Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Inquiry regarding the conflict between the motor vehicle tax and the Constitution and European Union law (No. 623)
2024-04-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The Car Tax Controversy: The speaker opposes the car tax and presents strong arguments that the draft legislation may conflict with both the Constitution and European Union law. He stresses that people with disabilities, large families, and pensioners fall within the scope of special calculations and will suffer due to unreasonable costs—therefore demanding the withdrawal of the bill and answers to the inquiry addressed to the Prime Minister, specifically regarding the lack of exemptions and the necessity for additional support.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The guiding aspects of constitutionality (Article 28 of the Constitution) are emphasized, along with the necessity of social welfare and support for individuals with special needs. Mention is made of the risk of registration fee reimbursement based on court rulings and the absence of an impact assessment, thereby demonstrating legal and social analytical competence focused equally on the Constitution and EU law.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is officially critical, yet open to emotion and grounded in values. Strong moral arguments are employed, emphasizing the protection of fundamental rights, which immediately establishes a direct ethical framework for the discourse; the call for the withdrawal of the bill adds a deeply personal element and a critical assessment of the bill's register.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Actively participates in the day’s addresses (2024-04-29) and interpellations, mentioning the short timeframe for submitting amendments and the involvement of various procedures. Acknowledges cooperation with colleagues but emphasizes the necessity of receiving answers from the prime minister and continuing the process through challenging oppositionary procedures. Demonstrates continuous participation and active attention to the topic.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The stance is clearly receptive to the car tax, but critical of the government’s motivation and the lack of proper analysis, emphasizing that the draft bill focuses on budget fulfillment rather than improving traffic culture. The arguments raised concern the lack of necessary differentiation and the increasing risk of poverty for disabled individuals and their families.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Demonstrates cooperation with colleagues (e.g., Andrei Korobeinik) and refers to jointly discussed amendments and questions. However, there is a strong critical tone regarding the draft legislation, which suggests a limited willingness to ease relations before thorough analysis; cooperation exists, but the ultimate goal is the withdrawal of the bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the regional impact: the hardships faced by counties, changes affecting mobility and public transport in rural areas, and the potential closure of rural schools. It references regional policy and issues at the regional level (e.g., the resignation of Madis Kallas serving as context).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Critique of economic policy: The car tax is primarily aimed at balancing the budget rather than being based on a proper impact analysis, a measure detrimental to both purchasing power and road construction. It is noted that the economic burden has significantly increased due to rising VAT, excise duties, and other prices, necessitating additional subsidies and more effective measures to mitigate social and regional issues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Focus on fundamental rights: people with disabilities, large families, and pensioners, and the necessity of addressing their specific needs within the framework of the car tax. A critical stance is taken regarding the bill's effectiveness in addressing poverty and social inclusion; it emphasizes the protection of subsidies and freedoms in the fields of culture and sport, and the need to avoid the impact of punitive tax measures on the standard of living.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on interpellations to the Prime Minister and highlighting issues related to European Union law and the Constitution. Demands include impact assessments, compensation for potential damages based on court rulings, and inclusion; the necessity of withdrawing the draft legislation is emphasized, along with parliamentary procedure and the submission of questions for response.
3 Speeches Analyzed