Session Profile: Annely Akkermann
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-01-10
Political Position
The speaker clearly represents the governing coalition’s position, consistently backing the Finance Committee’s decisions to reject the draft legislation initiated by EKRE. The speaker defends the current tax policy, stressing that the tax burden must remain within the 33–34% range of GDP. This stance is firm and uncompromising toward the tax initiatives put forward by the opposition.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a strong command of the subject matter in finance and tax issues, especially regarding VAT regulation. They exhibit knowledge of European Union VAT directives, tax exemptions, and the allowable rate ranges. Furthermore, the speaker is capable of explaining technical aspects, such as the super-reduced rates (0-4%) and the feasibility of implementing two distinct tax tiers.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a formal, concise style, primarily confining their remarks to factual reports regarding the committee's work. The rhetoric is emotionless and procedure-focused, concluding nearly every address with the standard phrase, "That is all from me." The sole instance of a sharper tone is the comment directed at EKRE, suggesting they should first come to an internal agreement.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The rapporteur actively serves as the chief representative of the Finance Committee, reporting on several bills during a single sitting. The work is systematic—all the bills underwent committee discussion in September but only reached the plenary session in January due to an overloaded agenda.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker takes a categorically negative stance on the bills initiated by EKRE, supporting the rejection of all of them at the first reading. The criticism is primarily procedural and policy-focused, not personal. The speaker ironically points out EKRE's internal contradictions regarding tax rates.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker works in close cooperation with the Finance Committee, representing the unified positions of the committee. Cooperation with the ruling coalition is clear: all decisions are in line with the government's positions. There are no indications of seeking compromise with the opposition.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is not enough data.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports a conservative tax policy, aiming to keep the tax burden controlled at 33–34% of GDP. He/She only accepts raising the national defense tax in order to meet NATO commitments. This position advocates for fiscal discipline, opposing populist tax cuts that lack corresponding funding.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is focusing on tax legislation, primarily addressing draft bills concerning changes to VAT rates. He is acting as an opponent to these bills, recommending the rejection of all tax initiatives proposed by EKRE during the first reading. The focus is on defending the existing tax policy, not supporting new initiatives.
22 Speeches Analyzed