Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Inquiry Regarding Bank Tax (no. 673)
2025-02-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The focus is on criticizing the opposition's economic policy: they support implementing a bank tax on excess profits and promise that, upon taking power, they will repeal the car tax and other temporary tax increases. They maintain a strong, principled critique of the government's tax policy, specifically deeming burdensome taxes unfair and detrimental to families. While their core values are justice and the redistribution of the tax burden, they also signal a political intent to pursue other measures should the ruling coalition change.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates a clear understanding of economic and tax timing: provides precise data (e.g., 24% VAT, previous tax hikes), references comments made by the Institute of Economic Research, and names specific fringe benefits (18%) and the temporary nature [of the measures]. Mentions the experiences of Lithuania and Latvia regarding the bank tax and refers to the impact of tax changes on family livelihoods. Uses specific examples and expert viewpoints to support the argument.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
It uses a combative, indignant, and accusatory tonality: employing questions and rhetorical devices ("When have you talked...?", "criminal"), as well as visual imagery ("Money to the wind"). It is strongly emotional and moralizing, combined with some fact-based arguments. The text is complex in structure and uncompromising in style, but it also includes narrative references to specific events and examples.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Two speeches on the same day (2025-02-10) point to intensive participation and theme-specific activity. The text refers to an interpellation concerning the bank tax (No. 673) and a general parliamentary debate on tax policy; persistent consultation and attention to tax-related issues are evident. Within the limited journalistic context, continuous work in parliament is noted, but references to further time-scaled activities are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
A strong stance from the opposition regarding the government's tax policy: criticism is primarily aimed at tax hikes, which are branded as “criminal,” and the government is accused of burdening all groups and families. The responses provided by the Reform Party are criticized, and the opposition stresses the necessity of taxing banks' excess profits and stimulating the economy. There is no significant consideration given to compromising or cooperating with the government; the opposition is guided by a strong, predominantly critical rhetorical position.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Limited information regarding forms of cooperation: The text mentions that the Centre Party has “proposed several times” taxing banks, but it does not clearly present specific forms of cooperation or examples of coalition plans with other parties. Opposition and the priorities of their own draft legislation are raised, but unfortunately, an explicit description of cooperation is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonian domestic politics, but it also incorporates regional examples from the Latvian and Lithuanian economies, along with comparisons within the broader Baltic regional context. It is stressed that the Estonian economy must be competitive, and specific regional factors (bank taxation, wind farms) and the impact stemming from international factors are mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The main focus is on criticizing tax policy and implementing reforms that increase family well-being: opposing increases in VAT and income tax, as well as the car tax; supporting the taxation of banks' excess profits (bank tax) as a fairer and economy-stabilizing mechanism. It refers to the experiences of Lithuania and Latvia, arguing that those countries are in a better economic position. A plan is noted to reinstate tax benefits and reverse the car taxation policy if the Centre Party comes to power.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speech places central emphasis on the financial well-being of families and the protection of vulnerable groups (low-income families, pensioners, people with disabilities, and multi-child families). It is argued that tax increases exacerbate inequality and negatively impact livelihoods. This provides a moral and social foundation, calling for a review of tax allowances and consumer protection.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Main legislative priorities: advancing the bank tax bill (taxing banks' excess profits) and ending the temporary nature of tax increases; a promise to repeal the car tax and other “temporary taxes” upon a change in coalition. Reference is made to the inquiry regarding the bank tax (No. 673) as an example of regulatory oversight and a platform for discussion. At the legislative level, emphasis is placed on interim summaries and draft bill ideas that reflect the reform objectives of the Centre Party.
2 Speeches Analyzed