Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
Draft Law on Annulment of Excise Tax Increases on Energy Carriers (627 SE) - First Reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker adopts a clearly anti-left economic policy position, strongly advocating for the repeal of excise tax increases and tax cuts. He asserts that the Isamaa Party is the only one that has fulfilled all its election promises since 2011, and highlights the party's role in supporting economic growth by reducing excise duties in 2020. The speaker sharply criticizes the current coalition for its tax hikes and demands a more business-friendly policy.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound knowledge in the field of tax and economic policy, citing precise figures regarding excise duties (the electricity excise duty increased by 45%, the gas excise duty by 18%) and the impact of the tax burden (2 billion euros annually). He exhibits expert knowledge concerning energy policy, the pension system, and local government funding issues, referencing specific legislative amendments and their effects. His long-term experience on the Finance Committee and the local council lends him authority on these subjects.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs emotional and confrontational rhetoric, labeling the current tax policy "predatory behavior" and "madness." He/She combines personal attacks ("I am truly embarrassed for you") with specific numerical arguments, repeatedly drawing comparisons to the successful economic policy of 2020. The style is direct and populist, emphasizing the protection of "our people" and "our entrepreneurs" against the government.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in parliamentary debates, frequently responding to questions and comments from colleagues. They cite their long-standing experience on the council (over 35 years) and the finance committee, which demonstrates sustained political engagement. The speaker also mentions regular communication with advisors and involvement in committee work, indicating systematic activity within the parliament.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker sharply criticizes the current coalition, especially the Social Democrats and the Reform Party, accusing them of destroying the economy and impoverishing the populace. He specifically points to the Social Democrats' role in forcing through the land tax hike and criticizes the Reform Party's "income tax exemption for high earners." The opposition is categorical—they assert that they have "never seen such predatory behavior toward their own people and businesses in their lifetime."
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker positively references the cooperation with the Centre Party and EKRE in the 2020 government, emphasizing their shared success in canceling the planned excise duty hikes. He mentions the constructive work done in the Finance Committee with colleagues and advisors, but in the current context, he shows little willingness to compromise with the current coalition. The speaker calls upon "coalition politicians to think very seriously" about supporting the proposal put forth by Isamaa.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker emphasizes the unique status of Estonia as a "border state" and a "peripheral region," arguing that Estonia cannot compare itself to Central European countries regarding the tax burden. He/She specifically mentions Võru County and the difficulties faced by rural areas, pointing to the necessity of considering the capabilities of local municipalities. The speaker criticizes decisions that damage cross-border trade with Latvia and Lithuania.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a strong proponent of the free-market economy and business-friendly policies, asserting that "money is generated solely through entrepreneurship." He advocates for the repeal of excise tax increases, tax cuts, and criticizes all tax hikes as detrimental to economic growth. The speaker stresses that "no nation has ever become wealthy by raising taxes" and demands support for businesses through low input costs.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker focuses primarily on socio-economic issues, criticizing the worsening situation for pensioners and large families due to tax hikes. He emphasizes that pensioners are losing tens of millions of euros because of the income tax increase, and large families lost 200 euros per month in support payments. The speaker argues that the current policy is most detrimental to "people with lower incomes."
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is focusing on advancing the draft bill for the invalidation of excise duty increases on energy carriers, the goal of which is to repeal the excise duty hikes decided upon in 2021 and 2024. He/She also criticizes the amendments to the Land Tax Act, which obligate local municipalities to raise the land tax by at least 10%. The speaker emphasizes the necessity of reforming the income tax system by raising the tax-exempt minimum to 1,800 euros and the upper threshold to 3,000 euros.
17 Speeches Analyzed