Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Draft Law on Declaring the Security Tax Act Invalid (595 SE) - First Reading
2025-05-08
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker takes a strong opposition stance against the government's tax policy, emphasizing that the imposition of the security tax and other tax hikes is unfair and destabilizing. He stresses the necessity of repealing the taxes and argues that the closer the permanent 'nit' is to comparable taxes, the greater the resulting damage (jobs, family benefits, economy). He notes that the Centre Party supported the draft bill and promises a fight following the next elections if the bill does not pass; the actual goal is the resignation of the government and a transparent tax policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The address includes references based on economic data: the increase in VAT and income tax, inflation forecasts, assessments from the Ministry of Finance and the Estonian Institute of Economic Research, and calculations provided by the European Union. He specifically highlights demographic indicators (9,646 births last year) and the highest level of labor market risk in Europe to illustrate the social consequences of the tax policy. Assertions regarding the temporary nature of the VAT hike, along with comparing current timelines to historical precedents, are employed to reinforce the critique.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is combative and quickly becomes accusatory; it employs emotional and historical analogies, as well as rhetorical questions (e.g., "Are you against the car tax?"). The text is largely fact-based, but certain passages are marked by emotional intensity, offensive rhetoric, and accusations used for mutual criticism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered on May 7, 2025, all within a single day, focusing on the same topic (criticism of the security tax and the tax system). The text refers to the political campaign and the next elections as the crucial moments to secure advancement. The two sections delivered on the same day indicate persistent thematic activity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The Reform Party, Eesti 200, and the Social Democrats are being heavily criticized (both regarding tax increases and the overall management of the government). There are calls for a thorough review of their policies, and the government is being accused of presenting falsehoods and outdated promises; the necessity for them to resign is being emphasized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The text refers to the coalition with the Centre Party supporting the tax bill, while other parties are being held responsible. The need has been highlighted to bring opposing political views into alignment—potentially along bipartisan lines—in order to ensure the bill's passage.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
In economic policy, [the entity] opposes tax hikes and seeks, through a draft bill, the elimination of planned increases in VAT and income tax, ensuring they are either temporary or completely repealed. It emphasizes that current taxation levels are driving up prices and reducing consumption, and the bill's objective is to restore economic stability and confidence.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
He points out the demographic and social consequences related to tax policy: a falling birth rate, the struggle families face balancing their living costs, the effect on pensioner incomes, and the overall decline in the standard of living linked to tax increases. He uses these examples to highlight the social strain caused by tax reforms and the critical need to safeguard people's earnings.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main topic is the first reading of Bill 595 SE and the objective of tax relief—specifically, cancelling the security tax and related tax increases. Attention is being paid to ensuring the bill is viable for enactment, as promises related to the claim of "temporary" are proving false. Consequently, continued campaigning and fighting for the bill's passage are still desired.
2 Speeches Analyzed