Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
Draft Law on Annulment of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (647 SE) - First Reading
2025-06-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker adopts a very clear and consistent stance against the motor vehicle tax, calling it an "anti-people tax" and a "flawed bill." He/She strongly emphasizes that none of the governing coalition parties promised the introduction of such a tax before the elections, specifically accusing Eesti 200 and the Reform Party of deceiving voters. The speaker represents the position of the Isamaa Party, which demands that the motor vehicle tax law be declared null and void starting January 1, 2026.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge in the field of tax policy and the state budget, utilizing specific figures and examples (such as 70,000 signatures against the car tax, or the 2,400 euro reduction in support for large families). He references his experience as the chairman of the Finance Committee in 2020 and shows a strong grasp of legislative processes. The speaker employs detailed data regarding the impact of taxes on families and businesses.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs emotional and combative rhetoric, combining it with specific facts and examples. He uses figurative expressions such as "tax festival" and "howling along with the wolves," and provides real-life examples (a family with six children, a single parent of a child in a wheelchair). The style is direct and critical, incorporating both irony and strong accusations aimed at the coalition.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in parliamentary debates, responding to numerous questions and providing detailed explanations. He/She references his/her ongoing work on the Finance Committee and mentions experience gained during coalition negotiations. The speaker has demonstrated consistent effort in opposing the motor vehicle tax and promises to continue addressing this issue in the future.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker delivers a scathing critique of the current government coalition, specifically the Reform Party and Eesti 200, accusing them of deceiving voters and breaking their election promises. He/She highlights concrete examples of the coalition's inconsistency and includes personal references to colleagues (Mart, Anti). The criticism is both policy- and procedure-based, underscoring the coalition's contradictions.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates openness to cooperation by recognizing the positive qualities of colleagues (especially Mart) on the Finance Committee and expressing hope that they might support Isamaa's proposals. He/She mentions his/her experience in the coalition and shows an understanding that political stances often depend on one's position (opposition vs. coalition). The speaker is ready to make compromises and amendments to the draft bill.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker particularly emphasizes the problems in rural areas, where the public transport network is sparse or non-existent, and a car is often the only way to take children to school and extracurricular activities. He/She points out that the car tax hits rural residents particularly hard, but does not focus on specific regions or local projects.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for a lower tax burden and criticizes the "tax festival," highlighting that taxes are rising consistently (VAT, excise duties). He/She stresses that no country has ever taxed itself into prosperity and supports entrepreneur-friendly policies. The speaker points out that the 2020 economic policy (reducing excise taxes and providing wage support) led to economic growth and improved tax revenue collection.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker is heavily focused on family policy, criticizing the government for reducing support for large families (2,400 euros a year) and for introducing a car tax, which particularly impacts families with children. They also draw attention to the problems faced by people with disabilities and cite the Chancellor of Justice's concern about a constitutional breach. The speaker links these issues directly to the falling birth rate in Estonia.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is focusing on the repeal of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act, presenting a specific draft bill to invalidate it starting January 1, 2026. He also mentions other legislative initiatives currently before the Finance Committee and promises that Isamaa’s top priority in any potential coalition would be the bill to repeal the motor vehicle tax. The speaker demonstrates a strong grasp of legislative procedures and committee work.
15 Speeches Analyzed