Agenda Profile: Madis Kallas
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
The political focus is currently on lowering food prices, which is seen as a crucial socio-economic objective for the Estonian people. The speaker strongly supports this goal but criticizes the political fixation on who gets credit for the initiative, stressing that the focus needs to be on the solution itself. The political stance is geared towards achieving results and easing the cost of living for the public.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of legislative procedures and committee operations, specifically inquiring about the discussions and the presentation of alternatives within the committee. This specialized expertise is evident in the mention of the Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce as a respected and balanced umbrella organization, whose positive feedback has been taken into consideration.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is conciliatory and consensual, praising all political parties (the Social Democrats, the Centre Party, EKRE) for raising the issue. Rhetorical questions are employed to steer the focus away from political competition and pressure the coalition into offering concrete alternative solutions. The tone is formal and policy-centric.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to two speeches during a single session concerning the first reading of the draft bill to amend the Value Added Tax Act. Data regarding other activity patterns, frequency, or meetings is unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the coalition parties (Reform Party, Eesti 200), who are being asked to provide concrete alternative solutions for reducing food prices. The opposition is primarily procedural and political, emphasizing the coalition's passivity or lack of willingness to find solutions, rather than constituting personal attacks.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker adopts a collaborative stance, praising the opposition parties (SDE, Center, EKRE) for bringing up the topic and stressing that everyone should strive toward a common goal. They are seeking the coalition parties' willingness to discuss alternatives in order to achieve a reduction in food prices.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, centering on making the grocery basket for Estonian people more affordable and addressing the standpoints of umbrella organizations. Specific regional or local topics are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective supports intervention (through changes to the VAT rate) aimed at reducing food prices, thereby easing the cost of living for people in Estonia. The focus is on boosting consumer purchasing power and making the basic food basket more affordable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the cost of living and food accessibility, highlighting the necessity of making the consumer food basket cheaper for Estonian residents. This is framed as a universal social problem that demands a swift resolution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act (661 SE), the purpose of which is to reduce the price of foodstuffs. The speaker is an active supporter who is pressuring the coalition to find solutions and consider alternatives for moving the bill forward.
2 Speeches Analyzed