Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
First reading of the Bill amending the Land Tax Act (437 SE)
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker is in strong opposition to the draft bill amending the Land Tax Act (437 SE), deeming it substandard, unreasonable, and contrary to the principle of legal certainty. This position is strongly value-based and seeks to protect landowners, entrepreneurs, and farmers from new tax burdens. The draft bill is framed as a vile and ugly attempt to pit local governments against residents.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of land tax and its implementation, referencing a prior legislative amendment that guaranteed a 10% annual cap on increases. Concrete data is presented concerning the utilization of maximum rates by local municipalities (12/79), and the government's impact assessment is disputed, with the speaker predicting an effect totaling hundreds of millions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is highly critical, combative, and emotional, with the speaker admitting that it is "very difficult to remain balanced here." Strong emotional expressions ("ugly and vile") are used, and logical arguments are emphasized, focusing on constitutional legal certainty and inadequate analysis.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the minister and the government, accusing them of pitting local authorities against landowners and presenting inadequate analysis. The criticism is intense and focuses both on the substance of the policy and the legislative procedure, particularly the violation of legal certainty.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker focused on the impact of regional policy, labeling the draft legislation "upside-down regional policy." It was stressed that the proposed changes will widen the disparities in the revenue base between municipalities surrounding Tallinn and those in more distant regions, ultimately harming rural areas.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to the increase in land tax, arguing that it will negatively affect homeowners, entrepreneurs, and farmers. The necessity of tax certainty is emphasized, as the draft bill violates a previous commitment to limit tax increases, resulting in an additional burden amounting to hundreds of millions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the opposition to the draft amendment of the Land Tax Act (Bill 437 SE). The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill, emphasizing that it violates the constitutional principle of legal certainty by contradicting a recently adopted statutory amendment.
3 Speeches Analyzed