Agenda Profile: Andres Metsoja
First reading of the Bill amending the Land Tax Act (437 SE)
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance centers on strengthening the revenue base of local municipalities and ensuring the state fulfills its commitments. The speaker insists that the state compensate local governments for the lost land tax revenue from protected nature areas. This position is policy- and results-driven, underscoring the necessity of implementing the primary promise concerning the increase of the local government (LG) revenue base.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the application and rigidity of the Land Tax Act, citing the practice of the city of Pärnu during the COVID period as an example. This professional knowledge concerns the specific taxation rules for protected lands and their impact on local government budgets.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and question-oriented, addressing the minister directly. The speaker uses logical arguments, citing specific prior practice and also noting a current event (a picket outside the door) to emphasize the urgency of the matter.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, posing questions to the minister during the first reading of the draft bill. They are also aware of the ongoing civil society actions, referencing the picket line right outside the door.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism targets the state's failure to act on promises made to local municipalities regarding increasing their revenue base. The opposition is political, highlighting the government's inability to resolve the issue of land tax compensation for protected areas.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on the financial stability of local governments. Specifically, reference is made to the experience of the city of Pärnu in granting land tax exemptions, which demonstrates interest in local-level issues.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions advocate for increasing the revenue base of municipalities via state compensation. Furthermore, there is evident support for granting land tax relief to businesses during a crisis, even though current legislation does not permit it.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on amendments to the Land Tax Act, particularly concerning the compensation paid to local governments for land tax revenue lost due to state-imposed restrictions (specifically nature conservation). The speaker stressed the necessity of fulfilling the promise to increase the revenue base of local government units (LGUs).
1 Speeches Analyzed