Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Reconsideration of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (364 UA) left unpromulgated by the President of the Republic
2024-07-15
15th Riigikogu, Extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
Political Position
The political platform is strongly opposed to tax hikes, particularly the introduction of the car tax, stressing that these measures harm the economy and people's standard of living during a downturn. The stance is fiercely oppositional, and the rhetoric is highly critical, accusing the government of acting consciously and cynically against the public. A key focus is also placed on protecting exemptions for people with disabilities within the tax legislation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the legislative process, having participated in numerous committee debates and possessing detailed knowledge of the history of the car tax bill. He is aware of earlier issues concerning the EU's principle of equal treatment, as well as the current question of exceptions resulting from the presidential veto. He uses this knowledge to expose the coalition's previous patterns of behavior.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly combative, condemnatory, and urgent, employing strong emotional appeals and sarcasm (e.g., "better" in quotation marks). The speaker levels sharp accusations, referring to coalition members as "stupid" or "cynical," and demands that they "wake up." Direct quotes from the opposing side are used to substantiate the arguments.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active scrutinizer of legislation, having participated in discussions on the car tax across several different committees. In the session hall, his pattern of activity involves asking detailed and repetitive questions to ensure that answers are provided and to prevent the discussion from straying off-topic.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governing coalition and its members (e.g., Toomas Uibo), who face criticism for both procedural errors and detrimental policies. The criticism is extremely intense, accusing the coalition of deliberate anti-state activities and making life harder for the people of Estonia. There is no willingness to compromise, as, in his estimation, the implementation of new taxes is "fundamentally wrong."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (the Estonian economy, tax policy), but there is also mention of the potential negative impact of the green transition on rural areas. Concern is expressed that people might be forced out of the countryside to make room for wind turbines and solar panels.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
His economic views are strongly opposed to raising taxes, especially during a recession. He emphasizes that any new tax, including the proposed car tax, is wrong because it lowers people's standard of living and undermines business confidence. He supports fiscal easing and opposes the introduction of additional burdens.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, emphasis is placed on the importance of equal treatment and maintaining exemptions for people with disabilities within the car tax law. The speaker criticizes the coalition's plan to eliminate the exemption for people with disabilities, referring to it as an unfair tactic. Furthermore, concern is expressed over the social consequences of the green transition, which could make life more difficult for people living in rural areas.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing the adoption of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (364 UA) and closely monitoring its subsequent amendments following the presidential veto. Specifically, it is monitoring whether the coalition plans to abolish the exemption for disabled people. The government's plans to introduce bills containing new tax increases, such as the rise in the VAT rate, are also being criticized.
4 Speeches Analyzed