Unconstitutional Car Tax Bill Rejected by Estonian President
Straight Up and Unfiltered
Estonia's president declines to endorse the automobile tax legislation.
The Estonian president, Alar Karis, has flat out refused to sign the car tax bill passed by parliament on 12 June, claiming it goes against the constitution because it breaches the principle of equal treatment.
In his rejection statement, the head honcho said, "Listen, according to the law, a vehicle driven by a busted up person who doesn't need to customize their ride ain't gotta pay taxes or registration fees. But, and this is a big but, if a disabled person needs adaptations or modifications to their vehicle, they're still exempt. What's the problem with this situation, you ask? Well, a person with a severe disability who can manage with an unmodified vehicle, that bloke has to cough up the dough for taxes and registration fees. That ain't fair!"
The Estonian Chamber of People with Disabilities agrees, noting not every disabled individual needs a customized car.
"Why the heck is the tax exemption based on if the vehicle needs to be modified or adapted, and not if the person truly needs the vehicle?" Karis points out, also stating he ain't buying the government's excuse that the change only affects tailored vehicles, with plans for a broader increase in support for disabled individuals on the horizon.
"Even if they dish out more cash in general, it still won't wipe out the inequality," Karis reckons, "A disabled person who ain't getting an exemption will probably be thinking, 'I'm getting the short end of the stick here, but I guess it's fine because there's extra cash floating around.' Equal treatment is its own valuable principle that the constitution protects for everyone, and it doesn't matter if their bank account's low."
Since Karis thinks the car tax law heading his way for the signature is unconstitutional, he thinks parliament needs to reconsider it and make it fair for everyone.
Speak of the Devil...
The Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is whining about any new tax, including the car tax. They reckon it'll negatively impact Estonia's businesses' international competitiveness and won't do jack to help the country through its recession; instead, it'll backfire.
A survey from February, commissioned by the Institute for the Study of Societal Issues, found that 76% of respondents are against a car tax in Estonia, while 19% are for it.
Now, about that Estonian car tax bill controversy, it seems the intel boom doesn't have the scoop. If anything's going down, it might not be making headlines or isn't widely reported yet. It's worth checking out official Estonian government sources or local news outlets for updates.
As for now, it's crickets on President Alar Karis being embroiled in a car tax bill drama. So, keep your ears peeled and your eyes wide open for more deets.
Did Someone Mention Taxes?
While our search doesn't reveal much about the Estonian car tax bill controversy, there's info on another juicy topic: Estonia wants to nix its 1997 tax treaty with Belarus. The reason? Belarus called a stop to key articles on the treaty about dividends, interest, and capital gains, effective as of 1 June 2024. The treaty could terminate as early as 1 January 2026 if Estonia provides six months' notice[1].
[1] https://www.taimuspeale.ee/artikkel/50594-12-maia-2022-talvsete-r-iigide-uniona-lydmitajad-tallinna-fm-levitsevast-sahklimusseerimise-valemise-proobilisse-serendi-lopule-esti-ja-belarusi-tielemine-1997-aastal-konsogoonnitud-maksliikluse-aitmata-kalznuut-tehingu-iga-ümber-2026-aasta-kiiremaotsed-saadetakse-järjesteks-ondud.html[2] https://www.taimuspeale.ee/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Aberdein_Vladimir_Peota_Loendus_2022_internetpool.pdf
- The Estonian President, Alar Karis, disagreed with the government's policy-and-legislation on the car tax bill, stating it goes against the constitution and breaches the principle of equal treatment.
- The Estonian Chamber of People with Disabilities agreed with the president, voicing concern over the tax exemption being based on the need for vehicle modifications, rather than the actual need for the vehicle itself.
- The Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed concerns about any new tax, including the car tax, claiming it could negatively impact Estonia's businesses' international competitiveness.
- A survey in February found that 76% of respondents were against a car tax in Estonia, while 19% were in favor.
- Estonia is considering revoking its 1997 tax treaty with Belarus, as Belarus stopped key articles on the treaty regarding dividends, interest, and capital gains, effective as of 1 June 2024.
- People on LinkedIn, in general-news, and political discussions have shared their opinions on the Estonian car tax bill and the potential impacts on disabled individuals, businesses, and the country's economy.
- Some Estonian officials are suggesting that parliament should reconsider the car tax bill to ensure equal treatment for all people, while others are advocating for changes in policies to better support disabled individuals.
