Session Profile: Züleyxa Izmailova
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-08
Political Position
The political stance is strongly focused on supporting the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs to boost purchasing power and break the inflation spiral. This position is framed through the lens of economic revitalization and the improvement of social justice, emphasizing that tax policy must be supportive of the individual citizen. Concern is also voiced regarding the stagnation of the wind turbine planning process, which is being caused by vocal individuals who are not connected to the local community.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High expertise is evident in the field of tax policy and economic analysis, particularly regarding the impact of VAT on consumption and the state budget. Specific data is utilized (e.g., a 5% drop in grocery store sales volume) and reference is made to economic theories (low elasticity). A detailed overview of VAT rates on foodstuffs in neighboring countries and the European Union is presented, demonstrating international comparison skills.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is persuasive and forceful, combining emotional appeals (the decline in purchasing power, food security) with comprehensive data and facts. Sharp questions are posed regarding the fairness of government policy, and the public is addressed directly ("Dear people of Estonia, if you are still awake"). The tone is critical yet goal-oriented, offering concrete solutions for stabilizing the economy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speeches were delivered during a single plenary session, demonstrating activity both in posing questions to ministers and in delivering longer, argued presentations defending the draft bill. This pattern involves a detailed defense of the bill, addressing criticism regarding its budgetary impact and requesting additional time to present one's views.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the government and the Reform Party, who are criticized for their tax policy and budget management. The criticism is both political and substantive, accusing the Reform Party of abandoning right-wing politics and implementing unfair taxation that harms purchasing power. Furthermore, the government is criticized for taking out a quick, high-interest loan (an "SMS loan") to cover current expenses and for favoring the wealthy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation focuses on emphasizing broad-based support from outside the Riigikogu, highlighting the backing of the Estonian Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, and the Estonian Traders Association. Furthermore, the support of over 100,000 Estonian people for lowering the VAT is stressed. Direct inter-party cooperation is not mentioned, but the need for colleagues' support in carrying out the draft bill is recognized.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is broad, encompassing the national economy, food security, and a thorough international comparison with European countries (Latvia, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Spain, etc.). It is emphasized that a tax reduction would strengthen jobs in rural areas and improve Estonia's competitiveness as a tourist destination.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly focused on lowering taxes (specifically the VAT on foodstuffs) to increase purchasing power and stimulate the circular economy. It is considered important to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic production and the tourism sector by reducing the price difference compared to imported goods. This approach refutes the argument concerning the loss of budget revenue, asserting that the money saved will immediately flow back into consumption on goods subject to higher tax rates.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed towards people's well-being and ensuring basic necessities, highlighting the impact of declining purchasing power on household food security. The policy is framed as an issue of social justice, where tax policy should be proportional to income in order to help those who are barely making it to payday.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is supporting the draft bill to reduce the VAT on foodstuffs, viewing this as the first step toward breaking the price increase spiral and as a measure for balancing the economy. There is also interest in legislative solutions that would help resolve procedural obstacles related to wind turbine planning and the traveling circus.
5 Speeches Analyzed