Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Second reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Land Tax Act (437 SE)
2024-06-12
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
Our political position is one of strong opposition to the draft amendment to the Land Tax Act (437 SE), as it fails to provide local governments with a significant revenue base, but rather serves to cover deficits resulting from the VAT increase. This stance is aimed at protecting landowners and the agricultural sector, emphasizing the threat posed to food security and national security. EKRE proposes halting the bill's second reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedures and technical tax details, referencing specific provisions of the draft bill (e.g., the 10–100% range) and its shortcomings (the absence of a Development Intent). The professional focus centers on land tax, the revenue base of local governments, and the economic impacts on agriculture, explaining the marginal share of land tax in the municipal budget.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and combative, featuring sharp procedural criticism directed at the presenter and the commission ("a new level"). Logical arguments (marginal revenue for the local government unit) and emotional appeals (threat to food security) are used to emphasize the negative consequences of the draft bill. The speaker employs irony, referencing the presenter's absence from the committee and his allegedly callous recommendation to the farmers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is limited to speaking in the Riigikogu chamber during the second reading of the draft legislation, while the speaker admits their absence from the relevant committee meeting. The speaker also refers to the recent demonstration held by landowners, foresters, and farmers in front of the Riigikogu on May 29.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the coalition and the Finance Committee, criticizing not only the substance of the draft bill but also the disregard for legislative procedure and the marginal inclusion of interest groups. Particular criticism is leveled at the incompetence of the rapporteur and his alleged recommendation that farmers sell their land, which demonstrates the opponents' attitude toward landowners.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is deficient because the speaker emphasizes that the substantive amendments proposed by EKRE (for example, the introduction of 0 into the tax rate range) were not taken into account by the committee. Instead of cooperating, a proposal was made to suspend the second reading of the draft bill, which demonstrates a lack of readiness for compromise on this particular issue.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is aimed at Estonian landowners, foresters, and farmers, highlighting the negative effect of the rising land tax on the agricultural sector and the rural economy. The discussion also addresses the issue of local government revenue bases, which directly impacts local life.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are strongly opposed to tax hikes, particularly when these affect productive sectors such as agriculture. It is stressed that an increase in land tax will drive up the rental costs for farmland, thereby jeopardizing food security. The tax increase is criticized as merely a way to cover state liabilities and deficits, rather than genuinely enhancing autonomy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the draft amendment to the Land Tax Act (Bill 437 SE) and suspending its second reading. The priority is ensuring the quality of legislation and procedural correctness, as well as protecting the interests of landowners against an increase in the tax burden.
1 Speeches Analyzed