Agenda Profile: Rene Kokk

First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Lower the Value Added Tax on Foodstuffs and Medicines to 5 Percent" (272 OE)

2024-03-13

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting.

Political Position
The speaker strongly advocates for lowering the VAT on food and medicine to 5%, viewing this as the absolute minimum the current government should do to assist those who are struggling. The political stance is results-oriented, criticizing previous administrations for the widespread prevalence of financial hardship. The primary focus is on mitigating social issues through economic measures.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of family budgets and the cost of the food basket (500–700 euros per month), using this data to illustrate social pressure. They also possess knowledge regarding the financial difficulties local municipalities face when trying to support hobby education. The expertise centers on practical financial burdens and their impact on social services.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is empathetic and pressing, focusing on the plight of struggling families and children who can no longer afford extracurricular activities. Direct address and rhetorical questions are employed to stress that lowering the VAT is the absolute minimum necessary step. The appeal is highly emotional, underscoring the social injustice involved.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker mentions that they also addressed the capacity of local governments to cope during the information session, referencing a pattern of utilizing various parliamentary formats to raise social and economic problems. This indicates consistent activity in keeping the topic on the agenda.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at "the last governments," who are accused of driving the Estonian populace into financial hardship and exacerbating the overall situation. The critique is based on policy and performance, emphasizing the government's inability to guarantee the well-being of the people and adequate funding for local municipalities.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative style is manifested by posing a question to the presenter ("Martin"), seeking confirmation that lowering the VAT is the minimum necessary step. Data regarding broader inter-party cooperation or a readiness to compromise is absent.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (the people of Estonia), but strong emphasis is placed on the financial situation of local municipalities. Particular attention is drawn to the inability of these local governments to support extracurricular education, which points to concerns regarding the overall quality of local services.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly support lowering taxes (reducing VAT on food and medicines) as a direct aid measure for families struggling financially. The priority is placed on increasing social welfare and purchasing power to alleviate the high cost of living.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issues are difficulties making ends meet and the decreasing availability of children's extracurricular activities due to families' financial situations. The speaker stresses the necessity of guaranteeing children the chance to continue participating in sports and hobby activities, thereby connecting economic measures with social results.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative priority has been given to supporting this bill (the reduction of VAT on food and medicines), which is considered a critically important relief measure. The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill, focusing specifically on its social impact.

1 Speeches Analyzed