Agenda Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov
Draft resolution "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government Regarding the Imposition of a Temporary Solidarity Tax on the Banking Sector" (535 OE) – First Reading
2025-02-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is highly critical of the government, which is accused of protecting the huge profits banks have accrued due to the high Euribor rate. The speaker stresses a value-based framework where banks are profiting at the expense of the public, necessitating state intervention. The core issues are social justice and inequality within the banking sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the banking sector's profitability, highlighting specific data (e.g., SEB Bank's two-year profit of 406 million euros) and linking the mechanism of profit generation to Euribor. The second speaker focuses on the legislative procedure and the substance of the Finance Committee's discussions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and direct, combining logical argumentation (profit figures) with a strong emotional appeal. Emphasis is placed on the difficulties faced by Narva's elderly population due to the office closure, drawing a contrast between the banks' "profit gained from thin air" and the suffering of the people.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data to identify recurring operational patterns, with the exception of active participation in the Riigikogu sitting during the first reading of the banking tax bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets are banks (specifically SEB), who are criticized for their lack of social responsibility and for profiting at the expense of ordinary people. Criticism is also aimed at the government, which is either unable or unwilling to regulate these unfair profits. The criticism is substantive and performance-based.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is information-seeking, particularly regarding supporters and arguments within the Finance Committee, indicating a desire to identify allies for supporting the bank tax. There is no data regarding the search for broad-based cooperation or compromises.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is clearly represented, highlighting the issues faced by the city of Narva (the third largest city) and its elderly residents stemming from the closure of the only bank branch. This underscores social inequality and the accessibility of services at the regional level.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective focuses on regulating and taxing profits, particularly when those profits are generated by external factors (like Euribor) rather than being the result of "a job well done." The preference is for social justice and public welfare over the unrestricted profits of the banking sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues discussed are the accessibility of services for the elderly and their forced relocation from Narva to Jõhvi, emphasizing social responsibility and regional accessibility.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the draft bill (535 OE) proposing the introduction of a temporary solidarity tax for the banking sector. Speakers are actively taking part in the bill's first reading, concentrating on both the substantive justification for the tax's necessity and the transparency of the committee's proceedings.
2 Speeches Analyzed