Session Profile: Tanel Kiik
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-12-04
Political Position
Supports the increase in alcohol and tobacco excise duty on public health grounds, emphasizing that the purpose of the excise tax is to reduce consumption, not to increase state revenues. Criticizes previous excise duty cuts, which, in his view, led to a rise in alcohol-related deaths. Defends health arguments over economic arguments.
Topic Expertise
Shows a deep understanding of alcohol and tobacco excise policy and the funding of the Cultural Endowment (Kultuurkapital), providing a thorough overview of changes in excise rates and commission discussions. Demonstrates an understanding of public health impacts, the risks of border trade, and the need for cooperation with Latvia.
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs technically precise and fact-based rhetoric, relying on data and specific details of the legislative bill. The style is formal and professional, yet it also incorporates emotional elements, particularly when addressing the health consequences of alcohol policy. The speaker demonstrates meticulous preparation, referencing exact dates, voting outcomes, and financial figures, and addresses criticism directly and, at times, sharply.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He provided a comprehensive overview of the excise tax increases, answering numerous questions. He demonstrated a profound knowledge of the details of tax policy and its historical context.
Opposition Stance
The speaker provides a comprehensive overview of the debate on the draft bill concerning excise duty increases within the Finance Committee. He supports the rise in alcohol excise duty based on public health considerations, but acknowledges the impact of the tax burden on people.
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the consensual nature of the committee work, citing several instances where decisions received unanimous support. He demonstrated openness to cooperation with various ministries and the Culture Committee, taking their proposals into account when amending the draft legislation. At the same time, he acknowledged the necessity of coalition compromises in tax policy, noting that the preferences of his own party might be different.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The text addresses the effects of tax policy nationwide, but highlights the problem of border trade along the Latvian border. It demonstrates an understanding of regional differences in the impact of tax policy, especially in border areas.
Economic Views
He addressed the excise tax hikes, supporting the increase of alcohol and tobacco excise duties on public health grounds. He stressed that the health costs outweigh the tax revenue, regardless of the specific excise rate.
Social Issues
The speaker clearly takes a stand on public health issues, strongly emphasizing the necessity of reducing alcohol consumption to mitigate health risks. They cite specific mortality statistics related to alcohol-induced diseases and criticize earlier decisions to lower the alcohol excise tax. There is insufficient data regarding other traditional social issues (LGBTQ+, immigration, education).
25 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
He provided an overview of the deliberation of the draft bill concerning excise duty increases in the Finance Committee and explained the amendments that were made. He defended the rise in alcohol excise duty as a necessary public health measure.