Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Second Reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 UA)
2024-07-29
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
Political Position
The political position is strongly against the draft car tax law, as it is considered fundamentally flawed, unconstitutional, and beyond repair even with amendments. The opposition is driven by both economic arguments (tax increases during a recession) and value-based criticism ("taxing people into poverty"). The law's initial environmental justification has been replaced by the need to cover budget deficits, which is viewed as a policy shift.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrated their knowledge of tax policy and budget revenues, specifically pointing out the taxes that were raised (VAT, income tax, land tax) and the shortfalls in 2024 VAT revenue collection. Furthermore, detailed criticism was presented regarding the technical and procedural errors in the draft legislation, including, for example, a reference to a law supposedly adopted in 2027.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly polemical and critical, employing strong, judgmental phrases such as "taxing people into poverty" and "completely absurd." It utilizes both logical arguments (a list of tax hikes, economic recession) and emotional appeals, highlighting the law's injustice and absurdity, particularly within the context of social benefits.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during the Riigikogu session at the end of July, indicating active participation in the extraordinary sittings, which were necessitated by the president's failure to promulgate the law. The speakers are active in the debate and support procedural steps, such as making a motion to adjourn.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with the government, which is being criticized for the law's unconstitutionality, poor economic policy, and unsuccessful tax revenue collection. The criticism is intense, and compromise is ruled out, as the law is considered irredeemably bad. They also reject the government’s argument that the car tax is necessary because Estonia is the only country in Europe without one, drawing a parallel with e-elections.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
In terms of cooperation, Social Democrat Anti Allast was positively singled out for coming to debate in a supportive capacity, referencing a selectively appreciative attitude towards members of other factions. Generally, however, cooperation with the government is ruled out, as there is no perceived possibility of amending the legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national tax issues and economic policy, as well as comparisons within the European Union context (car tax, e-voting). Regional or local focus does not feature in the speeches.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, especially during a recession, and criticize the government’s policy as "taxing people poor." It is argued that tax increases (VAT, income tax, land tax) do not improve revenue collection; instead, they encourage people to use their ingenuity to optimize their income.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are being framed in the context of economic injustice, specifically criticizing the government's position that increased benefits for large families and people with disabilities should cover the cost of paying the new car tax. Furthermore, the Social Democrats' recommendation was brought up: that the second car owned by a family could be over 20 years old to qualify for a smaller tax payment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the motor vehicle tax bill, which is considered fundamentally flawed and unconstitutional. The speaker actively supports the motion to discontinue the bill's second reading and criticizes the procedural errors found in the explanatory memorandum.
2 Speeches Analyzed