By Months: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart

The Centre Party representative strongly opposes the government’s tax policy and the focus on the special commission fighting state corruption. They emphasize resistance to interference in the Riigikogu’s work and prioritize questions of participation policy and the management of state enterprises; they advocate for strengthening the principles of budget transparency and a non-political civil service. They view the positions of ministers and the coalition as coalition politics, which worsens the economic situation of the residents and trust in institutions. From the outset, their position is strongly value-based and policy-driven, with an emphasis on increasing anti-corruption work and transparency and criticizing the coalition’s measures.

As a representative of the Centre Party faction, the focus is on budget transparency, cost control, and accountability in the use of state funds. They argue that the current budget is unreasonably complex and opaque and should implement a cost-based budget and restrict ministers' ability to change expenditure lines at any given time; clearly advocates for not only economic sustainability, but also the protection of the interests of the most vulnerable groups, including pensioners. Certainly critical of the coalition and wants a whole range of changes that focus on policy and results-based management.

As a representative of the Centre Party faction, he emphasizes the transparency of the state budget and the role of the Riigikogu in the budget process. He is critical of the government's current financing solution, stating that it is being voted on blindly and that the expenditure lines are invisible. He advocates for an amendment to the State Budget Act so that all expenditure and revenue lines would be separately listed starting from 500,000 euros. He also emphasizes cooperation between the coalition and the opposition, seeing the bill as part of the goals included in the coalition agreement.

The protection of the role of parliament and the constitution, along with the representation of the people's interests, is his primary focus. He is in opposition to the coalition and emphasizes the importance of social programs and investments (healthcare, support families, youth well-being) and sensible taxes that do not unduly burden the most vulnerable. He is critical of the coalition’s tax and budget policy and stresses the need to consider democratic principles and the voice of the people. He favors cooperation, but believes it is essential to protect the constitution and the autonomy of parliament, with respectful consideration being the starting point.

As a representative of the Centre Party’s faction, I am firmly in opposition to the coalition’s plan regarding car tax, preferring to maintain or provide tax exemptions for people with disabilities. I emphasize that abolishing tax breaks and replacing them solely with benefits may conflict with the constitution and European Union law; this position is strong and principled, and I see a need to ambitiously protect rights and avoid discriminatory effects.

As a representative of the Centre Party, a strong opposition position has been presented regarding the government’s tax policy, focusing on opposition to the double increases in car tax, state duties, and fines, as well as the discussion of land tax and social expenses. A transparent procedure is preferred, ensuring exemptions and tax breaks for people with disabilities, large families, and other vulnerable groups; the criticism is strongly politically and values-based, not just economic. In this regard, emphasis is placed on adherence to constitutional and legal principles, as well as the correct organization of votes and procedures. No significant permanent mothers have been noticed; the main focus is on criticizing the government’s policy and proposing alternatives, as well as the need to find opportunities for cooperation and compromise.

The Centre Party faction is critical of the government's tax policy and considers it important to analyze the broader impact of these taxes on the economy and citizens. They emphasize that increased taxes and the prices of state services primarily burden entrepreneurs, families, and local governments, and want to avoid sweeping tax hikes and minimize damages to the principles associated with home ownership. Respect for democratic procedures, the protection of the opposition's rights, and the need for open discussion and cooperation with various social groups are also highlighted. Priorities and continued readiness for non-oppositional collaboration are strongly policy- and value-based, not merely personal rhetoric.

As Centre Party representative, strong criticism is emphasized regarding the government’s economic policy and opposition to the car tax. Support is given to the special circumstances of families with many children and people with disabilities, and the protection of groups under special state care, based on the constitution; it is emphasized that previous promises should not be reinterpreted, and crisis solutions should not be carried out in the name of budget execution. The focus is on maintaining a values- and rule-of-law based approach in the political climate, protecting budget decisions against being sacrificed for the interests of coalition parties’ voters. In presenting objectives, the focus is on a defensive, pro-social and legal security emphasizing decision-making style, often critically justifying the actions of the coalition.

The Centre Party representative is positioning themselves as a strong opposition to the car tax, emphasizing that the tax disproportionately burdens vulnerable groups (families with children, those with low incomes, and people in rural areas) and is therefore unfair. They advocate for a bank excess profits tax as an alternative and stress that tax policy should be directed in a fair and socially responsible manner; they want the bill withdrawn or brought into alignment with social needs, referencing the principles of the constitution and European Union law. A hallmark of the politician’s approach is systematic criticism of the government’s approach, and a focus on the rule of law and social responsibility.

The spokesperson is fundamentally opposed to abolishing the exemption from value-added tax for accommodations and is generally critical regarding car taxes – emphasizing that impact analyses were lacking and that taxes and the distribution of taxes need to be reduced or controlled to prevent a detrimental effect on regions and tourism. The positions are often directed at decisions impacting tourism and regions: they justify the opposition to regional damage and desire an analysis-based and balanced approach, as well as the necessity to maintain or restore investment and economic security. The awareness of regional vulnerability (Ida-Virumaa, smaller towns) has also been highlighted, along with the desire to reduce impact, not just to increase tax reserves for a short period. Part of the position involves proposals for policy solutions: a partial reversal of the existing tax change, and broader proposals to balance expenses and revenues and to reduce regional impact.

The primary focus is on funding education and science, and stimulating the economy through investment. It deals with specific topics and actual figures—criticizing tax increases and emphasizing the state's role in providing school and science funding. To top it all off, it highlights a strong rule of law and constitutional principles, and favors sustainable, collaborative politics over hasty decisions.