Agenda Profile: Züleyxa Izmailova
Tax policy
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political focus is heavily directed towards the rising cost of living and the decline in purchasing power, with particular emphasis placed on the high VAT rate applied to foodstuffs. The speaker urgently demands a reduction in the VAT on food, pointing out that this is an unavoidable expense that people are being forced to cut back on. This stance is strongly policy- and results-driven, criticizing the government's failure to act amid high inflation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on topics related to tax policy and economic statistics, bringing up the Bank of Estonia’s inflation forecast (6%) and data from the Estonian Institute of Economic Research regarding price levels. Particular emphasis is placed on a detailed comparison of VAT rates on foodstuffs across European Union countries (e.g., Poland 5%, Estonia 24%), and reference is made to the positions held by entrepreneurs and experts (Sõõrumaa, Potisepp).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, concerned, and question-focused, employing direct appeals to the Prime Minister to challenge his awareness of high food prices. The appeal is strongly data-driven, relying on statistics and international comparisons to highlight the severity of the issue. Simple yet effective analogies are used, such as comparing the VAT on carrots to the taxation of a luxury item.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed against the head of government (Prime Minister, Kristen Michal) and the administration's failure to curb rising food prices. The criticism is policy-driven, centering on the government's refusal to reduce the VAT (Value Added Tax) on foodstuffs, which is widely considered disproportionately high. The opposition also accuses the PM of being out of touch with reality ("Do you, esteemed Prime Minister, ever actually shop for groceries yourself?").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonia's domestic economic problems and the purchasing power of its citizens, highlighting the forced cutbacks Estonian people are making or their necessity to buy groceries in neighboring countries. This argument is supported by extensive international comparison, citing, for example, the VAT rates of other EU countries, in order to justify political change within Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective advocates for a targeted change in tax policy, specifically calling for a reduction in VAT on essential goods in order to mitigate the effects of inflation and boost people's purchasing power. The speaker deems high taxation on unavoidable necessities (such as food) unfair and points to the support for this tax reduction among entrepreneurs (naming Sõõrumaa).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern revolves around the cost of living and food security, highlighting that high prices are forcing Estonian residents to cut back on food spending or travel abroad for groceries. This social issue is being tackled via an economic solution (tax cuts) to ensure that essential expenses remain affordable for the population.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is clearly aimed at reforming tax policy, specifically with the goal of initiating a reduction in the VAT rate applied to food products. The speaker is a strong proponent of this specific tax reform, utilizing international examples to justify the necessity of the legislative amendment.
2 Speeches Analyzed