Agenda Profile: Tanel Kiik
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu, "Submitting a proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government to reduce the VAT on foodstuffs to 9 percent" (579 OE)
2025-04-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
Discusses tax system issues and criticizes the right-wing approach. He/She questions whether the Estonian people will start supporting a left-wing tax system in the future, and expresses concern about the sustainability of the current system.
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates a comparative analysis of tax systems and familiarity with political trends. Shows an understanding of the differences between left-wing and right-wing tax policy.
Rhetorical Style
It employs an inquisitive approach to tax policy; the tone is analytical and critical.
Activity Patterns
Six interventions concerning tax policy and VAT, criticizing the right-wing approach. Active participation in the tax policy debate.
Opposition Stance
The speaker asks the Centre Party about the prospects of supporting a left-wing tax policy. (He/She) criticizes the right-wing tax system, which supports the wealthier segment of society.
Collaboration Style
Offered constructive criticism on tax policy issues, calling for the increased inclusion of Eesti 200. Emphasized the need for consistent policy.
Regional Focus
Discusses the regional impacts of the tax system, questioning whether Estonian people will start supporting left-wing tax policy. It highlights the need for a fairer distribution of the tax burden.
Economic Views
The speaker strongly supports left-wing tax policies, including lowering the VAT on foodstuffs to 9%, implementing a progressive income tax, and introducing a bank tax. He sharply criticizes Estonia's current right-wing tax system, claiming that it supports the wealthier segment of society and unfairly burdens low and middle-income individuals. The speaker emphasizes that 60% of assets in Estonia are owned by the top 10% and demands the redistribution of the tax burden onto the wealthy. He supports a social democratic approach and calls on the government to follow the example of other European countries regarding tax measures that support the poor.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
They discussed tax policy issues, focusing on justifying the different rates of VAT and criticizing the government's inconsistent positions across various sectors.
Legislative Focus
They discussed tax policy issues, focusing on the justification for different VAT rates and criticizing the government's contradictory positions across various sectors.