Agenda Profile: Rene Kokk
First reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Abandon the Imposition of the Car Tax and Withdraw the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill from the Riigikogu Proceedings" (374 OE)
2024-04-02
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly and unequivocally opposed to the motor vehicle tax, viewing it as an unfair mechanism for funding the state budget. The criticism centers on the negative impact of the government's tax increases (VAT, income tax, and the car tax) amid high inflation. The position is framed both by values (the protection of families and rural life) and by results (the government's failure to adequately understand the living environment). The speaker hopes that the members of parliament will thoroughly consider the substance of the bill and vote against it.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker shows a strong grasp of the government's tax package and how it affects various target groups, including hunters, farmers, and small business owners who require larger vehicles for their work. They specifically highlight their understanding of the differences in transportation logistics between urban and rural areas, referencing a discussion held in the Rural Affairs Committee. The criticism is aimed squarely at Ministry of Finance officials who, in the speaker's estimation, fail to understand the real-world necessities of rural life.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and critical, expressing indignation and frustration over the government’s actions and the incompetence of its officials ("how embarrassing," "it’s truly sad"). It employs both emotional appeals (referencing the neglect of large families) and logical arguments (such as the cumulative impact of taxes and the specific challenges of rural living). The tone is direct and accusatory, emphasizing the government’s dishonesty when explaining the tax’s actual objective.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has actively participated in committee discussions (including the Rural Affairs Committee) and refers to an engagement event held in the Riigikogu conference hall. In the Riigikogu chamber, three extra minutes were requested, demonstrating a strong desire to participate thoroughly in the debate. This pattern of activity indicates a focus on legislative work and parliamentary discussions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governing coalition, officials of the Ministry of Finance, and the finance minister, who are accused of incompetence and dishonesty (concealing the actual purpose of the taxes). The criticism is intense, focusing on both substantive errors and procedural manipulation (the imposition of the 51-vote requirement). The speaker also criticizes the government's attitude towards families, citing the reduction of the large family allowance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is generally adversarial, but the speaker makes a specific appeal to the Isamaa Party, urging them to raise the issue of scrapping the car tax during the Tallinn coalition negotiations. Furthermore, all MPs, regardless of their party affiliation, are urged to thoroughly consider the substance of the bill and not support it.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on rural areas and their living environment, highlighting the lack of public transport, taxis, and ride-sharing services compared to urban centers (Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu). Special attention is also drawn to the needs of hunters and farmers operating in rural areas, for whom a car is a necessary work tool, not a luxury.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views strongly oppose tax hikes, arguing that they worsen people’s ability to cope and degrade the business environment amid high inflation. It prioritizes the interests of small entrepreneurs, builders, and farmers who require larger vehicles for their work. The car tax is viewed primarily as a measure to fill the state budget, rather than an environmental tax.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Socially, the focus is being placed on large families, while criticizing the government's attitude towards Estonian families as a whole. It is noted that representatives of large families were not invited to the car tax discussions, which, in the speaker's assessment, demonstrates the government's negative attitude following the reduction of benefits for large families.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the rejection of the motor vehicle tax bill, which EKRE certainly does not support. Furthermore, procedural issues are being highlighted, criticizing the coalition's decision to wrongly impose a 51-vote requirement on the bill under discussion (374 OE), which demonstrates a disregard for the established conventions and practices within the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed