Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-29
Political Position
The political stance is one of strong opposition to the proposed amendment to the Land Tax Act, which grants local municipalities complete discretion in setting the tax rate. This opposition is framed in terms of economic damage (amounting to hundreds of millions) and a violation of the principle of legal certainty. The speaker is defending the interests of landowners, businesses, and farmers against the expected manifold increase in the tax burden.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in land tax policy and local government finances, citing specific data (e.g., 12 out of 79 local governments utilize the maximum rate). Particular emphasis is placed on the principle of legal certainty and the poor quality of the impact analysis of the draft bill. The speaker also possesses knowledge regarding the effects of regional policy on tax variations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and combative, employing strong emotional and ethical language (e.g., "ugly and vile," "it is very difficult to remain balanced here"). The speaker balances this emotional intensity with legal arguments (constitutional legal certainty) and a forecast of the financial impact (in the hundreds of millions).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the actions of the minister and the government, accusing them of pitting local governments against landowners. The opposition is intense, focusing on the poor quality of the draft legislation, inadequate analysis, and the violation of constitutional principles. The speaker considers this confrontation to be ugly and despicable.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is clearly directed toward rural areas and regional policy. The speaker emphasizes that the draft bill increases disparities in the revenue base between areas surrounding larger cities (e.g., Tallinn) and more distant regions, calling this a "perverse regional policy."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, especially those impacting landowners and rural businesses, including farmers. The necessity of legal certainty and stable tax policy is emphasized, with criticism directed at the breaching of the previous 10% annual increase limit.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing the amendment to the Land Tax Act, emphasizing its poor quality and contradiction with the established legal order. Specifically, criticism is directed at the repeal of the previous 10% annual increase cap, which violates the legal certainty afforded to landowners.
3 Speeches Analyzed