Session Profile: Aivar Kokk
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing.
2025-05-21
Political Position
The speaker adopts a clearly oppositional stance regarding the government's tax policy, strongly criticizing the hike in income tax and VAT, and demanding concrete assurances that no new taxes will be introduced. He consistently stresses that the government is taking more money from the people than it is giving back, and accuses the Prime Minister of reneging on promises.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates in-depth knowledge in the field of tax policy and the state budget, using specific numbers and calculations (2 billion euros from tax increases, 550 million recovered from the income tax change). Precisely refers to the explanatory memoranda of draft legislation and historical data, such as the raising of the non-taxable income amount by the Isamaa party in 2018.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Adopting a direct and confrontational approach, the speaker addresses the Prime Minister using the informal "you" (T-form) and demands concrete answers. The rhetoric is emotionally charged, employing phrases like "demagoguery" and "you state with integrity," yet it remains simultaneously grounded in facts and figures.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Their activity during this period is limited to questions posed during the information hour, where they consistently raise questions concerning the same topics. They demonstrate a systematic approach, repeating and clarifying their questions if a satisfactory answer is not received.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Levels sharp criticism directly at the Prime Minister and the government, accusing them of reneging on their promises and raising taxes. The Minister of Finance is also criticized for defending temporary taxes as if they were permanent ones. The opposition is principled and uncompromising.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
These speeches do not demonstrate any willingness to cooperate or seek compromise. The focus is instead on blaming the government and demanding concrete promises, without offering any shared solutions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data is available.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker/party clearly supports lower taxes and criticizes tax hikes, stressing their negative impact on families and businesses. Concern is expressed regarding the ongoing economic recession (nine consecutive quarters) and the rising cost of food. They advocate for maintaining the current income tax-free threshold and continuing existing family benefits.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Highlights the situation of large families, criticizing the withdrawal of the 200-euro benefit and the elimination of tax exemption for pensioners. It expresses concern about the ability of ordinary people to cope amid rising food prices and general inflation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
It focuses on tax legislation, referencing specific draft bills and their first readings. It criticizes the conversion of temporary taxes into permanent ones and demands clarity regarding future tax amendments. It closely monitors developments in the legislative process.
3 Speeches Analyzed