Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
Second Reading of the Bill for the Amendment of the Income Tax Act (416 SE)
2024-05-28
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker vehemently opposes the amendments to the Income Tax Act, especially the abolition of the income tax exemption for pensioners. He accuses the coalition of breaking campaign promises and concealing tax hikes during the election. He emphasizes that the coalition is "going after the weakest"—at the expense of pensioners and children.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a strong grasp of public finance, citing specific figures: the increase in the state's debt burden from 4.6 billion to 6.9 billion, 17 million euros being taken away from pensioners in 2025, and 76 million by 2028. He/She also refers to the economic decline lasting over two years and Estonia's unique position within the EU.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Emotional and accusatory rhetoric, using personal examples (the car queue witnessed near the French Lyceum) and metaphors (the Prime Minister's visit to a pensioner's room). The tone is passionate and moralizing, concluding with a mark of shame regarding his/her Riigikogu membership.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active member of the committee who closely monitors the coalition's activities and public appearances. He/She refers to the regular commute through Tallinn, which demonstrates daily presence and attentiveness.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Sharp criticism leveled at the coalition, and the prime minister in particular, accusing them of deliberately breaking campaign promises and hiding unpopular decisions. The text is especially critical of the Social Democrats, accusing them of betraying their core principles.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Based on the data, there is no sign of cooperation—the speaker is clearly taking an oppositional stance against the coalition. He calls on the government to withdraw the draft bill, but shows no readiness for compromise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It highlights the problems of rural areas, stressing the necessity of owning a car in the country and the issues surrounding public transport accessibility. It uses examples from Tallinn (the French Lyceum, free public transport) to illustrate broader problems.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly opposed to tax increases, arguing that raising the tax burden will lead to an economic downturn. Criticizes the government's monetary policy and the growing debt burden. Supports the economic protection of pensioners and families against tax hikes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses primarily on the well-being of pensioners and families. It emphasizes the importance of intergenerational justice, highlighting that older generations "built Estonia" and do not deserve the treatment they currently receive. It criticizes the unfairness of the special pension system.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
It focuses on the opposition to the Income Tax Act, specifically the abolition of the income tax exemption for pensioners. It mentions future legislative initiatives such as the car tax and the sweetened beverage tax. It demands the government withdraw the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed