Agenda Profile: Andres Metsoja
Draft law on the partial repeal of the Value Added Tax Act Amendment Act (489 SE) – first reading
2024-11-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly critical of the consequences of the government's tax policy (dubbed the "tax festival") and the speed of its legislative process, emphasizing the lack of proper impact assessments. The speaker supports improving the sustainability of local governments' revenue base but questions whether the increase in land tax is the true price tag of the administrative reform. The position is framed primarily in procedural and outcome-based terms, focusing heavily on the government's incompetence.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the financing of local governments and the specifics of the 2017 administrative reform, citing concrete figures (€65 million over three years). Specific tax policy terminology is employed, referring to the ceiling on land tax increases and the necessity of identifying dedicated funding sources. The expertise focuses on assessing the law's impacts and ensuring financial sustainability.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is concerned, critical, and inquisitive, using figurative expressions such as "tax festival" and "disservice" to evaluate the government's actions. The speaker poses sharp rhetorical questions to emphasize procedural shortcomings and political risks. The tone is formal, respectfully addressing the rapporteur and the session chair, but the content is strongly confrontational.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed squarely at the governing coalition, who are being criticized for rushing things, failing to assess the impacts, and the potential introduction of new taxes (a waste tax, and the removal of the ceiling on land tax increases). The criticism is intense and focuses on political incompetence and the possible negative side effect of repealing a poorly drafted law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is inquisitive and analytical, directing questions straight to the rapporteur (Urmas Reinsalu) and the chair of the session. The speaker is seeking clarification regarding the speed of the bill’s proceedings and historical financial decisions (specifically, the support sums related to the 2017 administrative reform). There is no information available regarding a readiness for compromise or cross-party cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the financial capacity and revenue base sustainability of local governments, referencing the 2017 administrative reform. The discussion addresses national tax policy, which directly impacts local residents and businesses through land tax.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are focused on controlling the tax burden and ensuring stability, standing firmly against the government's previous tax policy decisions (the so-called "tax festival"). It is stressed that local taxes (specifically the land tax) should not serve as the price tag for residents and businesses resulting from the implementation of the administrative reform. Warnings are issued regarding new tax increases (for example, the removal of the cap on land tax hikes).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on processing the draft Act (489 SE) concerning the partial repeal of the Act amending the Land Tax Act. The speaker is critical of the legislative procedure, highlighting issues related to rushing the process and failing to assess the impacts. The priority is the quality of legislation and avoiding the creation of new tax obligations.
2 Speeches Analyzed