Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act (149 SE)
2024-01-10
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance centers on deep skepticism regarding national sovereignty when it comes to setting VAT rates. The speaker questions whether the Estonian state still retains the right to independently determine VAT rates, or if it is strictly obligated to follow only European Union directives. This is an opposing position focused on sovereignty and the independent formulation of policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expert analysis concerns the legal and historical context of implementing the Value Added Tax Act and European Union directives. The speaker demonstrates awareness of the conditions for EU accession, asking why the obligation to adhere to the directives in the current context was not discussed at that time. The focus of the knowledge is directed more toward the procedural and legal basis than technical fiscal data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is formal and interrogative, addressing the respected session chair and the rapporteur. Strong rhetorical questions are employed to express doubt and challenge existing EU obligations. The tone is critical and demands clarification regarding how the current situation (the limitation of sovereignty) came about.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during the first reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value-Added Tax Act, submitting two substantive questions within a short period. This pattern of activity points to a specific intervention during the legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The resistance targets European Union directives and the mandatory compliance they entail, which restricts national sovereignty in tax policy. The criticism is both political and procedural, questioning the scope of EU obligations and whether they correspond to the promises made upon accession.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no data on cooperation, willingness to compromise, or inter-party communication.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national sovereignty and the international level (the European Union), stressing the Estonian state's right to independent decision-making. Specific regional or local topics are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives center on fiscal sovereignty, underscoring the state's right to independently establish VAT rates. A preference is expressed for national control over tax policy, contrasting with the EU's centralized guidelines.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft Act amending the Value Added Tax Act (149 SE), regarding which the speaker is acting as a critical questioner. The priority is to challenge the scope and legitimacy of the underlying EU obligations upon which the draft is based, especially concerning the autonomy of levying taxes.
2 Speeches Analyzed