Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Inquiry Regarding the Impact of Car Tax on Families with Children (No. 705)
2025-03-17
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political platform is firmly opposed to the government's tax hikes, particularly the car tax, highlighting its negative effect on families with children and the worsening demographic crisis. The speaker condemns the government's actions as unjust, arguing that they deepen uncertainty and prevent families from achieving their ideal—having more children. This position is strongly value-driven, centered on the necessity of effective population policy and family support.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the fields of demography and family policy, bringing up specific statistical data on birth rates (9,646 births in 2024, a reduction in the number of births by a quarter over three years). Detailed financial examples are utilized (a car tax bill of 875 euros versus 450 euros in support), and reference is made to studies (a survey by the Association of Large Families) where 94% of families consider a car essential. Furthermore, the success of previous Estonian measures (2018–2019) in increasing the births of third and fourth children by 25% is highlighted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and forceful, combining emotional appeals (family insecurity, shockingly high bills) with logical arguments and statistics. The speaker uses sharp language to describe the government's hypocrisy and injustice, noting that the government's rhetoric has not been matched by its actions. Real-life examples are also employed (the series "[Segasummasuvila] on wheels") alongside ironic references ("the 'chicken-moose-type' tax change").
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of action focuses on holding the government accountable through an interpellation directed at the Prime Minister, emphasizing the opposition's prior legislative activity (the submission of amendments). The speaker refers to close communication with interest groups, such as the Association of Large Families, who have approached both the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the governing coalition, especially the Reform Party, which is being criticized for "forcefully pushing through" the car tax and ignoring public opinion (75,000 signatures). The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, accusing the government of cutting benefits for large families and lacking social justice in its tax policy. The Prime Minister is being urged to take real action, not just rely on the right rhetoric.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is evident in the submission of joint amendments to the motor vehicle tax bill—alongside their own party (Isamaa) and other colleagues—amendments which were ultimately voted down by the ruling coalition. Furthermore, they emphasize a willingness to research and adopt the best family policy practices from other countries (Hungary, Finland), highlighting the necessity of international cooperation in the realm of family policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards rural areas, where owning a car is an essential commodity and often the only mode of transport for families with children. The speaker argues that the government's policy (the high car tax) makes living in the countryside "completely impossible" for families with children.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic stance is strongly opposed to tax hikes (car tax, VAT), especially those affecting large families with high consumption. They favor lower taxes and targeted financial aid aimed at boosting the birth rate. They criticize government plans that only scrap tax increases that haven't yet taken effect while offering greater tax relief to high earners, deeming this socially unjust.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the deepening demographic crisis and the economic security of families with children. The speaker calls for a family policy that incentivizes births, offering financial levers and necessary exemptions (e.g., a car tax exemption). Criticism is directed at the reduction of population policy to a mere social policy issue, focusing solely on supporting those in need rather than increasing the birth rate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards opposing the car tax and implementing tax benefits and exemptions for large families. They are also demanding the restoration of previous family benefits, such as joint income tax filing for spouses, income tax exemption starting from the second child, and health insurance for stay-at-home mothers.
4 Speeches Analyzed