Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
First Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Penal Code and the Amendment of Other Related Acts (Increasing the Fine Unit) (Bill 415 SE)
2024-04-30
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The Center Party faction opposes the draft legislation aimed at increasing the fine unit and state fees, demanding a thorough analysis of both its efficacy and economic impact. The faction deemed it critical that the initial debate focused primarily on increasing budgetary revenues. Furthermore, the faction characterizes this intention as merely a tool for meeting budgetary targets, rather than an improvement in public welfare, emphasizing that any acceptable solution must be based on a considered and socially just approach. The central recommendation put forward is the rejection of the draft legislation and the requirement for a comprehensive analysis.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter utilizes references from the explanatory memorandum and employs economic terminology (fines, state fees, budget revenues), emphasizing the need to analyze not only revenue generation but also the impact on behavior and social welfare. The presentation demonstrates a cognitive connection between the tax and fine system, the rising cost of state services, and an understanding of the scope of their combined impact. The text includes references to the future digitization of taxes and services and the principles for balancing/leveling their associated costs.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is aggressive and accusatory, characterized by strong oratorical skill; it employs direct statements, emotional and moral arguments, and simplifies complex legal terminology through multiple rhetorical questions and emphatic statements. The speech suggests a strong sense of pragmatism and a "transparent" attitude towards the coalition, frequently layering details and accusations into one overarching narrative. The tone is formal yet simultaneously very forceful and emotional.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches are reflected in the Legal Affairs Committee during the session held on the same day, 30.04.2024; the speeches refer to the presiding officer of the session and to extensive copied passages from the explanatory memorandum. The texts indicate coordinated timing and clear cooperation with the opposition faction, although there are no direct references to broad-based cooperation. A critical, constantly repetitive debate regarding the draft legislation was presented.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition to the coalition's intentions; specific criticism centers on the policy of increasing fines and state fees, and the inadequacy of assessing their impact. It is directly emphasized that raising fines does not support social justice and could increase poverty and inequality; they assert that the draft bill is a tool for enforcing policies, not a revenue-generating solution. The demand is for the draft bills to be withdrawn and subjected to thorough analysis and impact assessment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation with other parties is not demonstrated; the faction emphasizes its distinct position and its motion for rejection. While the pragmatic approach of the Coalition and the Reform Party is criticized, there are no specific stated intentions for broader bipartisan cooperation. A clearly oppositional stance is taken, but no willingness to compromise is shown.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
National level; lack of regional focus or focus centered on the regional economy; the arguments presented are general national level issues (fines, tax changes, cost of services). Attention primarily concerns the general impact and legal framework, not the specific characteristics of concrete regions or regional interest groups.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The central criticism of the economic decisions is that increasing fines and state duties serves as a tool for budget execution, rather than being a socially just policy. It is stressed that this approach could harm individuals and vulnerable groups, and that no proper analysis is being performed. The opposition maintains that tax amendments should be thoroughly assessed, including their effects on the labor market and consumers. The rising taxes and the conversion of services into an additional source of revenue are viewed as a pragmatic, yet potentially damaging, direction taken by the coalition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It is emphasized that increasing fines and state fees primarily affects people in vulnerable positions: the disabled, children, and the elderly may experience greater burdens. It is also stressed that the rise in prices for ID card and passport applications affects access to services and associated costs. The view is presented that the state must not create an additional source of revenue through state fees, and these charges should be reasonably priced and accessible to everyone.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is the first reading of draft bill 415 SE (concerning the increase of the penalty unit) and the related bill concerning the increase of state fees; the faction demands the rejection of the bills and a thorough analysis to assess their impact. Reference is made to the explanatory memorandum, and the lack of analysis is emphasized as undermining the legitimacy of the state decision. The objective is stated as ensuring due legal consideration and fair consequences, rather than a rushed price increase.
3 Speeches Analyzed