Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (Bill 677 SE)
2025-10-06
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is one of strong and unwavering opposition to the motor vehicle tax, which is described as "tax chaos" and a "legislative hodgepodge." The speaker focuses on criticizing the government's instability and incompetence, particularly concerning the cuts to benefits for people with disabilities and families with children. The goal is the complete repeal of the car tax at both the national and Tallinn municipal levels, promising to implement this upon the Centre Party taking power. The position is strongly value-driven, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring constitutionality and social justice.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the history of motor vehicle tax legislation, accurately citing the reasons for the President's refusal to promulgate the law and the positions held by the Chancellor of Justice. The professional focus is on constitutional issues and the impact of social policy on people with disabilities, highlighting how the lack of specific exceptions conflicts with the constitution. Knowledge is also demonstrated regarding the chronology of the government’s previous tax policy decisions (e.g., VAT, income tax, family benefits).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and emotional, employing sharp metaphors such as "tax circus," "omnibus mess," and "robbery." The speaker strongly appeals to emotions, highlighting the hardships faced by people with disabilities and families with children, and emphasizing the government's neglect. Repeated rhetorical questions are used to cast doubt on the government's motives, and a promise is made to continue the fight within the judicial system.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, participating in the first reading of the draft bill and referencing previously blocked amendments. Their patterns of activity encompass both parliamentary work and legal action, including filing complaints in court and the readiness to appeal all the way to the Supreme Court. Future elections (scheduled in a year and a half) and the party's election platform are also mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the ruling coalition (the Reform Party, Estonia 200, and the Social Democrats) and specific ministers (Kristen Michal, Karmen Joller). Criticism is intense, focusing on the political chaos, constitutional violations, and a general attitude of carelessness, particularly regarding the Social Affairs Minister's cancellation of meetings with the Chamber of Disabled Persons. Compromise is off the table; they are demanding the complete abolition of the tax, not just cosmetic adjustments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no talk of cooperation with other parties; emphasis is placed on the Center Party's independent fight against the car tax ("The Center Party will not give up"). The style of cooperation is party-centric, focusing on the party's future promises and strategies at both the local and national levels.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national tax issues and ensuring constitutionality across the entire country. However, a specific local political promise is mentioned: compensating the car tax for the elderly, people with special needs, and families with children in Tallinn, should the Centre Party come to power there.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are firmly against tax increases, criticizing the hike in VAT to 24% and the rising fuel excise duty, both of which have made life significantly more expensive. The proposed car tax is viewed as "robbery" and a form of quadruple taxation. They support tax compensation and relief measures for the general population, especially vulnerable groups, highlighting the fact that people are already forced to drive broken-down vehicles.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social policy, the rights and benefits of people with disabilities take precedence, demanding a uniform car tax exemption for them to ensure constitutional compliance. There is also sharp criticism regarding the cutting of benefits for families with children (support for large families, the cap on parental benefits) and the removal of health insurance from stay-at-home mothers. The government is accused of indifference and worsening food accessibility for families.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (677 SE) and achieving its complete repeal. The speaker stresses that the draft legislation remains unconstitutional, particularly due to the absence of specific provisions or exemptions for people with disabilities. In addition to parliamentary work, the focus also includes litigation to achieve the annulment of the law via the Supreme Court.
2 Speeches Analyzed