Agenda Profile: Tanel Kiik
Debate on the nationally important issue "Why is food expensive?", initiated by the Estonian Centre Party faction.
2025-10-16
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political emphasis is currently on the high cost of food and inflation, with demands being made to lower the VAT (sales tax) to alleviate the situation. Criticism is aimed at the government's illogical stance regarding the impact of taxes: they claim that raising taxes has an effect, but lowering them allegedly does not. This position is strongly oppositional and focuses on criticizing the government for its inaction in solving a significant national problem. The framing of the issue is primarily centered on political performance and policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expertise manifests when analyzing tax policy and its impact, particularly when connecting Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise duties to price formation. Emphasis is placed on the inconsistency between the government's explanations regarding the effects of tax cuts versus tax increases. Furthermore, reference is made to the issue's 30-year political history and its repeated introduction by parliamentary parties.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of address is interrogative and critical, focusing on the logical flaws and inconsistencies in the government's positions ("Where is the logic?"). Rhetorical questions are employed, and the importance of the issue is emphasized by contrasting public concern with the parliament's inaction. The tone is formal, yet it includes sharp procedural criticism directed at the coalition's low participation rate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in Riigikogu debates, posing questions to the rapporteur and referencing previous participation in similar events ("at one other event"). This pattern of activity is focused on discussing issues of national importance and closely monitoring the government's actions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the government and the coalition, who are being accused of implementing illogical tax policies and ignoring a crucial problem. The coalition's low turnout at the important debate has drawn particular criticism, suggesting they are underestimating the issue. The criticism is twofold: both policy-based (the refusal to implement tax cuts) and procedural (the failure to offer alternative solutions).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is seeking consensus regarding the reduction of VAT on food, hoping that public pressure will lead to an agreement in parliament. Meanwhile, the coalition is being criticized for its lack of cooperation, given that they are neither offering alternative solutions nor engaging in the discussion. Reference is also made to a historical pattern where political parties only advocate for tax cuts while they are in opposition.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly on the national level, addressing tax policy, inflation, and the work of parliament.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize the need for tax cuts (VAT, excise duties) to lower food prices and alleviate inflation. This position supports improving consumer purchasing power through state intervention, contrasting sharply with the government's current fiscal approach.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the economic well-being of the population and the concern over high food prices. This concern is supported by widespread public perception and the mention of a petition signed by 100,000 people, which demonstrates the massive scale of the problem.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting the draft bill to lower the VAT on foodstuffs, a proposal put forward by several parliamentary parties. There is an emphasis on the necessity of achieving parliamentary consensus to adopt this proposal. The speaker acts as a proponent, while simultaneously criticizing the stagnation of the legislative process caused by the government's opposition.
2 Speeches Analyzed