Agenda Profile: Varro Vooglaid
Overview of the state of Research and Development and government policy in this field.
2024-01-23
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is centered on the issue of the actual level and transparency of the tax burden. The speaker is highly critical of the official 33% tax burden figure, presenting detailed calculations that suggest the real burden on the payroll is closer to 60–70%. The position taken is clearly policy-driven and relies on specific financial calculations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of taxation and payroll calculations, utilizing specific statistical metrics and technical terminology (VAT, excise duties, payroll). He supports his arguments with personal calculations (e.g., 2000 euros net vs. 3470 euros total cost) and by referencing the positions of the Professor of Tax Law at the University of Tartu.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical, interrogative, and skeptical, focusing on logical arguments and quantitative evidence. The speaker presents their viewpoint in the form of a detailed calculation, challenging the previously stated assertion and demanding clarification regarding the methodology used to derive the official figure.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the official tax burden data (33%), calling into question their validity and methodology. The opposition is policy-driven and intense, relying on conflicting calculations that also factor in indirect taxes such as VAT and excises.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is purely on Estonian tax policy at the national level and the calculation of the overall tax burden.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize that the actual tax burden in Estonia is very high, reaching 60–70% of the total payroll. The speaker is critical of the high labor costs and consumption taxes (VAT and excise duties), which distort the official narrative of a low tax burden.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on challenging the calculation methodology and public data of the existing tax policy. Specific legislative priorities or draft bills are not mentioned.
1 Speeches Analyzed