Agenda Profile: Maido Ruusmann

Second reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Land Tax Act (437 SE)

2024-06-12

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.

Political Position
The speaker strongly endorses the amendment to the Land Tax Act (Bill 437 SE), stressing its crucial role in boosting the autonomy of local municipalities when structuring their revenue base. This political stance is firmly rooted in policy principles, highlighting the necessity of decentralization and the benefits of the legislative change. He/She expresses bewilderment regarding the opposition's tactics, which appear to be stalling the adoption of the bill.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the field of local government fiscal autonomy and tax policy (land tax), employing terms such as "revenue base" and "autonomy." They are capable of distinguishing between the primary objective of the bill (granting autonomy) and the potential side effect (a tax increase), while maintaining focus on the legislative intent.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The language used is formal, polite, and interrogative, addressing the Speaker of the Riigikogu and the rapporteur respectfully. The style is predominantly logical and analytical, utilizing questions both to cast doubt on the motives of the opposing side and to clarify the substance of the law.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is EKRE, whose 200 submitted amendments are, in the speaker's view, aimed at stalling the legislative change and obstructing the increase of local government autonomy. The criticism is procedural and policy-based, expressed more as bewilderment than as a direct attack.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach focuses on dialogue and seeking clarification from the rapporteur to confirm the true objective of the legal amendment and prevent misinterpretations. The speaker aims to achieve a shared understanding of the bill's advantages.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The clear focus is on local municipalities and their rights regarding the formation of their own revenue base. The emphasis lies on decentralization and enhancing local autonomy within the confines of national legislation.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives favor fiscal decentralization, granting local governments the right to levy land taxes in order to enhance their autonomy. The speaker stresses that this is a right, not an obligation, and is more concerned that local politicians might be too cautious about exercising this right.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Data missing

2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft legislation amending the Land Tax Act (437 SE), the purpose of which is to increase the autonomy of local governments. The speaker is a strong proponent of this important and necessary change and seeks to ensure a clear understanding of this objective within the Riigikogu.

2 Speeches Analyzed