Session Profile: Züleyxa Izmailova
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
2025-03-26
Political Position
The political focus is heavily centered on the issue of the cost of living and high inflation, citing the Bank of Estonia's forecast. The speaker firmly supports reducing the VAT on food, viewing this as an essential cost and a necessary measure to restore purchasing power. This stance is strong and emphasizes the performance and effectiveness of the government's economic policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in economic data and comparative tax policy, highlighting specific inflation and price increase figures (e.g., 6% inflation, 40–50% rise in food prices). The statistics used are based on data from the Bank of Estonia, the Estonian Institute of Economic Research, and Sirje Potisepp. Detailed VAT rates in several European Union countries (e.g., Poland 5%, Germany 7%, Estonia 24%) are also presented in support of their argument.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, demanding, and confrontational, especially towards the head of government. The speaker balances the logical appeal (extensive statistics and EU comparisons) with the emotional appeal (people have to save money by cutting back on food). Sharp rhetorical questions and strong contrasts are used, for example, taxing carrots at the same rate as luxury goods, to emphasize the injustice of the policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu information hour, posing repeated questions to the head of government. Reference is also made to recent media (specifically, today's Eesti Ekspress), which demonstrates active monitoring of public opinion and media coverage.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the government and the Prime Minister (Kristen Michal), who is sharply criticized over high inflation and the policy concerning VAT on foodstuffs. The criticism is policy-driven and intense, demanding concrete solutions and tax amendments. The opponent's policies are being blamed for reducing people's purchasing power.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no information regarding cooperation with other political forces. Although the speaker does refer to entrepreneurs (Urmas Sõõrumaa) and sector representatives (Sirje Potisepp) to support their stance, this does not indicate legislative collaboration.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on the national level (specifically, the purchasing power and price level in Estonia) and international comparisons with other European Union member states. It is also noted that Estonians are compelled to travel to neighboring countries to purchase cheaper food, indicating significant cross-border economic pressure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic viewpoint is clearly aimed at protecting consumers' purchasing power via tax cuts. The speaker advocates for a substantial reduction in the VAT applied to foodstuffs in order to mitigate the impact of inflation. High taxation on essential commodities is criticized, and the opinions of entrepreneurs are cited.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the population's livelihood and access to essential goods, which is being threatened by high food prices. It is stressed that food is an unavoidable expense, and the high cost is forcing people to skimp on their meals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on reforming tax policy, particularly the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on foodstuffs. The speaker is a key proponent of this specific policy change, bolstering their arguments with comparisons to the tax rates in other EU member states.
2 Speeches Analyzed