Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Draft Law on Annulment of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (647 SE) - First Reading
2025-06-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is extremely strong and uncompromisingly in favor of abolishing the car tax, a campaign they promise to continue until the law is fully repealed. Opposition to the taxation is justified by its failure to achieve both state revenue and ecological goals, coupled with its negative impact on the economy and people’s financial stability. This political platform is framed as a direct criticism of the government’s substandard and deceitful actions, emphasizing the urgent need for political change.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the financial details of the car tax, bringing up the initial versus consolidated burden figures (100 million compared to nearly a quarter billion euros, or 238 million euros). Technical and administrative issues are also addressed, such as retroactive taxation (affecting 16,000 people) and inaccuracies in the car tax notices. Furthermore, the connection to climate goals and Mart Võrklaev’s previous warnings is highlighted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and emotional, utilizing sharp and moralizing expressions (e.g., "an embarrassing and inappropriate saga," "dog scum," "cruel games"). Appeals are made both to the public's sense of justice and to economic arguments, emphasizing the government's responsibility and substandard policy. Direct address to the Estonian people is employed, predicting the arrival of the "day of judgment" for the government.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the parliamentary chamber, posing pointed questions to government representatives (such as Ms. Akkermann and the Prime Minister) concerning the technical specifics of the motor vehicle tax. Meetings are mentioned with representatives of disability organizations and other key critics to gather feedback on how the tax has been received.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governing coalition (the Reform Party, the Social Democrats, and Estonia 200), who stand accused of lying, evading responsibility, and political blackmail. Criticism is intense and targets both the substance of the policy and the unethical methods used to push it through, such as pressuring organizations representing people with disabilities. The coalition is also accused of constantly shifting responsibility onto one another.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is underway with the opposition party Isamaa, as they submit a draft bill aimed at abolishing the car tax. The relief measures offered by the coalition (such as benefits for families with children and people with special needs) are viewed as cynical "handouts" and an admission of the policy's substantive flaws, thereby ruling out any compromise regarding the retention of the tax.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus lies on national policy and its effects, particularly highlighting the negative impact on rural residents and their ability to make a living. The local elections scheduled for the autumn of 2025 are viewed as a chance to evaluate the government's failing policies, which affect the inhabitants of both rural municipalities and cities.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are strongly opposed to tax hikes, arguing that the car tax has already worsened the economic outlook and generated uncertainty. Criticism is leveled at the statist approach, where the state collects massive sums in taxes (238 million euros) only to selectively distribute small subsidies back. There is also a warning about 26 new taxes set to take effect next year.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is centered on shielding people with special needs and families with children from the negative effects of the car tax. Criticism is being leveled at the government's cynical approach, which prioritizes exempting vehicles from taxation rather than actually helping people, and for pressuring disability organizations by threatening them with the loss of funding.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is pushing through the draft law (647 SE), submitted by Isamaa, which seeks to repeal the motor vehicle tax. The speaker is the proponent of this bill and promises to continue submitting it. Reference is also made to the handling of the retroactive tax imposed on Tallink as a similar example of blackmailing policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed