. It argues that the car tax is particularly unfair to families with children, as a car is not a luxury for them but a necessary means of transportation for taking children to school and extracurricular activities.

The discussion centers mainly on the first reading of the draft act concerning the repeal of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (Bill 571 SE), which aims to abolish the car tax retroactively from January 1st. It criticizes the governing coalition for breaking its election promises, specifically claiming that the Reform Party and Eesti 200 had pledged not to introduce the car tax before the elections. The speaker supports the adoption of the law and urges other Riigikogu members to back it, referencing the upcoming local elections and the necessity of fulfilling campaign promises.