Session Profile: Aivar Kokk
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-06
Political Position
A strong and principled opposition to the motor vehicle tax, which is considered hostile and unnecessary, with the Isamaa Party promising to repeal it no later than 2027. The political focus is directed at criticizing the government's tax hikes (over 50 decisions) and the financing of the income tax exemption for high earners. This position is clearly value-based, protecting the interests of families and pensioners against the tax burden.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates detailed knowledge of the draft legislation's text and the explanatory memorandum, highlighting specific errors (e.g., the age limit discrepancy of 18 versus 19, or the omission of the word "up to"). Utilizes economic and budgetary data, citing the volume of transitional state funds (1.7 billion) and the cumulative effect of tax hikes (2 billion). Also shows familiarity with previous political negotiations and voting outcomes (the 2024 readings).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly combative, critical, and accusatory, particularly regarding the government's economic competence and integrity. It emphasizes logical appeals, relying on facts, transcripts, and the text of the explanatory memorandum, but also employs emotional language ("hostile bill"). It repeatedly reiterates its party's clear positions and promises.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
A highly active speaker during the session, repeatedly posing questions and delivering longer addresses, focusing on scrutinizing the details of the draft legislation and recalling the historical stances of political opponents. Also contributed several short retorts and procedural comments.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the parties of the ruling coalition (the Reform Party, Estonia 200, and the Social Democrats), who are accused of imposing taxes and drafting flawed legislation. Criticism targets both the policy itself (tax increases) and individual accountability (specifically naming Jevgeni Ossinovski, Anti Allas, and Priit Lomp for their role in the negotiations). Compromise has been ruled out, with demands for the complete repeal of the tax.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It shows no readiness for cooperation with the governing coalition, but rather uses the words of Mart Võrklaev (Reform Party) to confirm and criticize the positions of its opponents. It focuses on exposing the coalition's internal disagreements and earlier agreements.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It emphasizes the difficulties faced by residents of rural areas and families with children, as they depend on cars due to inadequate public transport. It also mentions the problems of people living in the city of Tallinn (e.g., the example of the French Lyceum) and the closure of the Kopli station.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Vehemently opposed to taxes, criticizing government policies that take billions of euros out of the pockets of individuals and businesses. It advocates for fiscal responsibility and criticizes government waste (specifically, unspent budget funds). It opposes the income tax exemption granted to high earners, which was paid for by subsequent tax increases.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It defends the interests of families with children and pensioners, criticizing the government for reducing support payments for large families and eliminating the income tax exemption for pensioners. It also brings up the issue of cutting benefits for pregnant women.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main priority is the repeal of the motor vehicle tax and the correction of errors in the draft bill concerning the income tax exemption for children. [The subject] is critical of the quality of the draft legislation and promises to also cancel the increase in the taxation of residential land.
8 Speeches Analyzed