Session Profile: Aivar Kokk
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
2025-05-21
Political Position
The speaker is a strong proponent of policies aimed at lowering taxes and fostering economic growth, citing the successful track record of the Isamaa party during the 2020 coronavirus crisis. He consistently takes a firm stance against the government's proposed tax hikes, particularly the increases in VAT, income tax, and excise duties. He stresses that reducing taxes leads to economic growth and puts the country at the top of Europe, as occurred during the tenure of the previous governing coalition.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Displays profound knowledge in the fields of tax policy, the state budget, and economic statistics, utilizing specific figures such as 17 million from pensioners, 76 million by 2027, and a total burden of 2 billion. Demonstrates expert understanding of energy policy, mentioning the LNG terminal, the impact of high-voltage transmission lines, and the dynamics of the electricity market. Has a strong command of the history of SKAIS systems and the failures associated with IT projects.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
He/She employs an emotional and combative tone, combining this with concrete figures and facts. The rhetoric is direct and highly critical, including personal references ("a man gives his word and a man takes his word back") and irony regarding the government's promises. Speeches are structured logically, starting with a description of the problem and concluding with specific proposals.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches will take place at the Riigikogu plenary session on May 21, 2025, focusing heavily on issues of tax policy. This refers to active participation in the work of the committees and the submission of draft legislation. It also mentions regular interaction with members of the government and the submission of questions to the Prime Minister.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Being sharply critical of the Reform Party and Eesti 200, accusing them of causing tax hikes and the economic recession. It criticizes the Social Democrats for cutting benefits for large families and pensioners. It emphasizes that the opposition offers constructive alternatives, not just criticism, pointing to Isamaa's successful experience in government.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Emphasizes Isamaa’s successful cooperation with the Centre Party and EKRE in the previous government coalition, which propelled economic growth to the top of Europe. It calls for support for Isamaa’s draft legislation and demonstrates openness to cooperation, provided that other parties are committed to a policy of lowering taxes. It also positively notes the City of Tallinn’s sensible approach to the land tax issue.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses primarily on nationwide tax and economic matters, but specifically addresses the land tax policy of the city of Tallinn. It references Estonia's standing compared to other European countries, particularly its neighbors—Sweden, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania—regarding tax policy. It highlights Estonia's position in the European economic growth rankings.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Consistently advocates for lowering taxes to stimulate economic growth, arguing that this will attract investment and boost competitiveness. Criticizes the expansion of the government sector (140,000 employees at the taxpayers’ expense) and recommends transitioning public sector workers into the private sector. Supports reducing the tax burden on businesses and opposes the introduction of a 2% profit tax.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Critiques the government for cutting benefits for pensioners and large families, emphasizing the aspect of social justice. Expresses concern over rising unemployment (with 60,000 people currently seeking work) and the decline in people’s purchasing power. The speaker also critically mentions immigration policy, stating that foreigners are being brought into the country while locals remain jobless.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
He/She presents a concrete four-point proposal: repealing the VAT hike, repealing the income tax increase, eliminating the income tax concession for high-wage earners, and abolishing the imposition of corporate profit tax. He/She stresses the speed and effectiveness of legislative work, citing decisions made within two weeks in 2020. Furthermore, he/she criticizes the quality of the government's draft legislation and the unsuccessful development of the SKAIS systems.
9 Speeches Analyzed