Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Third reading of the draft law on the security tax (512 SE)
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
Strong opposition to the security tax bill and the government’s tax policy. It emphasizes that taxation, especially for those with no income or very low incomes, increases poverty and harms the economy; it calls for focusing on cost cutting and solidarity, rather than imposing an additional tax burden. It refers to a previous agreement regarding the taxation of banks and highlights the perception that the government lacks social responsibility.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
It illustrates the connections between the economy and taxation with examples: September's tax revenue was 43 million euros less than anticipated, and it emphasizes the disparity in bank taxation (tax incentives versus the 18% tax rate). It also refers to the complexity of the tax system (citing errors in Excel spreadsheets) and the high-profile proposals (income tax, VAT, etc.) used to shape economic consequences.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is combative and accusatory; it employs emotional questions and moralizing arguments. It draws sharp contrasts between the concept of 'the state as the people' and statistical percentages, emphasizing the values of social justice and solidarity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered on 11.12.2024 in the context of the third reading; it references coalition agreements and earlier discussions, and utilizes direct references to other factions and rumors. It focuses on the ongoing parliamentary address and the vote concerning the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Full opposition to the coalition; the tax policy is under attack, with claims that it favors financing for large institutions (banks) while failing to protect vulnerable populations. It defends pensioners and low-income earners and is prepared to vote against the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Limited willingness to cooperate; it refers to previous coalition agreements and starting points, but does not demonstrate an open readiness for broad bipartisan cooperation. It focuses on criticism and expressing the position of its own faction.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is nationally central, but it notes potential regional impacts: the situation of large families and pensioners living in rural areas, and deepening social and economic risks. It mentions the higher total tax yields of other countries, citing Latvia and Lithuania as a comparative example.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives center on the unacceptability of raising taxes, the detrimental nature of tax-based financing, and the necessity of cutting government expenditures. The view is critical of tax integration, arguing that it diminishes consumption, corporate activity, and the national revenue base, while simultaneously generating additional human and social costs.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It emphasizes the protection of vulnerable groups: solidarity with pensioners and low-income individuals, and the avoidance of socio-economic problems. This is connected to rising poverty, increasing crime rates, and potential issues with social stability should tax burdens be increased.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is voting against the security tax bill (512 SE) during the third reading and actively mobilizing opposition to it. This involves direct criticism leveled against the draft legislation, along with a reference to the coalition's promises and agreements, emphasizing that the Center Party (Keskerakond) does not support the bill and will vote against it.
1 Speeches Analyzed