Session Profile: Arvo Aller
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-06-05
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the car tax, which is being called a wealth tax, arguing that it worsens people's situation, especially in rural areas. It is emphasized that the current government has violated its pre-election promises regarding not raising taxes. In addition to criticizing the tax policy, attention is drawn to Estonia's unique e-voting system, which should either be modified or abolished in the interest of fair elections.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the technical specifics of the motor vehicle tax bill, for example, inquiring about double taxation upon transfer or disposal (§ 10). Furthermore, they are aware of the procedural errors in the explanatory memorandum (incorrect page numbers in the references to proposed amendments) and the broader tax increases (sugar tax, VAT, excises).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative and critical, accusing the government of lying and breaking its promises. It utilizes both emotional appeals (such as the situation in rural areas and the expropriation of property) and procedural and technical arguments (including errors in the explanatory memorandum and the drafting of amendments). The speaker urges members of parliament to vote against the car tax and to support the Estonian Conservative People's Party in the European Parliament elections.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been active in the Riigikogu plenary session, submitting both procedural questions and delivering longer speeches in opposition to the draft bill. Eleven of their own proposed amendments were mentioned as having been rejected, along with their participation in the debate during the Finance Committee's presentation.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed against the Reform Party and the government, who are accused of breaking pre-election promises and raising taxes. The criticism is intense, focusing both on the substance of the policy (the car tax being treated as a wealth tax) and the improper legislative procedure (lack of public consultation and the obstructive bundling of amendments).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation in this context is adversarial; the speaker criticizes the Finance Committee's decision to bundle the amendments from various factions into a single package. This prevented a vote on specific proposals aimed at making the car tax more palatable to the public.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on rural areas and regions situated further away from Tallinn and the "golden ring." It is emphasized that the car tax will specifically worsen the situation for these residents, as a private vehicle is often the only means of transport available for commuting to work.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, especially concerning the car tax, which is deemed an unfair wealth tax. Warnings are issued that raising taxes (including the sugar tax, VAT, income tax, and excises/duties) will increase people's costs and diminish their purchasing power, ultimately leading to reduced consumption.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, emphasis is placed on the exclusion of representatives of large families and farmers from the car tax discussions, even though they had approached various institutions. The general social concern is related to the rising cost of living and the deterioration of mobility options for residents in rural areas.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the rejection of the motor vehicle tax bill and the call to vote against it. Procedurally, the withdrawal of the bill is demanded in order to correct errors in the explanatory memorandum. Criticism is also being directed at the consolidation of amendments, which merged 831 proposals into 19.
5 Speeches Analyzed