Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Third reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the State Fee Act and Related Amendments to Other Acts (417 SE)
2024-06-12
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The most crucial issue is the draft bill (417 SE) concerning the increase of state fees, which is facing strong opposition because it directly hits people's pockets. The position is value-based, emphasizing that an identity document is a state obligation, not a matter of convenience or optional consumption. The political framework is critical, questioning the cost justifications presented by the government. The Estonian Conservative People's Party does not support raising state fees.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the State Fees Act and procedures falling under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior, citing specific details from the explanatory memorandum (the rise in fixed costs, the revenue forecast). Critical analysis is primarily directed at the costs associated with issuing documents, with the suspicion that the reported expenses (rent, IT, paper) do not correspond to the actual reality. Furthermore, the repeated increase in the fee for issuing express documents is criticized, prompting the question of whether this increase funds faster internet service.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and skeptical, using questions to cast doubt on the government's justifications and logic (e.g., the revenue forecast). Logical appeals are employed to demonstrate the disproportionate increase in costs and state fees. The speech concludes with an emotional accusation: that this is merely a pretext to simply seize money from the people.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed against the government’s policy of raising state levies, accusing them of simply trying to grab easy money. The criticism is policy-based, calling into question the justifications for the expenses presented by the Ministry of the Interior and the necessity of the additional funds planned for the state budget. The opposition is intense and uncompromising, as EKRE does not support the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The preceding speaker was mentioned, who shared the similar view that documents are not for casual consumption, indicating a common understanding among the opposition on specific topics. There is a lack of data regarding official cooperation or any readiness to compromise with the governing parties.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national legislation and the actions of state agencies (the Police and Border Guard Board, the Ministry of the Interior). There is no regional or local emphasis, although foreign representations are mentioned in the context of applying for documents.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective is firmly opposed to raising taxes and levies, stressing that such measures would significantly drain the public's finances. The justification and practical necessity of collecting the additional funds (approximately 27 million) planned for the state budget are being called into doubt. The increase in state fees is viewed as an unjust means of funding the national budget.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
We are addressing the administrative costs associated with social procedures, while opposing the proposed increase in state fees for changes in civil status and name changes. The emphasis is placed on ensuring the accessibility of legal procedures for citizens and on the principle that the state should not use these necessary procedures as a pretext for revenue generation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on opposing the draft Act amending the State Fees Act (Bill 417 SE) during its third reading. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill, criticizing its substance and financial rationale, particularly the document-related procedures falling under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior.
1 Speeches Analyzed