Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Car Tax
2024-02-14
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political focus is on strong opposition to the motor vehicle tax (car tax), which is considered socially unjust and economically unwarranted. Criticism is directed against the government's vague and exaggerated justifications, such as the claim that the tax is necessary for the state's existence or for winning the war in Ukraine. This position is strongly policy- and value-based, defending the interests of car owners and vulnerable groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and European Union environmental regulations, particularly the Emissions Trading System (ETS). They refer to specific data, such as a German think tank's forecast of a fuel price hike in 2027 (40 cents per liter) and the ignoring of 77,000 signatures. This expertise is utilized to demonstrate the overlap and redundancy of the car tax in light of future taxation measures targeting the transport sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confrontational, accusatory, and demanding, focusing on the minister's rude behavior and the attempt to conceal the draft legislation behind the teachers' strike. Logical appeals are employed, calling into question the government's objectives for collecting the car tax and referencing potentially disastrous claims. The speaker positions themselves as a representative who must hold the minister accountable, reminding them that the Riigikogu (Parliament) is, in fact, the minister's employer.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity involves active participation in the work of the Riigikogu, particularly within the Economic Affairs Committee, where questions were raised concerning the Ministry of Finance's legislative agenda. The speaker is quick to react, criticizing the timing of the draft bill's presentation (on the day of the education workers' strike) and demanding immediate answers regarding the intended use of the tax revenue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are Finance Minister Mart Võrklaev and Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo, who are criticized for impolite behavior, concealing the draft bill, and the lack of clarity regarding the car tax objectives. The opposition to the government's policy is intense, including both procedural accusations (raising one's voice) and political ones (contradictory justifications regarding how the tax will be used).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data is scarce.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards rural areas, stressing that the car tax will make managing without a vehicle there extremely challenging. This underscores concerns regarding regional mobility and inequality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are focused on opposing new taxes (the car tax), especially when they overlap with already agreed-upon European Union carbon components and excises. The necessity of collecting the tax and its purposeful use are being called into question, pointing out that the transport sector is already facing new taxation due to the ETS.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues raised, emphasis is placed on the negative impact of the car tax on large families and people with disabilities, particularly those living in rural areas who need a vehicle for mobility. This pits the principle of social justice against the new taxation measure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative attention is centered on opposing the motor vehicle tax bill and criticizing the way its proceedings are being handled. The speaker is acting as a strong opponent of the draft law, demanding a unified and transparent position from the government regarding the objectives of collecting the tax.
2 Speeches Analyzed