Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Second reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 SE)
2024-06-05
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is vehemently opposed to the car tax, deeming it an unreasonable burden during the economic crisis, and accusing the government of hypocrisy and deceit. The speaker stresses that the tax undermines security and poverty eradication efforts. He demands that the processing of the bill be halted, citing both substantive and procedural issues.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act and associated procedural rules, particularly concerning the bundling of amendments, obstruction, and the procedure for their withdrawal. They are also well-versed in tax law matters, criticizing the retroactive character of the tax and its contradiction of the principle of legal certainty. Additionally, they reference the positions held by the European Commission and the Supreme Court rulings concerning parliamentary organization.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is sharply critical and confrontational, leveling accusations of hypocrisy, deceit, and political incompetence against the government. The speaker employs both emotional appeals (such as the threat of punishment and the breakdown of trust) and detailed legal and procedural arguments to substantiate their opposition. Furthermore, he repeatedly raises points of order to challenge the presiding officer's interpretations.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the Riigikogu session, repeatedly raising procedural questions regarding the bundling and withdrawal of amendments, and delivering a lengthy substantive speech intended to disrupt the draft legislation. He refers to prior actions, such as meeting with the support group for large families and submitting written proposals to the presiding officer. His actions are aimed at supporting obstruction and halting the proceedings.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the government coalition and the Finance Committee, accusing them of lying, breaking promises (specifically regarding pensions and the pledges made by Eesti 200), and a gross violation of the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act. The criticism is intense, labeling the government's conduct as hypocritical and deceitful, and warning that they "are sawing off the very branch they are sitting on." Furthermore, the statement criticizes the fact that the appeal bearing 80,000 signatures was simply thrown in the trash without any substantive debate.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the positions of the Isamaa faction and proposes discontinuing the proceedings, urging colleagues to lend their support. He/She refers to participation in the support group for large families, but notes that the outcomes of those meetings were never incorporated into the legislative process. There is no mention of any readiness to compromise with the coalition; instead, the focus remains on protest and highlighting procedural flaws.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is clearly directed at rural and sparsely populated areas, where car ownership is a basic necessity due to inadequate public transport. The speaker emphasizes that the tax will have a negative impact specifically on people living in rural regions, penalizing those who bear the transportation cost themselves.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, especially amid an economic crisis and high inflation, stressing that new taxes will burden various target groups. The speaker criticizes the retroactive imposition of the tax, arguing that it violates the principle of legal certainty, and advocates for the tax to be applied only to future car owners.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, emphasis is placed on the concerns of large families and the tax’s negative impact on poverty reduction, which is considered unequal. He/She also links the car tax to the earlier topic of taxing pensions, criticizing the government’s conduct when dealing with socially sensitive matters.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the interruption of the proceedings for the draft Motor Vehicle Tax Law (364 SE) during its second reading. The speaker concentrates on highlighting procedural violations, such as the unequal bundling of amendments and the absence of a new deadline for submitting amendments following the intervention by the European Commission.
12 Speeches Analyzed