Session Profile: Varro Vooglaid
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, extra plenary sitting
2024-06-19
Political Position
The most prominent stance is strong opposition to the government's plan to tax land under private homes, which is viewed as a violation of the sanctity of private property. The political position is value-driven, stressing that the government’s actions—including tax hikes and infringing upon the inviolability of the home—are leading the country in the wrong direction. The speaker is categorically opposed to all government tax increases, citing Prime Minister Kaja Kallas's broken election promises.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of tax policy, referencing the current status of excise duties, new taxes (the car tax), and social tax. Particular emphasis is placed on the historical and legal context surrounding the inviolability of private property, drawing parallels with the slave system and Soviet-era repression. Furthermore, the speaker is aware of the agricultural sector's concerns regarding a potential increase in land tax.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative, emotional, and moralistic, employing strong value-based rhetoric concerning the sanctity of home, marriage, and human life. The speaker draws on historical parallels and uses moral condemnation to underscore the danger and immorality of the government's actions. The speech concludes with a direct and urgent appeal: "Do not attack people's homes!"
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He/She is presenting at the plenary session during the debate on the draft law, speaking on behalf of the parliamentary group. Recent communication with a colleague and farmers is mentioned, which points to active contact with interest groups outside the Riigikogu chamber.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Government of the Republic and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who is criticized for breaking election promises and undermining state values. The criticism is intense, ranging from political opposition (taxation) to moral condemnation (the desecration of sacred values). A compromise regarding the draft bill is completely ruled out.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses cooperation and unity within their faction (EKRE), confirming that they are speaking on behalf of the entire faction. Other potential opponents of the draft bill from other factions are also mentioned, but no direct collaboration is described. No willingness to cooperate with the government is expressed; instead, support for the draft bill is categorically ruled out.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (tax policy and the fundamental rights of private property), an issue that concerns all residents of Estonia. Specifically highlighted are agricultural entrepreneurs who face having to shut down operations if the new land tax is implemented.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, stressing that the tax burden is increasing at a time when the economic situation is already difficult. They advocate for low or zero taxation of private property, especially homes, and seek to protect agricultural businesses from extra levies. Government policy is viewed as detrimental to the economy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed through moral condemnation, accusing the government of violating the sanctity of marriage, family, and human life. Particular emphasis is placed on opposing the Government of the Republic’s funding of the killing of thousands of children before birth (abortion). These topics serve as a framework to demonstrate the government's lack of values.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is to be a vocal opponent to the proposed bill concerning the taxation of land beneath one's home. The advocate's role is to prevent the adoption of this bill, as it violates the principle of the sanctity of the home.
1 Speeches Analyzed