By Plenary Sessions: Jaak Aab

The political focus centers on the revision of the Local Government Organisation Act (KOKS) and governance ethics. The speaker endorses evolutionary changes derived from long-term practice but raises a pointed question regarding the controversial provision concerning the suspension of council membership for the heads of subordinate institutions. This position seeks to clarify the underlying reasons for the political compromise, viewed against the backdrop of expert opinion.

The political stance is firmly focused on supporting the expansion of the tax base and the introduction of a progressive income tax, citing international recommendations (IMF, OECD). The speaker contrasts this with the government's policy, which favors a simple VAT hike, criticizing it as a knee-jerk, automatic solution implemented without considering the consequences. The position is strongly policy- and performance-based, centering on economic competitiveness and inflation control.

The speaker strongly supports balancing regional development, emphasizing the necessity of directing development measures away from major centers (Tallinn, Tartu, Harjumaa). A second key focus is reforming the proportional composition of the electoral college, citing the need to increase the representation of local municipalities. The political framework is policy- and procedure-centric, stressing fairness and the restoration of the original intent of the law.

The speaker is focusing on the financial stability and operational viability of state-supported public transport. He expresses concern over the recurring funding tensions between Elron and Eesti Raudtee, which could potentially lead to higher ticket prices. His stance is geared towards ensuring adequate state budget support for public rail transport, reflecting an approach that is both results-oriented and apprehensive.

The political focus is heavily centered on tax policy, where the economic impact of making the VAT hike permanent is being questioned, and the Social Democrats' stance on taxing the wealthy to cover national defense needs is defended. The legislative importance of financial autonomy for local governments and the preservation of biodiversity is also emphasized. The positions taken are policy- and results-based, focusing on competitiveness and crisis resilience.

The political stance is strongly focused on boosting the competitiveness of the Estonian economy and increasing business confidence, explicitly linking this goal to security policy stability. He/She criticizes the government’s communication (especially concerning the security levy) for dishonesty and excessive fear-mongering, demanding a more balanced message that emphasizes the nation’s strength. Furthermore, he/she sharply opposes the short-sighted cuts to healthcare spending, deeming them detrimental to the future. The overall framework is policy- and results-driven, centering on long-term stability and the reduction of bureaucracy.

The politician strongly backs legislative amendments designed to accelerate development processes and enhance economic competitiveness, particularly within the field of planning law. He also advocates for reducing the VAT on foodstuffs in order to support domestic production and promote healthier eating. The political framework is clearly focused on results, efficiency, and economic growth. The Social Democrats support moving forward with the processing of this draft bill.

The most crucial topic is tax policy, specifically the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs, which is viewed as an economic policy decision that stabilizes the economy and safeguards employment. The speaker strongly opposes high VAT rates, arguing that they suppress domestic consumption and economic growth. The political framework is heavily focused on economic policy and is results-driven, emphasizing the effect of taxes on inflation and industrial competitiveness.

The speaker positions themselves as the driver of tax structure reform, strongly advocating for a progressive income tax, wealth taxes, and the classic corporate income tax in order to broaden the tax base. They also highlight concerns regarding the lack of sustainability for salary increases for public sector workers (teachers, rescuers, police officers) in the upcoming fiscal years. The focus is heavily policy-driven, emphasizing structural shortcomings.

The speaker positions themselves as a representative of the Social Democratic Party (SDE) ideology, advocating for the taxation of higher-priced and luxury vehicles. The political focus is directed toward ensuring social justice (support for large families, transport for the disabled, school meals) and criticizing the budget deficit, which they attribute to the abolition of the progressive income tax adjustment (the 'tax hump'). These positions are strongly value-driven and aimed at improving social welfare.