Agenda Profile: Annely Akkermann
Second reading of the draft law amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Tax Act and other laws (510 SE)
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports scrapping the planned alcohol excise duty hike next July, justifying this decision by citing the rise in border trade and the resulting drop in tax revenue. The stance is pragmatic and economically sound, although the speaker acknowledges the arguments made by public health advocates for increasing the price of alcohol. It emphasizes the necessity of balancing public health objectives with economic considerations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound knowledge of tax policy and excise matters, utilizing specific figures (a €10 million shortfall in revenue, 20–30% growth in border trade). Shows a strong grasp of the importance of regional tax comparisons, referencing Latvia’s excise policy and its resulting impacts. Possesses a solid command of tax revenue mechanisms and the economic consequences of border trade.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
It utilizes a balanced and analytical approach, acknowledging the arguments of various parties (health promoters versus economic considerations). It relies on facts and figures but also employs figurative expressions, such as "keeta katla ühes servas paksemat suppi" (to boil thicker soup on one side of the cauldron). The tone is calm and explanatory, not confrontational.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He/She is limited to one address during the given period. He/She appears in the role of the Chairman of the Finance Committee and a representative of the Reform Party faction, which demonstrates an active position on tax policy issues.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
It does not express direct confrontation; instead, it balances various viewpoints. It acknowledges the legitimate concerns of health advocates but counters them with economic arguments. The approach is diplomatic, not confrontational.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Demonstrates a willingness to cooperate, referencing the positions of both the Ministry of Finance and traders and producers. It acknowledges the arguments of the various parties and seeks to find a compromise between health objectives and economic interests. The approach is consensus-based.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses heavily on regional aspects, particularly Estonian-Latvian border trade. It emphasizes the need to consider the tax policies of neighboring countries and their effects on the Estonian economy. The regional perspective is central to its argumentation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It advocates for a prudent tax policy that takes into account competitiveness relative to neighboring countries. It stresses the importance of sustaining tax revenue and cautions against the negative effects of overly aggressive tax hikes. The overall approach is pragmatic and market-oriented, while also acknowledging aspects of social responsibility.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It acknowledges the importance of reducing alcohol consumption for public health and agrees that alcohol is relatively cheap in Estonia. At the same time, it frames health policy objectives within the context of economic considerations, seeking a balance between the two priorities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Focusing on the amendments to the Excise Duty Act, he speaks in his capacity as the Chairman of the Finance Committee. He supports the postponement of the rise in alcohol excise duty, thoroughly justifying this stance with economic data. His approach is legislative-technical, concentrating on the regulation of specific tax rates.
1 Speeches Analyzed