Session Profile: Annely Akkermann
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
2025-05-21
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the government's tax policy, particularly the changes to the security tax and the increase of the VAT to 24%. He asserts that the "tax festival" is over and consistently defended the decision to make the security tax permanent due to the changed geopolitical situation. He categorically rejected proposals from opposition members to lower taxes, justifying this stance by the necessity of balancing the budget.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound knowledge in the area of fiscal and budgetary policy, utilizing precise figures and statistics (e.g., 654 euros for tax-exempt income, 774 euros for pensioners). Regularly references assessments by the OECD, IMF, and the European Union concerning the Estonian tax system. Exhibits a comprehensive grasp of the corporate income tax system and its effect on capitalization.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
He/She employs a factual and analytical approach, drawing on figures and international comparisons. The style is straightforward, sometimes carrying an ironic undertone, particularly when addressing the opposition. Concrete examples and mathematical calculations are used to substantiate his/her positions, such as the price comparison of Latvian vegetables.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Actively participates in the work of the Finance Committee, serving as the representative of the lead committee for several draft bills. Mentions meetings held with foreign visitors (students from Germany and Croatia) and monitoring the information hour. Demonstrates regular attendance at committee sessions and plenary debates.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Consistently rejects tax cut proposals put forth by opposition members (especially Siim Pohlak and Rain Epler). Criticizes Isamaa's earlier tax policy decisions, particularly the implementation of the "tax hump" (maksuküür), which he/she claims harmed working pensioners. Uses fact-based arguments to refute the opposition's standpoints.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It emphasizes the commission's consensus decisions and respectfully mentions the views of colleagues. It demonstrates a willingness to cooperate by proposing data sharing (the spring economic forecast). It also acknowledges the right of the opposition member on certain issues, for example, regarding the level of corporate income tax.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The scope is primarily limited to issues at the national level, and no specific regional focus is evident. It mentions a comparison with Latvia in the context of tax policy, but this is more of an analytical comparison than a regional orientation.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports the current tax system as competitive, emphasizing Estonia's low overall tax burden compared to other EU countries. It favors the beneficial corporate income tax system, which facilitates the reinvestment of profits. The position is skeptical regarding the impact of a VAT reduction on consumer prices, arguing instead that it would primarily boost corporate profits.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It primarily focuses on the livelihood of pensioners and low-wage earners within the context of tax policy. It emphasizes the positive effect of tax-free income on those with lower incomes and defended changes aimed at improving the situation of pensioners. Social issues are primarily addressed through the lens of tax policy.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Focuses on amendments to tax legislation, particularly regulations concerning the security tax and Value Added Tax (VAT). Serves as the rapporteur for several draft bills and recommends rejecting the majority of tax reduction proposals initiated by opposition members. Stresses the necessity for the legislative process to respond effectively to the changed geopolitical landscape.
18 Speeches Analyzed