Agenda Profile: Rene Kokk
First reading of the Bill amending the Land Tax Act (437 SE)
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the draft amendment of the Land Tax Act, which would grant local municipalities the authority to raise the land tax. The speaker criticizes the actions of the Government of the Republic, which continuously imposes new obligations on local governments without providing corresponding state funding. This policy is framed as increasing the tax burden on citizens under the guise of autonomy, signaling strong opposition both to the government's actions and the substance of the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the financing of local governments and state-imposed mandates, highlighting the link between these obligations and insufficient funding. He/She employs clear logic to connect the state's fiscal responsibility with the proposal to increase the land tax. The knowledge focuses primarily on the budgetary relationships between the state and local authorities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and direct, employing strong emotional imagery (e.g., "strangling one's own people") and ironic analogy (police badges) to ridicule government policy. The speech also includes a very direct and improper personal reprimand aimed at an attendee in the hall: ("Jürgen, be civil and be quiet... Stop muttering!").
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Government of the Republic and the minister concerning the imposition of unfunded obligations upon local governments. The criticism is intense and challenges the substance of the policy, accusing the government of an irresponsible attitude. Furthermore, there was a direct personal attack and a calling to order aimed at an individual in the hall (Jürgen) who was interrupting the speaker.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the financial relationship between the state and local governments (LGs), and the balance between LG autonomy and their responsibilities. There is no emphasis on specific geographical regions, industries, or local projects; rather, local governments are discussed in general terms.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, especially those affecting land tax and the overall tax burden on citizens, which is described as "strangling." Fiscal responsibility is demanded from the state, stressing that the imposition of new obligations must be accompanied by corresponding state funding in order to avoid raising local taxes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the draft bill (437 SE) amending the Land Tax Act. The speaker is a strong opponent of this specific bill, criticizing its impact on local governments and the tax burden placed on citizens.
1 Speeches Analyzed