Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
First Reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 SE)
2024-02-14
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The politician expresses strong opposition to the motor vehicle tax bill (364 SE), arguing that it unfairly treats people with disabilities and large families. This stance is value-based, stressing the state's constitutional duty to provide special care for these groups. The politician warns that the bill, combined with previous cuts, will deal a devastating blow to the birth rate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The politician demonstrates expertise regarding social sector data, citing specific figures concerning exceptions for vehicles for disabled people (150 modified vehicles for 33,900 families). He uses statistics to confirm that 99% of people with severe or profound disabilities are excluded from this exception. Furthermore, he is aware of previous cuts to benefits for large families and their appeals to the ministries.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is critical, accusatory, and insistent, using direct questions to challenge the ministers' actions and motives ("Why are you rushing?"). The rhetoric includes both emotional appeals (unfair treatment) and logical data (the numbers of exceptions). The politician accuses the minister of clumsy wording and a slightly derogatory tone regarding large families.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The politician actively participated in the Social Affairs Committee session, where car tax exemptions were introduced, and where the Chamber of Disabled People was also represented. He refers to previous questions that were submitted to both the Minister of Social Protection and the Minister of Finance. This demonstrates active involvement in the work of parliamentary committees and direct communication with ministers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the government and ministers, who are being criticized for rushing the passage of the law and for flawed legislative procedure. The politician accuses them of shifting problems onto other ministries and of treating large families disparagingly. The criticism is primarily procedural and political, focusing on the unfair consequences.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The politician cooperates with interest groups, citing the positions of the Estonian Chamber of People with Disabilities and the appeals made by large families to the Ministry of Finance. He emphasizes that the Chamber was forced to settle for only a small concession, just "to ensure they got something out of it." Data regarding inter-party cooperation is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national social and tax policy issues that affect broad target groups (people with disabilities and large families) across Estonia. There is no specific focus on local or regional problems.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The politician is strongly opposed to new taxes (such as the car tax), which unfairly burden socially vulnerable groups. He criticizes previous cuts to benefits and the new tax, viewing them as signals that suppress the birth rate and are detrimental to Estonia's future. He supports targeted and broad tax exemptions for specific social groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The politician is a strong advocate for people with disabilities and large families, emphasizing the state's obligation to provide special care in accordance with the constitution. He/She criticizes the government's actions, which deliver a devastating blow to social target groups and suppress the birth rate. The framework of social policy is clearly aimed at supporting families and people with disabilities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the opposition to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act draft bill (364 SE) and its amendment concerning social exemptions. The politician is acting as a strong opponent of the bill, criticizing the government’s haste and demanding proper legislative procedure. He is demanding full tax exemption for people with disabilities and large families.
2 Speeches Analyzed