Agenda Profile: Vladimir Arhipov
Draft Act Amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (677 SE), second reading
2025-11-05
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political focus centers on strong opposition to the motor vehicle tax (car tax), demanding its complete abolition rather than mere adjustment. The resistance to this taxation is framed as value-based, stressing that it penalizes those who work, family life, and rural communities. The government's policy is criticized as an essential wrongdoing that they are merely attempting to gloss over.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrate expertise regarding tax collection and economic impact, citing specific data showing that the revenue is half of what was planned. They explain the potential positive effect that abolishing the car tax would have on VAT revenue generated through car sales, also noting the decline in excise duties. Furthermore, they address the issue of the constitutionality of the proposed tax bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, forceful, and at times emotional, employing strong metaphors (e.g., "a plaster on a wound," "the foundation is rotten") and rhetorical questions. The appeal targets both logic (the failure to generate revenue) and emotion (the punishment of rural areas and the poor). Simple and direct language is used to underscore the injustice of the tax.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is restricted to two speeches delivered during a single day of the Riigikogu session, focusing on the second reading of the motor vehicle tax bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at the government, which is being criticized for overspending the budget and implementing a failed tax. The criticism is policy-driven and results-based, as the tax fails to meet its objectives and penalizes the public. A compromise (adjusting the tax) is categorically rejected, with demands for complete repeal.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on protecting the residents of rural areas and 'forest-edge Estonia,' emphasizing that the car tax penalizes those who need a vehicle for commuting to work and family life due to the lack of public transportation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly advocate for lowering taxes, particularly targeting those that are inefficient and punitive. The preferred approach is stimulating the economy (e.g., car purchases) by eliminating taxes, thereby increasing indirect revenue (such as VAT). Furthermore, the government is being criticized for creating the budget deficit.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on income inequality and family life, stressing that the tax penalizes those who cannot afford to buy a new car and are forced to drive old vehicles. The tax is framed as a punishment for working and maintaining a family life.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is currently centered on opposing Bill 677 SE (the motor vehicle tax amendment), as it fails to address the core issue. The primary legislative objective is the complete termination and repeal of the motor vehicle tax project as a whole.
2 Speeches Analyzed