Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
Second reading of the draft law amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Tax Act and other laws (510 SE)
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker adopts a clearly adversarial stance toward the government's excise policy, strongly asserting that tax hikes damage the economy. He supports lowering excise taxes or at least halting the increases, citing the 2020 experience as a positive example. His position is that the government should provide businesses with the certainty that taxes will not be raised at least until the next elections.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a strong grasp of excise policy and its economic effects, backing this up with specific figures and statistics. They accurately reference the outcomes of the 2020 excise duty reductions and the economic growth indicators for 2021–2022. Furthermore, they exhibit detailed knowledge of the dynamics of border trade with Latvia and Lithuania and are skilled at analyzing fiscal calculations.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is emotional and dramatic, utilizing phrases such as "It is sad!" and "to sink Estonia as low as possible." He/She combines emotional appeals with factual data, drawing on personal experiences and historical examples. The style is direct and confrontational, yet simultaneously well-reasoned and structured.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Finance Committee and closely monitors legislative details, noting technical errors in the proposed amendments. He/She refers to committee sessions and stakeholder hearings, demonstrating systematic involvement in the legislative work.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Sharp criticism is being leveled at the current government's economic policy, particularly concerning the rise in excise duties. He accuses the coalition of damaging the economy and draws negative comparisons between Estonia and other European countries. The criticism is primarily policy-based, focusing on the economic repercussions rather than personal attacks.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker acknowledges the Isamaa Party’s past mistakes in 2020 and demonstrates a willingness to learn from them. He expresses hope that the coalition partners might change their positions, referencing the Eesti 200 representative on the Finance Committee. However, his approach is more confrontational than cooperative.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is primarily on Estonia's position relative to its neighbors, Latvia and Lithuania, specifically in the context of cross-border trade. He/She also mentions Finland and Sweden as positive examples concerning excise policy. Specific regional projects or local issues are not addressed.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is a clear articulation of support for lower taxes aimed at stimulating economic growth. He believes that cutting excise duties will lead to an economic upturn, citing the experience of 2020. His economic views are pro-business, stressing the necessity of providing certainty to entrepreneurs and alleviating the pressure caused by rising input costs.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are not addressed directly in these speeches. The focus is entirely on economic and tax policy.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The subject focuses on the amendments to the Excise Duty Act, proposing the suspension of the second reading. They closely monitor the technical aspects of legislative texts and identify errors in the proposed amendments. Their legislative activity is directed toward obstructing the government's proposed tax hikes.
6 Speeches Analyzed