Session Profile: Aivar Kokk
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
2024-05-28
Political Position
The speaker adopts a fiercely oppositional stance on the government's tax policy, sharply criticizing the elimination of income tax exemption for pensioners and other tax hikes. They emphasize the government's broken promises and accuse the coalition of deceiving voters, claiming that popular decisions are made before elections and unpopular ones are implemented only after the vote.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates a strong grasp of public finance and tax policy, providing specific figures regarding the state's debt burden (from 4.6 billion to 6.9 billion) and the amounts being taken away from pensioners (17 million in 2025, 76 million by 2028). It uses precise data concerning the impact of the income tax exemption on members of the Riigikogu (800 euros annually).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
He/She employs emotional and accusatory rhetoric, combining it with specific numerical data. The tone of the speech is sharp and critical, utilizing personal examples (the French Lyceum, mothers and fathers) and rhetorical questions. It concludes with a dramatic declaration that he/she is ashamed to be a member of the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the committee's work, referencing their membership in the same committee whose representative's presentation they had just heard. They mention regularly commuting to work via Tallinn, which indicates consistent presence and active involvement.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The text sharply criticizes the entire government coalition, particularly the Prime Minister and the Social Democrats, accusing them of betraying the vulnerable. The attacks are both political and personal, citing the Prime Minister’s advertisement showing him visiting pensioners as an example. The possibility of compromise is not mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There are no signs of willingness to cooperate—the speaker is clearly taking a confrontational stance toward the coalition. While they are calling on the government to withdraw the draft bill, this feels more like an ultimatum than an offer of cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It brings up the problems of both urban and rural areas, specifically emphasizing the difficulties faced by rural regions regarding the car tax. It uses examples from Tallinn (the French Lyceum, free public transport) to illustrate these more general issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
He strongly argues that tax increases cause an economic downturn, citing Estonia's two-year economic decline as evidence. He criticizes the growth of government spending and the doubling of the national debt burden. He clearly advocates for lower taxes to stimulate economic growth.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses primarily on supporting pensioners and families, criticizing the government for attacking the most vulnerable. It emphasizes the rights of the elderly and the difficulties families face, especially concerning transport and education.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on preserving the income tax exemption for pensioners and opposing tax hikes. It mentions specific upcoming legislative proposals, such as the car tax, and points to tax increases that have already been passed. It demands the government recall the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed