Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing.
2024-03-20
Political Position
The acceptability of the car tax is the main issue. The speaker is strongly opposed to the draft bill, stressing that the car tax contradicts the constitution and European Union law and poses a threat to vulnerable groups. He emphasizes the need to withdraw the bill and present specific exemptions and alternative solutions that would guarantee social and legal certainty.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates legal expertise, citing a commissioned legal analysis and the contradiction between European Union law requirements and the Constitution. He/She emphasizes the potential harm and the criticism from the Chancellor of Justice, while also mentioning specific risks, such as an annual interest rate of 21.9% and the potential for additional state expenses related to compensation claims.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Rhetoric is critical and fact-based, yet it also employs questions and appeals to capture attention. The tone is formal, but the style is incisive, focusing on highlighting legal and social implications.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is focusing its criticism on the car tax, accusing the government and the ministry of negligence and generating additional costs. It stresses that the draft bill fails to address social problems and must be withdrawn.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to various amendment proposals that outline special provisions and funding, and demonstrates a willingness to compromise. However, broader cooperation with other factions has not been clearly indicated.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on national legislation and judicial matters in the Riigikogu, as well as the legal framework of the European Union; regional focus is not separately highlighted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economically, the stance on the car tax is critical and controversial; it is stressed that the draft legislation will introduce additional costs and potential risks. Funding proposals are being put forward (a tax on banks' excess profits, abandoning the promise to eliminate the tax hump), and the necessity of ensuring the availability of social support measures to protect vulnerable groups is highlighted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The protection of vulnerable groups is the main priority: people with disabilities, large families, and less secure families. It is emphasized that the car tax must not deepen poverty, and requires special provisions, additional state support, and social protection measures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the car tax bill; the speaker opposes the bill and demands its withdrawal, submitting amendments that include specific exemptions and alternative funding methods. Reference is made to a legal analysis and the subsequent criticism by the Chancellor of Justice as the reason for the withdrawal.
2 Speeches Analyzed