Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
New taxes
2024-04-03
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The speaker is highly critical of the government's tax policy, arguing that the primary goals for utilizing tax instruments should be social justice and effective financing. He emphasizes that the sugar tax must be implemented alongside other measures and asserts that the government has chosen a cynical path focused purely on revenue collection. He also proposes alternative types of taxation (a bank tax, a digital tax) and calls for a focus on better funding for healthcare and children's welfare, rather than simply introducing new taxes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
He/She emphasized knowledge of tax and social policy, specifically mentioning concrete tax options (sugar tax, bank tax, digital tax) and their potential impact. Reference was also made to specific areas such as school meals, sports funding, and extracurricular education, and draft legislation was proposed for their financing. This demonstrated a consistent standard where the interplay between taxes and social spending is addressed, building upon previous platforms (draft bills).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The manner of speaking is relatively confrontational and critical, utilizing questions and strong assertions ("talking about facts," "cynical money"). The texts possess emotional force and moral argumentation tailored for the social sphere, complete with underlying implications that direct attention to social impacts. The style is formal, yet relatable and delivered through a personal tone.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
On April 3, 2024, they initiated several comments and focused on tax policy during parliamentary debates. They mentioned having submitted or forwarded relevant draft legislation (the bank tax, the digital tax) and addressed questions aimed at channeling public opposition directly toward the government. This demonstrates consistent involvement, primarily at the parliamentary level; a persistently critical opposition force.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The central theme is the opposition to the government's tax policy: it accuses them of using double standards, emphasizes that a new wave of taxes has been imposed, and offers alternatives. The criticism is forceful and non-compromising (with rhetoric directed against specific parties, when necessary). It links this to a broader mindset, emphasizing that better, more humane solutions can be achieved through proposed bills and adopted measures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Demonstrates a willingness to cooperate through the submission of draft legislation and the presentation of mutually proposed solutions (the bank tax, the digital tax). Although primarily critical, it emphasizes that there are concrete proposals and a readiness to cooperate through legislative initiatives, rather than simply acting as the opposition.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
In economic policy, he is against expanding taxes, preferring to increase revenue through targeted measures (such as an excess profits tax and a digital tax), and focuses on social spending (school lunches, sports subsidies, and extracurricular education). He emphasizes the necessity of avoiding any regressive effects whatsoever and points out that tax funding must yield tangible results for the welfare of children and families.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Focuses on the well-being and health conditions of children and families. It is critical of tax policy when linking it to the support of children's health and school life, and emphasizes social justice (e.g., support for people with disabilities, benefits for large families). It supports school meals and extracurricular education and criticizes policies that remove these areas from funding.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus was placed on developing tax laws and corresponding legislative drafts: considering the sugar tax alongside other measures, and proposing alternative taxes (bank tax, digital tax). Recent initiatives and tangible progress are linked to the submission of these bills and their forwarding to the Riigikogu, as well as providing a critical evaluation of the government’s current legislative work.
2 Speeches Analyzed