Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Third Reading of the Draft Act on the Crypto-Asset Market (Bill 398 SE)
2024-06-05
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is one of extremely strong opposition to the car tax law, which is considered unreasonable, unconstitutional, and based on false premises. This stance is value-based, emphasizing the violation of democratic procedures and the disregard shown toward the protest of 80,000 people. The speaker calls upon citizens to use the elections (the European Parliament elections) as a means of expressing protest against the policies of the ruling coalition.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the specifics of the car tax, highlighting new provisions such as a registration fee for every transaction conducted within Estonia and an automatically escalating, built-in tax scale. The discussion also addresses the law's purported link to green objectives and international recommendations, arguments which the speaker dismisses.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and urgent, employing strong emotional appeals (e.g., "taskmaster," "they lied") and emphasizing injustice. The speaker repeatedly calls for protest both within parliament and at the ballot boxes, directly linking the political struggle to the actions of the citizens. Legal terminology (unconstitutional, procedurally inadmissible) is utilized to enhance the gravity of the accusations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The address constitutes a strong intervention during parliamentary proceedings, focusing on opposition to the unscheduled law. The planned course of action includes a commitment to utilize all political and legal measures, including appealing to the President and the courts to annul the legislation. Furthermore, the public is urged to actively participate in the European Parliament elections.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed against the ruling coalition (Reform Party, Eesti 200, Social Democrats), who are accused of lying, violating parliamentary procedure, and ignoring the will of the people. The criticism is intense, accusing the government of assuming the role of an "oppressive overseer" who restricts people's freedoms. Compromise is ruled out, with promises to seek the annulment of the law in court even if it is adopted.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is intra-opposition, emphasizing a common struggle alongside members of other opposition parties, specifically naming Isamaa representatives (Helir-Valdor Seeder, Priit Sibul) and members of other opposition parties (Rain Epler). There is no expression of openness to compromise with the ruling coalition; instead, the focus is placed entirely on joint resistance.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the tax being implemented at the national level, but a specific concern is highlighted regarding the worsening financial situation of rural residents and families with children, because the use of a car will become economically prohibitive for them.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to raising taxes, arguing that the new tax burden (a quarter of a billion euros) will worsen people's livelihoods, drive up inflation, and damage the economic climate. They prioritize protecting citizens' freedom of movement and property rights from new mandatory taxes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around protecting citizens' freedom of movement and property rights, which the proposed car tax allegedly restricts and violates. Concern is also highlighted regarding the worsening livelihood of families with children and people living in rural areas, which is considered socially unjust.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing and blocking the motor vehicle tax act, which is deemed unacceptable on substantive, constitutional, and procedural grounds. The speaker opposes the initiation and forceful passage of this law and vows to utilize every legal avenue available to obstruct its implementation.
1 Speeches Analyzed