Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
2025-09-15
Political Position
A commitment to strengthening the autonomy of local governments and a position opposing the transfer of Toompea (central government) politics to the local level. This stance defends the funding of local governments and emphasizes that the central government's tax policy increases the burden on municipalities and harms the quality of life for residents. If necessary, we are prepared to utilize the assistance of the Supreme Court, and we call on local residents to elect resistance and responsible representation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The text highlights the importance of understanding local government budgets and taxation (including land tax, car tax, VAT, and income tax) and how these affect schools, social policy, and infrastructure. It brings up specific issues such as the cancellation of free public transport, reduced road funding, and rising maintenance expenses. The discussion centers on the impact of tax reforms and the shortage of local resources.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is starkly critical and forceful, and the parties involved are mutually emotionally charged. [The speaker] employs moralizing language rooted in everyday life, resolutely accuses the opposition, and uses recurring refrains such as, "Toompea politics must be kept away from local municipalities." The rhetoric intersperses emotional appeals with factual points and encourages voters to take action.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition to the tax policy of the government and its coalition partners (specifically concerning land tax, car tax, VAT, and income tax). The criticism primarily focuses on policies by which the central government burdens local municipalities and deals with the populace, and “Toompea politics” is treated as the main force that needs to be resisted.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on local governments and their autonomy, highlighting examples from both rural areas (including small municipalities) and Tallinn. It stresses the vulnerability of various regions resulting from centralized decision-making. Furthermore, it emphasizes that local levels must possess the resilience needed to resist central policies.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Critical of central government tax policies: It is emphasized that local authorities lack additional funding while their obligations increase, which could lead to a multi-fold increase in land tax and the deterioration of people's living conditions. This is accompanied by criticism regarding car taxes and mobility costs, and it is stressed that the growth in post-care expenses and deficiencies in road budget allocation reduce economic well-being. The stance supports strong local financial management and resistance to central government fiscal pressure.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text addresses the broader impact on people: quality of life declines, the ability to cope financially deteriorates, and confidence and trust within social networks decrease. It highlights the negative effects that the care reform, the additional costs associated with education funding, and the elimination of free public transport have on residents in rural areas and small municipalities. Furthermore, it criticizes the influence of the tax burden on decisions made at the central level.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main objective is protecting the autonomy of local governments and resisting central tax changes. It points to the possibility of appealing to the Supreme Court and monitoring tax-related decisions, and emphasizes that local governments must be able to resist and, if necessary, utilize legal remedies. Specific legislative approaches are lacking; the focus is on protecting autonomy and limiting the impact of tax changes.
1 Speeches Analyzed