Agenda Profile: Annely Akkermann
Draft law amending the Value Added Tax Act (539 SE) - First Reading
2025-01-22
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The speaker explicitly opposes the reduction of VAT on food, backing the government's stance that the resulting 400 million euro budgetary expenditure would be unwarranted. He strongly stresses the necessity of maintaining fiscal balance and the crucial role of social transfers in supporting vulnerable groups. Speaking for the liberal policy of the Reform Party, he highlights individual freedoms and responsibilities.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a profound understanding of tax systems, citing specific statistics (Finland 14%, Ireland 13.5% VAT on food) and OECD recommendations. They utilize precise data regarding budgetary implications and exhibit a strong grasp of social policy and tax collection mechanisms. Their argumentation is grounded in economic analyses and international comparisons.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a factual and analytical approach, relying on data and expert opinions. Their tone is professional and explanatory, utilizing concrete examples and statistics. They honestly acknowledge the limitations of their answers ("I don't have a better answer") and attempt to be constructive, even while firmly adhering to their own viewpoints.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the preparation of the draft bill during the Finance Committee meeting on January 13th, and is representing the committee as the designated representative of the lead committee. He will thoroughly answer colleagues' questions and provide a detailed overview of both the committee's discussions and the government's position.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker clearly opposes the bill initiated by EKRE, relying primarily on economic and political arguments. Their criticism is factual and procedural, rather than personal, focusing on the bill's shortcomings, such as the lack of alternative funding and inefficiency in assisting target groups.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates a willingness to cooperate by citing decisions reached by consensus within the committee and by thoroughly answering colleagues' questions. He acknowledges the viewpoints of others (even noting, "you are also very agreeable") and attempts to provide constructive answers, although he remains firm on his core positions.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is not enough data.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly advocates for fiscal discipline and budget balance, emphasizing the necessity of tax collection to fund social transfers. They prefer direct subsidies over tax concessions and support a broad tax base coupled with a single flat rate. Their view is that consumption taxes in Estonia are already relatively high compared to property taxes.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker stresses the necessity of supporting vulnerable groups (the elderly, people with special needs, children) through social transfers. They advocate for increasing the subsistence benefit and the national pension, and identify food waste and obesity as key problems. Their approach is pragmatic, focusing on effective aid measures.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is focusing on the opposition to amending the Value Added Tax Act, stressing the integrity of both budgetary policy and the overall tax system. He/She advocates for finding alternative ways to assist vulnerable groups through social policy measures, rather than relying on tax concessions. His/Her primary focus is on guaranteeing legislative quality and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
8 Speeches Analyzed