Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting
2024-04-02
Political Position
The representative of the Centre Party faction opposes the car tax and clearly asserts that it conflicts with European Union law and the constitution. He stresses that the last moment for withdrawing the bill is critical and firmly advocates for the draft legislation not to advance through the Riigikogu. The focus is on value-based and legal frameworks, rather than the traditional expansion of taxation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speech is based on legal and financial arguments: it refers to a legal analysis commissioned by the faction, which indicates that the car tax may conflict with EU law and Section 28 of the Constitution. It also mentions the 21.9% annual interest rate on potential damages compensation, as well as the complexity of adhering to tax law and state obligations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker uses an aggressive, formal, and emotional tone, employing a rapid-fire avalanche of claims, powerful rhetorical questions, and symbolic references (such as “the last moment” or “infringement of fundamental rights”). This paints a picture of necessary urgency and a deep moral conviction to protect vulnerable groups.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
It represents the consistent opposition leadership within the Riigikogu plenary session, citing the faction's legal analysis and its plan to appeal to the President to prevent the bill from being promulgated. It is trained to respond to developments; it seeks to influence public debate and pressure the government into taking swift action.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
A direct and strongly worded opposition to the car tax; it accuses the government of the bill being in conflict with both European Union law and the constitution. The tone of the address is critical and does not automatically offer options for cooperation, but rather emphasizes the need for immediate retraction and legal protection for vulnerable groups.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation strategy indicates greater support for the internal faction (with legal analysis conducted internally) instead of establishing a broad coalition with other parties. It mentions approaching the president for external cooperation but fails to emphasize a wider umbrella coalition or reciprocal compromises with other parties.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The document addresses the topic at the national level, but also emphasizes regional aspects, such as the transport situation in rural areas (including free public transport to rural areas and the reduction of road investments), as well as the circumstances of families with special needs and low-income families, which is tied to the financing of regional services.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Critical of the car tax, the speaker argues that it increases the overall tax burden (including through VAT and excise duties) and clearly fails to effectively generate jobs or economic growth. At the same time, the speaker emphasizes the necessity of maintaining or increasing aid, special provisions, and road investments, while criticizing economic policies that compel residents to leave rural areas.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Strong focus on socially vulnerable groups: people with disabilities, large families, and low-income individuals. It is argued that the imposition of the car tax exacerbates poverty risks, and the need to immediately implement exceptions or support measures is emphasized, rather than mitigating these risks later through protocols for potential support.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is directed towards the draft motor vehicle tax bill; demanding the withdrawal of the bill and its non-promulgation if it conflicts with European Union law and the constitution. It seeks rapid legislative direction that would ensure a new, compliant solution, and utilizes both the institutions of the Riigikogu (Parliament) and the President to influence the process.
1 Speeches Analyzed