Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-03-17
Political Position
The Center Party stresses the car tax's inherent inequality and unconstitutionality. Furthermore, they highlight the need for special protection for disabled individuals and large families. They are vehemently opposed to the car tax and demand its immediate repeal, while simultaneously pledging to develop compensation or equalization mechanisms (for example, based on the Tallinn model) and to apply limited exemptions exclusively to all disabled persons. This stance is grounded in both policy and values, and involves the long-term deployment of legal arguments and the consideration of judicial measures.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates a core understanding of constitutional issues (Article 28 of the Constitution) and the role of the Chancellor of Justice and the Supreme Court; the discussion is based on legal analyses and procedural aspects. Technical terms are employed, such as unequal treatment, constitutionality, and procedural restrictions, with reference made to analyses and court decisions as authoritative sources.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The discourse is a combination of powerful, direct, and emotionally engaging elements; the tone is critical and decisive, but it also employs factual comparisons (tax rates, the state budget) and moral arguments concerning disabled people and their families. Constitutional arguments, emphasis on public interest and the risk of poverty, and repeated references to “constitutionality” and “limiting the voice of the people” are utilized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The focus is on continuous political action: appeals to the Supreme Court and the Chancellor of Justice, the highlighting of legal analyses, and the presentation of various amendment proposals. Cooperation with stakeholders is mentioned, as well as the plan to continue the campaign and pursue litigation if the car tax takes effect. Ongoing public outreach and the speaker's behavior at the lectern are also demonstrated.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is aimed at the coalition and the Reform Party: there is deep criticism of the car tax, alongside accusations of unreasonable tax structures and procedural limitations. The intensive criticism concerns both the political decisions and the implementation of democratic procedures, highlighting violations of constitutionality and civil rights. Should the demands presented be disregarded, specific legal remedies are being planned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The text emphasizes cooperation with stakeholders (such as associations for people with disabilities and large families) and Riigikogu (Parliamentary) support groups; it is noted that the coalition ignored these amendment proposals. The existing rhetoric expresses a desire for solutions through compromise and the involvement of parliament and the public; a willingness to seek compromises is demonstrated, but the critical and contradictory stance persists simultaneously.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It assesses national issues but highlights regional impacts: rural families and people with special needs may encounter difficulties due to the vehicle tax; it observes the commitment to compensation regarding Tallinn, the actual effect on rural areas, and the problem of fragmented or insufficient funding for investments. Regional focus is linked to both rural and county-level contexts and considers the overall regional impact.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Criticism of the multi-package tax structures: the increase in VAT and fuel excise duty, the rise in registration fees and fines, and the gradual impact of the car tax on the cost of living. In contrast, pre-tax savings measures are presented, alongside the argument that road construction investments are decreasing. There is a demand for the review and abolition of the car tax, and the use of compensation mechanisms for specific listed groups. The primary objective is to reduce the financial burden and ensure a level playing field for society's most vulnerable groups.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Priorities for equal rights and social justice: The focus is on the unique circumstances of people with disabilities and large families, and the necessity of preventing the deepening of poverty and the forced relinquishing of essential transport. Emphasis is placed on the rights and constitutional protection of groups under the special care of the state, promising compensation and social protection, and actively working to reduce the risk of poverty.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The crux of all the proposed legislation is the repeal or suspension of the car tax, along with the subsequent review of numerous amendments. Legal steps mentioned include the discussion of the Riigikogu's procedural and constitutional constraints, as well as the directives issued by the court and the Chancellor of Justice. They vow to continue legal disputes and introduce new bills aimed at abolishing the car tax and establishing compensation schemes.
3 Speeches Analyzed