Agenda Profile: Züleyxa Izmailova
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value-Added Tax Act (661 SE)
2025-10-09
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
Strong support for lowering the VAT on foodstuffs to increase purchasing power, break the inflation spiral, and support domestic production. The political position is framed as a right-wing policy that the government has abandoned, and it is aimed at supporting people's basic necessities. The bill has been presented as a measure for economic balancing and social justice.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Deep expertise in tax policy and international VAT rates, providing detailed comparisons with the EU and neighboring countries (Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, Great Britain). Utilizes economic terminology such as "the effect of declining tax revenue on goods with low elasticity" and explains the mechanism of the circular economy. References specific data, including a 5% drop in grocery store sales volume.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is urgent, passionate, and at times aggressive, especially directed towards the government and the Reform Party. It utilizes both emotional appeals ("Dear people of Estonia, if you are still awake") and thorough logical arguments concerning budgetary impact and circular consumption/use. The style is formal, yet it includes sharp accusations regarding the government's unfairness.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Active in the legislative debate, posing pointed questions to the rapporteur and delivering longer, substantive speeches during the first reading of the draft bill. They referred to previous communication with members of the Reform Party on this topic. They requested an additional three minutes to extend their speech, demonstrating a clear desire to fully articulate their position.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed against the Reform Party and the government, who are accused of abandoning right-wing politics and implementing unfair tax policies. Critics point to the government’s inconsistency in supporting the reduction of the gambling tax while simultaneously opposing the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs for fear of losing budget revenue. The government is also accused of taking out an SMS loan (payday loan) and supporting the wealthy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It points to widespread support outside the Riigikogu, citing the Estonian Food Industry Association, the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, and the Estonian Traders Association, along with over 100,000 Estonian people. It attempts to create the impression of potential cross-party support, noting that many members of the Reform Party support this initiative privately.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on strengthening the nation's economy and food security, with a strong emphasis placed on protecting the local agricultural sector and the food processing industry. Furthermore, maintaining the competitiveness of Estonia's tourism sector is highlighted, given that high prices for food and services are making Estonia an unattractive destination. The importance of rural employment is also mentioned.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports a tax policy that stimulates consumption and increases purchasing power in order to break the price inflation spiral. It is claimed that the budgetary impact of lowering VAT will be moderate due to savings quickly returning to consumption at the 24% tax rate. They support strengthening the competitiveness of domestic food production against imports.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme is the decline in people's purchasing power and the deterioration of their diet, especially among the population with low savings rates. It emphasizes the need for a fair and proportional tax policy that would support basic necessities and ensure healthier eating for the Estonian people.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is supporting the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act (661 SE), which aims to reduce the value-added tax on food products. The Speaker strongly backs this bill, viewing it as the crucial first step toward breaking the inflation spiral and stabilizing the economy.
4 Speeches Analyzed