By Months: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Total Months: 11
Fully Profiled: 11
12.2024
25 Speeches
In economic policy, the central opposition lies in raising taxes and the belief that tax increases reduce purchasing power and revenues. There is no support for the widespread implementation of a security tax or general tax increases, and the need is emphasized to analyze the overall impact of tax ideas on the economy. The main focus is on avoiding taxes (especially the temporary waiver of alcohol excise duty) and balancing the taxation of businesses and individuals; potential impacts on cross-border trade and business sustainability are foreseen.
11.2024
34 Speeches
An economic approach: criticism regarding the impact of tax increases and car taxes, and the general cost of living, emphasizes the need to cut expenses so that families can cope; supports a cost-based budget and clear performance indicators, highlights investments in the IT and artificial intelligence sectors, and argues that the current budget and budgetary procedure deepen inequality. Significant concerns include the lack of budget cuts and transparency, as well as the possibility of making personnel changes with higher costs.
10.2024
40 Speeches
Critiques tax and austerity measures and emphasizes transparency; warned about the impact of tax increases and excise duties on vulnerable groups. Desires that tax revenue be directed directly towards infrastructure (e.g., road construction) and emphasizes the need to see all budget expense items and their impact; prefers to limit the ability of managers and ministries to make changes that shift the budget.
09.2024
20 Speeches
Protects the financial well-being of families and young people and is averse to tax increases that burden citizens. A shift in focus could be directed towards social support and investments (school meals, extracurricular education, family benefits, healthcare funding); speaks of the idea of a bank excess profit tax as a possible additional resource, but does not support specific implementation without transparent consideration. Desires public sector investments and greater transparency in budget expenditures.
07.2024
3 Speeches
Economically critical of coalition plans: concern about the administrative burden, the cumulative effect of all support mechanisms, and the sum of the car tax; preference to maintain tax exemptions for people with disabilities and to consider a well-thought-out, comprehensive support system; doubts whether additional supports will cover the costs of the car tax.
06.2024
39 Speeches
Criticism directed at economic policy is frequent: opposition to the car tax and broad tax increases; it is emphasized that the sharp increase in state duties and fines increases the burden on the population and may reduce economic growth. It is stated that decisions made in the name of budget execution may reduce income and increase income inequality; tax exemptions and more precise analyses of price effects are desired. Non-pecuniary damage compensation is criticized, and a more transparent state budget and investments in the economy are requested.
05.2024
65 Speeches
Focusing on criticism of economic policy; it emphasizes that tax increases and state budget decisions must be thoroughly analyzed before implementation (impact assessment, economic efficiency). It expresses reservations about the political risk of promises to increase shares and fines and abolish tax brackets; it finds that alternative funding sources (e.g., digital tax, bank taxation) should be considered to improve the economy and extensive tax cuts should be avoided. The criticism points to the need to "analyze impacts" in the context of the IMF and economic recession, and emphasizes the importance of protecting entrepreneurs and labor.
04.2024
61 Speeches
Economic perspectives involve criticism of the tax burden and criticism of budget items. The effects of car taxes and sugar taxes are compared, the burden on taxpayers is emphasized, and distinctions and support are recommended for large families and people with disabilities. To cover budget deficits, the potential of other income models (e.g., bank excess profit tax, digital tax) is highlighted, but it is also affirmed that taxes and fines should not push people into poverty. At a higher level, the focus is on investments in school meals, school sports, and road improvements, and criticism that the budget position is justified only in anticipation of short-term elections.
03.2024
34 Speeches
The economic policy approach is critical regarding the car tax: the bill is seen as harmful to the economy, and it's preferred to instead target bank excess profits or other targeted taxes, as well as cuts to expenses. It's important that taxes do not damage people’s purchasing power or the business environment; emphasis is placed on the dynamism of investments (roads and infrastructure) and the need to balance the budget through targeted and progressive measures.
02.2024
14 Speeches
Acknowledges the detrimental effect of taxation and prefers funding that promotes economic growth and impact analysis before significant tax reforms. Recommends reducing taxes (e.g., VAT on accommodation at 9%) to prevent tourists from falling behind and to curb economic slowdown; also emphasizes the importance of regional investment and infrastructure funding (with a focus on roads). Furthermore, it puts forward a requirement for increased funding for higher education institutions (at 1.5% of GDP) as an investment in the economy and democratic competitiveness.
01.2024
30 Speeches
Economic policy focused on growth and investment: criticizes tax policy, emphasizes the decline in purchasing power and the need to stimulate the economy through investment. Prefers to increase both public and private sector investment in education, science, and innovation, proposing 1.5% of GDP for higher education, 3% for research and development, and 2% for the private sector; wants to reduce short-term spending that doesn’t yield long-term growth results.