Agenda Profile: Andres Metsoja
Second Reading of the Bill to Amend the Income Tax Act (443 SE)
2024-07-29
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
Political Position
The speaker strongly opposes the current funding model for local governments (LG), arguing that it is "totally wrong" if even major centers like Pärnu require subsidies. The political stance advocates for the state to clearly increase the revenue base of local governments, as the current redistribution system generates friction and conflict. This position is clearly critical of both current policy and the system itself.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the financing and administrative structure of local government, focusing on issues related to the revenue base, redistribution, and municipal cooperation. He uses technical terminology, such as "county government as an instrument," and analyzes the consequences of the regional reform. The expertise is directed toward highlighting systemic flaws and contradictions within the governance model.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical and critical, highlighting systemic contradictions and inconsistencies in the governance model, aiming to identify the "real problem." The speaker uses logical arguments but also incorporates references to human behavior and the emotions of local leaders ("a thorn remains in the soul" / "lingering resentment") to explain the political consequences. The tone is formal and system-critical.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism targets the government’s policy concerning the funding of local municipalities (LGUs) and the fallout from the regional reform. The speaker sharply criticizes the reallocation of funds, claiming that the money generated by the dissolution of county governments has simply stayed within the state budget—a move they dismiss as "sleight of hand." The critique is also aimed squarely at the political leadership and the procedures involved.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker concludes with the remark that the decision is up to the delegates, but neither offers nor refers to direct cooperation or compromises with other political parties.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly regional, addressing the problems faced by local municipalities and county centers. Pärnu is highlighted as an example, emphasizing that even the country's fourth-largest center is struggling and requires support, which points to a systemic flaw. Furthermore, tensions between county centers and surrounding rural municipalities regarding services and taxation are emphasized.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for fiscal decentralization, demanding that the state clearly increase the revenue base for local governments. He criticizes the current redistribution system as inefficient and generating local conflicts, thereby underscoring the need for greater local fiscal autonomy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sector, attention is drawn to the education network and the concentration of state services (including state secondary schools) in county centers. This creates tensions between the municipalities that utilize these services and those that administer them, particularly concerning road wear and parking fees.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is drawing attention to a systemic issue in the context of the draft amendment to the Income Tax Act (443 SE). The speaker acts more as a critic and reform initiator, stressing the necessity of increasing the revenue base for local municipalities, instead of merely engaging in redistribution.
1 Speeches Analyzed