Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
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 position is strongly opposed to Draft Bill 437 SE (the Draft Act on Amendments to the Land Tax Act), emphasizing its negative impact on 560,000 homeowners. The criticism is aimed at the government's actions and the data presented (or lack thereof), calling into question the claim that the impacts will be minor—a claim labeled as "yet another lie." The position is heavily policy- and results-based, focusing on the projected financial consequences of the tax amendment.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding amendments to the Land Tax Act, tax revenue forecasts, and issues concerning local government autonomy. He demands specific prognostic data regarding the increase in consolidated state tax revenue, citing the analysis provided in the explanatory memorandum and mentioning sums in the tens of millions of euros. He also specifically asks about the feasibility of implementing the tax exemption for residential land as an area-based exemption.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly aggressive, accusatory, and urgent, utilizing strong metaphors (the bill as a "corpse") and accusing the minister of lying ("yet another lie"). The tone is critical, criticizing the arrogant and hasty handling of the procedure ("you slipped over it in three minutes"). The appeals combine emotional references (the landowners' protest demonstration, 560,000 homeowners) with a demand for specific data and analysis.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker participated in the first reading of the draft law, posing questions to the minister regarding its potential effects. They also referenced the recent protest demonstration by landowners and the promises made there by representatives of the coalition.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the coalition and the minister, who stand accused of breaking promises and presenting inaccurate data regarding the bill's impact. The criticism is intense, focusing both on the substance of the draft legislation and the arrogant and insufficient manner in which it was handled. No willingness to compromise has been expressed; instead, concrete and honest answers are being demanded.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data is scarce.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, examining the consolidated collection of the national tax across the country and its effect on 560,000 homeowners. At the same time, emphasis is also placed on the question of local government autonomy regarding the implementation of the tax exemption for land under residential buildings.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly opposes the tax measures that increase the burden on homeowners, while simultaneously demanding fiscal transparency and accurate projections. It is emphasized that the projected increase in tax revenue will amount to tens of millions of euros, which contradicts the minister's claim of a minimal impact.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Data is scarce.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on challenging the Draft Act on Amendments to the Land Tax Act (Bill 437 SE). The speaker is acting as an opponent of the bill, demanding clarification regarding the forecasts of its financial impact and the right of local governments to implement the tax exemption for land under one's home.
1 Speeches Analyzed