Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Inquiry Regarding Increasing the Decision-Making Authority of Municipalities Concerning the Establishment of Land Tax Rates (No. 777)
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to tax hikes, particularly regarding agricultural land, stressing the importance of food security and the severe difficulties faced by agricultural producers. The first speaker also criticized voting without delving into the specifics and the lack of flexibility afforded to local municipalities when setting land tax rates. This is a value-based position, centered on shielding rural communities and producers from the government's tax policies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker exhibits a deep understanding of the history of the Land Tax Act, including the land valuation process and the removal of the tax increase limitations (50% and 10%). Technical terminology, such as "agricultural land" and "cost price," is employed, and specific administrative issues in the merging local governments (Jõhvi and Toila) are cited. Additionally, the speaker is knowledgeable about the current state of agriculture and crop quality as affected by weather conditions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly critical and combative, especially regarding the government's inaction in supporting farmers. Both logical argumentation (referencing legislative changes and percentages) and emotional emphasis (harsh conditions, food security) are employed. The first speaker levels a direct accusation regarding the respondent's past voting behavior.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is participating in answering an interpellation (or query) in the Riigikogu, which points to active involvement in the parliament's oversight mechanisms. The second speaker refers to regular meetings where the problems of agricultural producers are discussed, noting that this issue is clearly evident in ("shines through from") every single meeting.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is directed at the current and previous governments (including the Social Democrats), who are criticized for removing land tax restrictions and failing to support farmers. The criticism is intense and policy-driven, accusing the government of using the land tax as a "good lever" to finance its obligations. The first speaker also criticizes the respondent's previous voting procedure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Willingness to cooperate is not expressed; instead, EKRE's political distinctiveness is emphasized, promising to lower land tax wherever EKRE gains power. Reference is made to EKRE's role in the previous government in initiating the land valuation process, which demonstrates a readiness for coalition work aimed at achieving their political objectives.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong focus is placed on the agricultural sector and agricultural land, emphasizing the economic viability of rural producers. Specific local administrative units and their problems are also mentioned (the merging municipalities of Jõhvi and Toila) concerning the establishment of land tax rates.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly favor tax cuts, especially for agricultural producers, who should be supported rather than burdened with taxation. The increase in land tax is viewed as a direct blow to the cost price of food production and to food security. Furthermore, there is support for reviewing state land rental prices to benefit farmers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the Land Tax Act and the right of local governments to set land tax rates. The speaker is opposed to the recent legislative amendments removing tax restrictions and supports legislative measures aimed at assisting agricultural producers, such as reviewing state land rental prices.
2 Speeches Analyzed