Session Profile: Rene Kokk
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
2024-05-08
Political Position
The most prominent topics are the extraordinary taxation of the banking sector and adherence to the procedural rules of the Riigikogu. The speaker strongly supports the taxation of banks' extraordinary profits and is critical of the government, which taxes other sectors while leaving banks untouched. The second strong position is the opposition to the government's procedural actions, which are considered "arrogance" and a violation of norms. The political framework is primarily policy-based (taxation) and procedural (legitimacy of the procedure).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter demonstrates expertise in tax policy, particularly regarding banking sector profits and the impact of Euribor. Furthermore, the speaker is highly focused on the specifics of the Riigikogu's procedural rules, repeatedly demanding that the opposing party cite the specific legal norm used to consolidate the proposed amendments. The speaker disputes the government's economic rationale (the availability of capital for entrepreneurs), pointing to the absence of fact-based data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly confrontational, demanding, and at times emotional, especially when procedural matters are being discussed. Strong accusations are employed, such as "crossing the line into arrogance" and "railroading the process." The logical appeal consists of repeatedly demanding that the specific legal provision underpinning the action be named, while the emotional appeal emphasizes injustice and the violation of established prior practice.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the plenary session of the Riigikogu, engaging in a protracted debate and posing repeated questions. The speaker notes that they have been listening to the debate for several hours and that the question has been raised at least seven times, underscoring their persistent and consistent involvement.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the government and a specific rapporteur (Eduard), who is criticized both for the policy (the absence of a bank tax) and the procedure. The criticism is high-intensity, accusing the opposing party of arrogance and casting doubt on the comprehension abilities of Riigikogu members. Compromise is ruled out, with demands for the action to be withdrawn and the matter to be processed anew.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to EKRE's previous draft bill on the same subject, demonstrating intra-party cooperation on tax policy. During the procedural debate, it was stressed that the government's actions related to amendments submitted by various individuals (Rene Kokk, Leo Kunnas, Alar Laneman, Evelin Poolamets) and even the Isamaa party, pointing to a broad-based procedural conflict.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly advocates for taxing the banking sector's extraordinary income, which has arisen due to the rise in Euribor. This position is aimed at redistributing those windfall profits. Doubts are being raised about the government's claims that refraining from taxing the banks will ensure better capital availability for entrepreneurs.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priorities concern the taxation of the banking sector and adherence to the procedural rules of the Riigikogu. The speaker opposes the government’s procedural maneuver (the bundling of amendments) and demands its retraction, while simultaneously being an advocate for the bank tax bill.
4 Speeches Analyzed