Session Profile: Andres Metsoja
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting
2024-04-02
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the car tax, giving it a "clear no," and deeming it irresponsible and unfair. This position is value-based, emphasizing support for people's lifestyles, choice of residence, and ability to cope, especially in sparsely populated regions. The speaker promises to fight "victoriously" against this bill both in the Riigikogu and on the streets.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the logistics and infrastructure of sparsely populated and rural areas, highlighting issues concerning gravel roads, the prioritization of snow removal, and inadequate public transportation. The connection between fuel excise duty and road investments is also addressed, with the suspicion that the funds collected are not reaching road maintenance.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and emotional, employing strong appeals to the sense of justice and the difficulties of rural life. Opponents' arguments are labeled as "two-faced" and "irresponsible," emphasizing the seriousness of the situation through practical examples (snowplow, children's transport).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's modes of action involve extra-parliamentary resistance, citing the organization of protests across Estonia from April 5th to 7th and the ongoing collection of signatures against the car tax. The action plan also includes appealing to the President of the Republic to prevent the bill from being enacted into law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed against the government’s proposed car tax bill, criticizing it as a politically unjust and irresponsible measure that ignores the realities of rural areas. The criticism is substantive and intense, with compromise ruled out, and promises made to fight against the adoption of the law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation demonstrates a readiness for tactical collaboration with opposition partners, citing a joint appeal to the President of the Republic, together with the Centre Party, aimed at preventing the car tax bill from becoming law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is clearly directed toward sparsely populated areas and rural communities, highlighting the mobility needs of their residents, poor road conditions, and the lack of public transportation. It is stressed that legislation must be structured to take into account the actual situation in Estonia's various regions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints oppose new taxes (like the car tax) which limit people's financial well-being and freedom of movement. Skepticism is also expressed regarding the allocation of fuel excise revenue towards road investments, citing a significant shortfall and demanding a more targeted use of existing taxes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, emphasis is placed on the organization of education and the accessibility of extracurricular activities in rural areas, which directly links to the necessity for families to own multiple cars just to transport their children to and from school. The focus is on supporting families' ability to cope and maintaining their quality of life.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposition activities aimed at preventing the car tax bill from being enacted into law. The speaker is an active opponent, utilizing both protests outside of parliament and appeals to the head of state to prevent the law's promulgation.
1 Speeches Analyzed