Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Second Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act and the Traffic Act (694 SE)
2025-11-05
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the car tax and registration fee, labeling it an unfair, disproportionate, and unconstitutional "omnibus mess." A demand is being put forward for the resignation of the Reform Party government led by Kristen Michal, citing low public trust and a serious leadership crisis. The Centre Party's goal is to abolish the tax should they come to power. This position is grounded both in values (injustice) and in results (the government's failure).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the legal and economic aspects of the car tax, citing a commissioned legal analysis and their readiness to challenge the issue all the way up to the Supreme Court. Specific figures are presented concerning the costs of IT development (2.4 million euros for creation, 1 million annually for maintenance) and the failure to collect expected revenue. Furthermore, the speaker is intimately familiar with the proposals put forth by the Chamber of Disabled Persons and the misuse of funds by the Ministry of Social Affairs.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and sharp, employing emotional and politically charged expressions (e.g., "prime minister in agony," "devastating assessment," "the biggest clusterfuck"). This style balances strong political attacks with factual arguments, citing poll results (12% trust) and legal issues. The overall tone towards the government is accusatory and uncompromising.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative process, participating in the second reading of the draft bill and repeatedly raising the issue of specific provisions for people with disabilities. These patterns of activity also include legal action, having commissioned a legal analysis with the faction and filed complaints of unconstitutionality in court. Efforts to remove the Reform Party from the Tallinn City Government are also mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government coalition led by the Reform Party (Reform Party, Eesti 200, Social Democrats), which is accused of imposing an unfair tax and causing a state management crisis. Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Social Affairs Minister Karmen Joller are being attacked particularly fiercely, with the latter criticized for a lack of engagement and the misuse of funds. A compromise on the car tax is ruled out; its complete abolition is demanded.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The working style focuses on the internal operations of the party (the Center Party), such as commissioning legal analysis and continuing the political and substantive struggle. There are no indications of seeking compromises with the governing coalition or engaging in cross-party collaboration; instead, the emphasis is clearly placed on political confrontation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (car tax, state budget, the condition of roads), addressing the law's impact on Estonian residents more broadly. However, there is specific mention of the Center Party's efforts to oust the Reform Party from the Tallinn City Government, thereby linking national policy with the local power struggle.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly against new taxes (car tax, registration fee), considering them unfair because people are already being fleeced through fuel excise duty and VAT. Criticism is directed at the government's failed plan to meet the state budget targets (revenue collection fell below expectations) and the large expenditures on IT systems for tax collection.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central theme in social issues is the equal treatment of people with disabilities and the lack of exemptions in the car tax, emphasizing that, according to the constitution, they are under the special care of the state. The government is criticized for cutting benefits for large families, lowering parental allowances, and stripping health insurance from stay-at-home mothers. Furthermore, the misuse of funds allocated by the Ministry of Social Affairs for children with special needs is being highlighted.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on challenging the draft act amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Act and the Traffic Act (694 SE) and proving its unconstitutionality. Priorities include introducing tax concessions for people with disabilities and large families, although the Centre Party is demanding the complete abolition of the tax. The speaker is a strong opponent of the draft bill and the initiator of legal complaints.
3 Speeches Analyzed