Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
Draft law amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Tax Act and other laws (510 SE) - Third Reading
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker adopts a clearly opposing stance regarding the governing coalition's tax hikes, sharply criticizing the continuation of this "tax hike frenzy." There is strong resistance to the increases in excise duties on alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and electricity, as well as increases in income tax, VAT, and land tax. It is emphasized that the Isamaa Party cannot support such a bill, and they promise to abolish the car tax and review all tax increases upon coming to power.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the tax system and excise rates, presenting specific figures and dates concerning future tax hikes. They precisely mention a 45% increase in electricity excise duty, a 7% increase in diesel fuel excise duty, and an 18% increase in natural gas excise duty. They also reference experiences with border trade and the resulting economic consequences, thereby showing a clear understanding of the impacts of tax policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is sharp and emotional, employing sarcasm and irony ("oh, what a surprise, the Social Democrats get what they want as well"). The rhetoric is highly confrontational, including direct accusations and derogatory phrases such as "social democratic lie" and "nightmare." Emotional appeals are used, referencing the inability to buy Christmas presents and the hardships faced by families.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in Riigikogu sittings and the work of the Finance Committee, citing specific experiences gained during the committee's operations. They mention current discussions taking place today and events that occurred yesterday, demonstrating consistent involvement in parliamentary activity. Furthermore, they refer to monitoring social media and radio news.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, who are accused of hiking taxes and impoverishing the populace. The Social Democrats are especially sharply criticized for introducing the land tax, along with four members of the Centre Party who have defected (literally: "gone to help"). The possibility of compromise is not mentioned; on the contrary, they promise that the first order of business upon coming to power will be to abolish the taxes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
A willingness to cooperate is not being demonstrated; on the contrary, clear opposition to the coalition is being emphasized. Criticism is directed at the lack of internal discussion within the coalition parties' factions concerning the tax hikes. The only cooperation mentioned is the negative collaboration between members of the Centre Party and the Social Democrats in supporting these tax increases.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Special attention is being paid to the issues facing people in rural areas, stressing that tax hikes disproportionately affect those living outside Tallinn. The coalition is being criticized for its indifference toward how rural residents manage to travel and heat their homes. The impact of the land tax on the land under one's home is specifically mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
A strong anti-tax stance is clearly articulated, stressing that wealth is generated by enterprise, not the government. Tax hikes are criticized as a factor impeding economic growth, with the assertion that "no economy can bear such a rise in taxation." The position supports entrepreneurship and argues that social democrats are unfit to be business owners. It promises the reduction and abolition of taxes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Limited data. It mentions the difficulties families face when buying Christmas gifts and the need to take out loans, which indicates a concerned attitude toward social problems, but specific stances on social issues are not expressed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is heavily placed on tax legislation, particularly the opposition to the excise duty law covering alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and electricity. It promises that the first step upon taking office will be to submit a bill to abolish the car tax and review all tax hikes. Participation in the work of the Finance Committee is cited as a crucial activity.
3 Speeches Analyzed