Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-06
Political Position
The political focus is centered on the strong opposition to the car tax, which is considered unconstitutional and socially unjust, as it would force disabled people to give up their cars. Criticism is aimed at the government’s tax policy (referred to as "tax chaos" and "tax circus") and its incompetence, with the Prime Minister being accused of spontaneously juggling taxes. The party (the Center Party) promises to completely abolish the car tax at both the national and local levels if they come to power.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise regarding the legislation and constitutionality of the car tax, precisely citing the positions of the Chancellor of Justice and the President’s previous refusal to promulgate the law. Specific emphasis is placed on the multi-layered nature of the taxation (quadruple taxation) and its effect on people with disabilities and families. Legal arguments concerning the violation of the Constitution are employed.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and emotional, employing sharp metaphors such as "tax circus" and "cluster blunder." Appeals are directed both at legal logic (constitutionality, multiple taxation) and at emotions (the hardships faced by families and people with disabilities, driving broken cars). Finally, a promise is made to continue the fight both in court and through elections.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaking engagement takes place during the plenary session of the Riigikogu, focusing on the discussion of the government's draft bill and the posing of questions to the minister. The patterns of activity encompass both legislative initiative (submitting one's own draft bill) and legal action (filing complaints in court, with a readiness to pursue the matter all the way to the Supreme Court). Regular appeals from the Chamber of Disabled Persons are also mentioned.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party, Eesti 200, and the Social Democrats, who are being accused of causing tax chaos, withdrawing family benefits, and demonstrating social callousness. The criticism is intense, focusing both on political incompetence and the poor attitude shown by the Minister of Social Affairs (Karmen Joller) towards organizations representing people with disabilities. Any compromise regarding the car tax is ruled out, with demands for its complete abolition.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker focuses on the opposition and initiatives of their own political party (the Center Party), referencing the Center Party's draft bill aimed at introducing special provisions for people with disabilities. There is a complete absence of any reference to cooperation with coalition partners or a willingness to compromise regarding the car tax issue.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on national tax issues and legislation (at the level of the Riigikogu). However, a local dimension is also introduced, allowing for the compensation of the car tax for the elderly, people with special needs, and families with children in Tallinn, provided the Centre Party wins power there.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases. Specific criticism is aimed at the car tax and the hike in VAT to 24%, which has driven up the cost of food and services. The government is being accused of worsening the financial situation of families and essentially robbing them through what is termed "quadruple taxation." Support is voiced for abolishing these taxes and implementing compensation mechanisms to ease social pressure.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on the protection of people with disabilities and families with children, emphasizing that people with disabilities must be granted exceptions to the car tax, in line with the constitutional requirement for special care. The government is being criticized for cutting benefits for large families, lowering the ceiling on parental benefits, and revoking health insurance from stay-at-home mothers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the complete repeal of the car tax and opposing the related bill, as it continues to violate the constitution. There is a demand for the introduction of exemptions for people with disabilities, and reference is made to the ongoing proceedings of the Center Party's corresponding bill. In addition to legislative action, the focus also includes judicial complaints, extending all the way to the Supreme Court.
4 Speeches Analyzed