Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
Draft law amending the Act on the Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union and the Feed Act (546 SE) – Second Reading
2025-01-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker clearly adopts a critical stance towards the government and the ministries, strongly emphasizing that ministers are granted excessive decision-making powers without adequate parliamentary oversight and transparency. They express concern regarding Estonia's isolated position on the issue of VAT on foodstuffs, and criticize the government's decisions which place Estonian businesses at a competitive disadvantage within the context of the European Union.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker exhibits thorough knowledge in the areas of agricultural policy, legislative procedures, and European Union regulations. He/She uses precise references to legal sections, mentions specific institutions such as PRIA, and demonstrates an understanding of VAT systems and competitive conditions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a direct and critical tone, combining technical arguments with emotional assessments. He concludes his speech by claiming that the draft bill was "simply pulled out of thin air by officials," which demonstrates his combative and occasionally sarcastic approach.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to their long experience as a member of the Riigikogu, mentioning that "as long as I've been in the Riigikogu," there have been certain agreements regarding draft regulations. They actively monitor ministry press releases and government decisions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker sharply criticizes the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture and the relevant minister, accusing them of a lack of transparency and the excessive concentration of power. They express skepticism regarding the government’s decisions in the fields of energy and agriculture.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker primarily focuses on national and European Union level issues. He emphasizes that Estonia has been left "practically isolated" on the issue of VAT on foodstuffs compared to other EU member states. Concern is expressed that Estonia adopts EU decisions without adequate deliberation, and that the country is "ten steps ahead" of other EU nations, which ultimately damages the competitiveness of Estonian businesses.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports the introduction of a reduced VAT rate for foodstuffs, noting that "essential foodstuffs should have a reduced VAT rate" like in other EU countries. Expresses criticism regarding the government's budget policy, referring to how "6 million is being saved in the cuts plan" but at the same time "40 and plus million is needed to be added there." Emphasizes the need for equal competitive conditions within the EU, especially in the agricultural sector.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on agricultural policy legislation, expressing strong criticism of the draft bill, which it dismisses as something "simply pulled out of thin air by bureaucrats." The primary concern revolves around the excessive authority granted to the minister without adequate accompanying draft regulations. It stresses the necessity of transparency in the legislative process and demands that "the draft regulations must accompany the bills so that we are not blindly handing over enormous powers to a single minister."
5 Speeches Analyzed