Agenda Profile: Jaanus Karilaid
First Reading of the Bill on Amendments to the State Fees Act and Related Amendments to Other Acts (417 SE)
2024-04-30
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's fiscal policy, which raises state fees and fine rates during an economic downturn and a decline in people's purchasing power. The speaker criticizes the government's political choice, which prioritizes taking money from people rather than offering economic stimulus. This stance is results-oriented, highlighting the government's inability to address the economy's real problems. The Isamaa faction proposes rejecting the draft legislation during the first reading.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding state fees and budget calculations, citing specific figures (e.g., 9–10 million in additional revenue, the 400-million tax hump) and the rates of fee increases (e.g., from 900 to 1600). Procedural shortcomings in the legislative process are also highlighted, criticizing the fact that the impact analysis exists only on paper. This knowledge is applied within the context of the current economic situation and the decline in purchasing power.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, combative, and accusatory, employing strong metaphors such as "they let [the people] walk all over them" and "they are instead tightening every screw to cut off the oxygen supply." The appeals presented are a blend of logical arguments (specific financial figures) and emotional rhetoric that emphasizes the public's difficulties and insecurity. While the Minister of the Interior is credited for the better preparation of the draft bill, the overall tone regarding the government remains negative and ironic.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The scope of activity is limited to discussing the first reading of the bill during the Riigikogu session. The speaker actively participates in criticizing the legislative process, focusing on the proposal to reject the specific draft bill (417 SE). Data regarding other activities or appearances is unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the ruling coalition, especially the Reform Party, who are accused of filling the deficit created by abolishing the tax hump by taking money directly from the populace. The Social Democrats are criticized for supporting the Reform Party's policies and merely imitating social democracy. The criticism is intense, focusing heavily on policy and procedure, and stresses that the government is indifferent to the state of the economy and people's purchasing power.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative spirit is absent because the speaker represents the opposition (the Isamaa faction) and proposes rejecting the draft bill. Although Minister of the Interior Läänemets is acknowledged for having prepared the bill better compared to the previous version, this does not signal a readiness for compromise or substantive cooperation. The political choice made by the government is considered unacceptable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on national issues, covering the State Fees Act, the general state of the Estonian economy, and people's purchasing power. There is no reference to specific regional or international topics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly growth-oriented, demanding economic stimulation, job creation, and wage increases. They oppose raising state fees and fine rates, arguing that this reduces people's purchasing power and deepens the recession. The government is accused of prioritizing the state's long reach into citizens' pockets over opening the oxygen taps for the economy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues being addressed is the increase in state fees for solemnizing and dissolving marriages, which critics slam as "an attack on human relationships." The discussion is purely financial, focusing on state intervention in private life via taxes and duties, rather than being moral or ideological.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing and rejecting draft bill 417 SE, which proposes amendments to the State Fees Act. The speaker criticizes the government for only presenting bills aimed at raising fines or fees, rather than proposing legislation that stimulates the economy or fulfills the goals of state reform.
2 Speeches Analyzed