Session Profile: Tanel Kiik
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
2025-04-17
Political Position
He supported the reduction of the VAT on foodstuffs and criticized the government's opposition to the measure. He emphasized that differential VAT rates are effective in other sectors and should also apply to food items.
Topic Expertise
Demonstrated a thorough understanding of the VAT system by comparing the tax rates of various sectors and assessing their impact. Also showed an understanding of the social implications of tax policy.
Rhetorical Style
They employed direct criticism regarding the government's inconsistencies. They combined fact-based arguments with emotional appeals aimed at achieving a fairer tax policy.
Activity Patterns
Three statements on tax policy. Active participation in the tax policy debate and a critical stance towards the government.
Opposition Stance
The speaker launched a scathing attack on the Reform Party and other right-wing parties over the injustice of the tax system, accusing them of decades of favoring the wealthiest segment of society. Intense criticism was also leveled against the EKRE representative, who faces accusations of three criminal convictions and abuse of power in Tallinn. Furthermore, the speaker demanded that the Riigikogu debates maintain their focus strictly on the scheduled agenda topics. The critique is both intense and systematic, addressing both personal allegations and fundamental political points of contention.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
They discussed tax policy issues constructively, acknowledging diverse viewpoints and calling for consistency in political stances. They emphasized the need for a left-wing tax policy.
Regional Focus
He/She addressed the value-added tax on foodstuffs, focusing on the nationwide impact. He/She criticized the government's tax policy as regressive.
Economic Views
They supported lowering the VAT on food, criticizing the government's tax policy as regressive. They stressed the need to support low-income earners.
Social Issues
The focus is primarily on issues of tax policy, advocating for a reduction in VAT on groceries as a measure to support low-income earners. It criticizes the current tax system for favoring the affluent and stresses the necessity of implementing a progressive income tax. Tax policy is directly linked to social consequences and societal stratification.
Legislative Focus
The speaker is focusing on reforming the tax system, actively supporting the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs and the implementation of a progressive income tax. Emphasis is placed on the need to analyze the experiences of other European countries, and reference is made to the analysis initiated by the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture concerning the impact of VAT on foodstuffs. The Social Democratic Party pledges to support all tax initiatives that reduce the tax burden on low- and middle-income earners and increase the contribution of the wealthy to state budget revenues.
7 Speeches Analyzed