Session Profile: Arvo Aller
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
2024-06-12
Political Position
The political stance is firmly opposed to increasing taxes and state levies, viewing this as an unjust financial burden on citizens and an attempt to shift state responsibilities. Criticism is leveled both at the policy substance itself (such as the rising cost of official documents and the impact of land tax on agriculture) and at the legislative procedures used. The speaker represents the position of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE), maintaining strong opposition to both draft laws.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the structure of state fees (costs of identity documents, the price hike for expedited documents) and amendments to the Land Tax Act, citing specific figures and details from the explanatory memorandum. He questions the justification of the costs (e.g., the necessity of using forms when applying for an ID card) and criticizes shortcomings in the legislative process, such as the absence of a preliminary drafting intention.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and at times sharp, combining logical argumentation (questioning the logic behind costs and revenues) with emotional appeals focused on protecting citizens' wallets. Formal language is employed, but direct attacks are launched against the legislative procedure and the preparation of the rapporteurs, describing the situation as "embarrassing" and "a new level."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity indicate active participation in plenary sessions, focusing on opposing the government's financial bills during the readings. The speaker refers to previous debates and interest group protests that took place outside the Riigikogu, such as the landowners' demonstration. There are no references to personal meetings or travel.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government coalition and the committees responsible for drafting legislation, who are being criticized for the absence of substantive arguments and for disregarding procedural rules. Criticism was particularly sharp regarding the rapporteur of the Finance Committee due to his lack of preparation and for marginalizing the involvement of interest groups. No willingness to compromise has been expressed; instead, demands are being made for the rejection of the draft legislation or the termination of the reading.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is operating strictly within the opposition framework, representing EKRE's views and criticizing the coalition's inability to take substantive amendments into account. There are no indications of seeking cooperation or compromise; rather, the focus is on the committee's disregard for the opposition's proposals (such as the 0% land tax increase).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on rural areas and landowners, emphasizing the negative impact of the rising land tax on the agricultural sector and food security. Mention is made of the protest staged by landowners, foresters, and farmers, and their specific concerns. More generally, the discussion also addresses national services (ID cards) and their effect on all residents.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are strongly opposed to tax hikes, emphasizing that government levies and land tax directly hit people's pockets. Concern is raised regarding the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, as the increase in land tax drives up rental prices. It is suspected that the revenue collected from state fees is not directly used to cover the costs of the relevant procedures, but instead goes toward plugging holes in the state budget.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus regarding social issues is directed toward the accessibility and cost of state-mandated services (identity documents) and procedures related to civil status. It is emphasized that the possession of these documents is a state-imposed obligation, not a matter of convenience, and consequently, their price must not be excessively high.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is on opposing two significant financial acts: the draft bills amending the State Fees Act and the Land Tax Act. The speaker positions himself as a strong opponent of the bills, proposing the suspension of the second reading of the Land Tax Act and voting against the increase in state fees.
2 Speeches Analyzed