Session Profile: Arvo Aller
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-29
Political Position
The political position is firmly against Draft Bill 437 (the amendment to the Land Tax Act), stressing that the state is shifting the financial burden onto local governments and 520,000 landowners. This stance is based both on procedure (the absence of VTK) and core values, drawing attention to the negative effects on food security and private property. The address concludes with a motion to reject the bill at the first reading.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedures, criticizing the absence of an Intention to Develop (VTK) and the failure to involve stakeholders. This expertise is also evident in the analysis of the bill’s details, precisely referencing the section that stipulates the land tax increase range of 10–100%. Furthermore, knowledge regarding the land tax’s impact on the local government (KOV) budget (approx. 2.5%) and agricultural rental prices is highlighted.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and analytical, focusing on procedural errors in the legislative process and the specific wording of the draft bill. Logical arguments are employed, referencing concrete figures (520,000 landowners) and the text of the explanatory memorandum, blending this with an emotional appeal concerning food security and the burden placed upon private property owners. The speaker is direct and requests additional time from the session chair.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active participant in the plenary session, posing repeated questions to the minister and responding to the views of colleagues (Aivar Kokk, Rene Kokk, Siim Pohlak). The discussion is focused on a single topic (the amendment to the Land Tax Act) and concludes with a proposal made on behalf of the faction.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the government and the Ministry of Finance for initiating the draft bill and for the flawed process, particularly due to the failure to involve key interest groups (the Central Union of Farmers, the Private Forest Union). The criticism is both procedural and substantive, accusing the government of shifting a money-extraction measure onto local municipalities. The criticism is intense and concludes with a proposal to reject the bill.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates cooperation and alignment of views with colleagues (Aivar Kokk, Rene Kokk, Siim Pohlak), supporting their criticism concerning the substance of the bill and the 10% minimum increase. Regarding stakeholders, the necessity of involving the Central Union of Estonian Farmers and the Estonian Private Forest Union is stressed, referencing their positions in the concordance table. Finally, a proposal is submitted on behalf of the Conservative People's Party faction.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, but with a strong emphasis on rural areas and agriculture, highlighting the impact of land tax on farmers, the rise in rental prices, and food security. Local government (KOV) budgets and the growth of their obligations are also mentioned.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are strictly opposed to tax increases, especially concerning the land tax, which is considered a burden for 520,000 households. Warnings are issued that tax hikes will harm food production and facilitate the acquisition of land by foreign capital with deep pockets. Criticism is leveled at the state for assigning responsibilities to local governments without providing funding, thereby forcing them to raise the land tax.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Food security is highlighted as a priority issue, linking it directly to defense security, and warnings are issued that the rise in land tax will reduce food production. Furthermore, the repair debt burdening Estonian households and high housing costs are cited as a social problem, which the land tax increase will only exacerbate.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the rejection of Bill 437, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Land Tax Act. The speaker is a strong opponent, focusing on procedural shortcomings, such as the absence of a formal intent to draft and the failure to involve key interest groups (the Central Union of Farmers and the Private Forest Union).
5 Speeches Analyzed