Session Profile: Aivar Kokk
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
2025-04-16
Political Position
The speaker clearly represents the positions of the Isamaa Party, taking a forceful stand against the increase in land tax and criticizing the coalition's decisions. He strongly supports the autonomy of local government in setting taxes and expresses concern regarding the excessive burden placed on individuals and businesses. Concerning energy policy, the speaker is skeptical about the development of wind farms and supports alternative solutions such as wood chips and pellets.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound knowledge of land tax legislation, citing specific sections and clauses. In the energy sector, demonstrates technical expertise regarding the prime costs of electricity generation, CO2 quotas, and various energy sources. Possesses practical experience in local government operations, particularly exemplified by the Jõgeva municipality, and utilizes specific figures and statistics to support their arguments.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
They employ an emotional and personal approach, repeatedly stressing phrases like "honestly speaking" and "sincerely." The rhetoric is often confrontational, accusing the opposing side of falsehoods and misunderstanding. They provide many specific examples drawn from their personal experience and utilize a colloquial style that makes the speech accessible.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The level of participation is high—he/she asks questions, initiates discussions, and approaches the podium even when there are no specific questions pending. This indicates active involvement in the work of committees, particularly the Finance Committee. Regular communication with ministry officials and colleagues at various levels is also noted.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
He sharply criticizes the current coalition, especially the Social Democrats, accusing them of forcing through tax hikes. He expresses strong opposition to the government’s energy policy and the activities of Elering. He criticizes ministers and officials for not understanding the content of the laws they themselves drafted, going so far as to call this outright lying.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
He calls for cooperation with the opposition and former local government leaders who are currently members of the Riigikogu. He expresses hope that these experienced individuals will understand his concerns. However, the readiness for cooperation is limited by ideological differences, particularly concerning tax and energy policy.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses heavily on the interests and autonomy of local municipalities. They frequently bring up examples from Jõgeva municipality, citing it as their home region. They emphasize the need for people and businesses not to concentrate solely in the capital and Harju County, but for Estonia to be populated evenly across the board. The example of Hiiumaa in the context of wind farms is also mentioned.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports a lower tax burden for private individuals and businesses, particularly concerning land tax. Criticizes state interference in the tax policies of local governments. In the energy sector, it favors the use of local resources and criticizes expensive investments in wind farms. Emphasizes the need to support homeowners and businesses outside the capital.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It expresses clear opposition to smoking and e-cigarettes, but stresses the need to combat the black market. It supports the interests of families and homeowners, criticizing the excessive burden placed upon them. It stresses the necessity for people to be self-sufficient without having to rely on social benefits. It mentions the issues faced by large families concerning tax breaks.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is primarily on repealing amendments to the Land Tax Act, for which it has submitted the corresponding Isamaa draft bill. It actively addresses issues concerning the regulation of e-cigarettes. Regarding energy legislation, it criticizes current decisions and offers alternatives. It stresses the necessity of conducting a more thorough analysis of laws before their adoption, aiming to prevent situations where even the drafters fail to understand the content of the legislation.
12 Speeches Analyzed