Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Second Reading of the Bill to Amend the Income Tax Act (443 SE)
2024-07-29
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
Political Position
The political position is one of fierce opposition to the draft amendment of the Income Tax Act (443 SE), which is viewed as failed fiscal policy and a "divide and rule" tactic. This stance is policy-driven, emphasizing that regional balance should not be achieved by redistributing the resources of local municipalities, but rather through additional funding drawn from state revenues. The speaker advocates for genuine regional equality and an increase in the revenue base for poorer local governments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence in distinguishing between tax policy and the revenue base of the state versus local government (KOV). He highlights the effect of new taxes accruing to the state budget (VAT, excises, motor vehicle tax, corporate income tax) and criticizes the draft bill for its inadequate impact assessment concerning the expenditure burden on local governments for the upkeep of the elderly and children. He employs technical terminology such as "revenue base enhancement" and "regional balance."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style employed is critical and argumentative, centering on logical and procedural appeals (such as the absence of impact analysis and inherent unfairness). Strong negative language is utilized to characterize the government's actions, including phrases like "failed tax policy," "insidious bill," and "divide and conquer." The speaker stresses that this approach does not constitute sound legislative practice or foster unity within society.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All addresses are connected to a specific legislative process in the Riigikogu (the second reading of Bill 443 SE and a motion to suspend the reading). The mode of operation is aimed at procedural intervention by submitting a proposal for a vote. There is no information available regarding other activities or appearances.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government, whose tax policy is being sharply criticized as unfair and disruptive to regional balance. The criticism is policy-based, accusing the government of employing a tactic of pitting local municipalities against each other ("divide and rule") and increasing the state budget at the expense of local authorities. The opposition is intense, but a compromise is allowed through amendments to the draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the positions and criticism of the Isamaa faction, acting on its behalf. Although the draft legislation is rejected in its current form, openness to cooperation is demonstrated by proposing to suspend the reading, thereby providing an opportunity for amendments and improving the bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Regional balance is a key issue, stressing that government policy has undermined this equilibrium and is further destabilizing it. The focus is on the need to increase the revenue base for less affluent local governments and those situated far from urban centers, as developing enterprise and providing public services is more costly in those areas.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints stress the necessity of supporting local municipalities using additional central government revenue, rather than simply redistributing funds among the municipalities themselves. Tax hikes that increase the state budget (such as VAT, excise duties, the car tax, and corporate income tax) are criticized because these measures fail to improve the financial standing of local governments. The redistribution of revenue to poorer municipalities is supported, but this must be financed by central government funds.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed solely within the context of local government expenditure, comparing the costs of providing services for children (kindergarten slots, hobby education, school) and the elderly (social spending). The demographic situation is mentioned as a factor that influences the disparity in local authority revenues and the complexity of service provision.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on opposing and amending Draft Bill 443 SE (Draft Act amending the Income Tax Act). The priority is suspending the second reading to ensure the opportunity for amendments aimed at directing the state’s additional revenues toward strengthening the revenue base of local governments. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill in its current form.
3 Speeches Analyzed