Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Tax Festival
2024-12-11
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth session, press briefing.
Political Position
The main emphasis is on ensuring banks are taxed and contribute to security in the name of solidarity. He/She is in favor of taxing banks and stresses that the taxation of banks, dividends, and the terms for advance income tax should be fairer; while simultaneously maintaining a critical attitude towards taxing pensioners. He/She considers the government's actions insufficient in implementing bank taxation and is critical when the policies of the Center Party and the Social Democrats appear unclear or unfairly imposed at the expense of pensioners. (4)
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates knowledge related to tax policy: highlights specific numerical indicators (dividend tax from 14% to 22%, maximum rate of 18% for advance income tax) and discussions during the third reading. It refers to the differences between tax hikes and concessions and strives to explain why banks should increase solidarity. Based on the text, this is a clear technical discussion of the details of bank taxation, not merely general slogans. (4)
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Forceful and sharp: with a combative and direct tone, it uses vivid expressions such as "hypocritical talk." It poses repeated rhetorical questions ("Why...?") and employs examples and the strategic arrangement of facts to push its arguments through. The tone is formal yet emotional, focusing on opposition and criticism. (4)
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Three addresses on the same day (2024-12-11), which focused on the taxation of banks and security issues; questions were clearly presented, and it was repeatedly emphasized that those questions had not received answers. The working style indicates that this is an active and consistent participant whose communication is aimed at intensifying parliamentary debates. (4)
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary rival is the collaboration and decisions made by the government and the Centre Party. In his speeches, the criticism focuses on the failure to implement bank taxation and the position against taxing pensioners. He also levels accusations against the Social Democrats ("it's not the first time," etc.), suggesting that the SDs' actions amount to dodging the real issues. He defends the opposition's stance regarding bank taxation and fairer overall taxation. (4)
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Critical and characterizing limited cooperation: refers to the Centre Party's draft legislation and notes that these did not receive sufficient support within the government; it does not appear to emphasize broad, active collaboration, but rather focuses on reproach and the adoption of specific bills. Indicators of cooperation are limited and primarily concern being for or against the draft legislation. (4)
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic policy direction is the increased taxation of banks and the financing of solidarity and security measures; it supports the taxation of dividends and schemes related to advance income tax, but emphasizes that bank benefits should be eliminated and the banks' contribution should be increased equally with others. Specifically: it supports a higher tax obligation for banks, and the central point of criticism is the maintenance of benefits for them. (4)
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary focus regarding social issues is the protection of pensioners and solidarity; it criticizes the taxation of pensioners and emphasizes the need for security funding. The text highlights that issues of social justice and solidarity are at the forefront, and taxation should reflect these values. (4)
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The priority is the draft legislation concerning the security tax and the bank tax, and their processing through the third reading; it is noted that the discussion involves the rate of advance income tax and the taxation of banks, and the questions that have been raised remain unanswered. This reflects active monitoring and participation in the processing and debates surrounding parliamentary bills. (4)
3 Speeches Analyzed