Agenda Profile: Tanel Kiik
Draft Law Amending the Value Added Tax Act (593 SE) – First Reading
2025-04-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
Kiik's position is clearly left-wing, supporting a progressive income tax and the lowering of VAT on foodstuffs. He sharply criticizes the Reform Party's right-wing tax policy, arguing that it supports the wealthier segment of society at the expense of low-wage earners.
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates the skill of analyzing the composition of parliament and the balance of political forces. Shows an understanding of how to achieve tax policy changes under conditions dominated by right-wing parties.
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a direct approach, tinged with a slight irony, beginning with a sarcastic acknowledgment of the Social Democrats' "power." The rhetoric is more dialogical and inquisitive, focusing on posing practical questions regarding the opposing side's strategy. The speaker seeks specific answers and avoids emotional rhetoric, favoring logical argumentation instead.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
He criticized the Centre Party regarding the tax system, stressing the necessity of consistent left-wing policies. He further blamed the opposition's passivity for the failure to implement a progressive income tax.
Collaboration Style
Offered constructive criticism regarding tax policy issues, calling for the support of left-wing politics. Emphasized the need for a fairer system.
Regional Focus
The speaker addresses the question of VAT on foodstuffs from a nationwide perspective, focusing on the tax policy's impact on all residents of Estonia. Regional aspects are not directly mentioned, although food prices affect all regions equally.
Economic Views
The speaker is critical of the amendments to the VAT Act, characterizing them as "left-wing," even while acknowledging their introduction. He expresses skepticism regarding the tax changes being enacted in the current parliament, which is dominated by right-wing parties. The speaker demands concrete strategies for implementing changes to tax policy and criticizes the mere introduction of bills without any real impact.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
He/She asked questions regarding EKRE's draft bill, exploring ways to convince the parliamentary majority to support left-wing tax amendments and criticizing the dominance of right-wing parties.
Legislative Focus
He/She/They asked questions regarding the EKRE draft bill, exploring possibilities to convince the parliamentary majority to support left-wing tax amendments, and criticizing the dominance of right-wing parties.