Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting
2024-02-05
Political Position
An opposition figure and a sharp critic of tax policy; they emphasize that the abolition of the VAT exemption for accommodation establishments must be based on thorough impact analyses and consideration of regional effects, rather than merely plugging a narrow budget deficit. They support ensuring tax equity and regional stability, calling for a more comprehensive review of decisions and the implementation of necessary mitigation measures. They are strongly opposed to the current government's tax amendments and demand their reversal or a fundamental re-evaluation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The text demonstrates a strong command of knowledge concerning the economic impact of tourists. It utilizes specific figures (e.g., 20% in hotel accommodation, 80% in other services | cumulative loss exceeding 80 million euros) and references the hotel association. Furthermore, it outlines the core principles regarding the necessity of conducting impact analyses and implementing regional policy. The document also highlights the competitive environment relative to neighboring countries and the critical consideration of regionalization.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Strongly critical, combining urgency with facts; it uses questions and primes the audience to focus on concerns (tourism, employment, regional impact). The text's structure is clear and analytical, yet engaging and somewhat vividly rhetorical, for instance, by referencing the Latvian example.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Multiple public addresses during the same session (2024-02-05) in the context of an interpellation; continuous participation in tax policy discussions, repeatedly proposing measures and submitting questions to the government. Demonstrates full cooperation with stakeholders and consideration of regional level factors; emphasizes the necessity of debate and dialogue.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Intense opposition to the government's tax amendments; the focus is on the decisions being made without impact assessments and posing regional damage; calls for the reversal of the tax proposals, stressing that the taxes could scare tourists away. An intense, yet non-personal, confrontation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It emphasizes the necessity of dialogue with stakeholders and collaboration when analyzing the impact of regional decisions; it also points to the need for mitigation measures from the Ministry of Regional Affairs and potential cooperation opportunities with stakeholders. It calls for constructive, rather than indifferent, cooperation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Primary focus: Ida-Viru County and smaller towns; emphasizes regional social and economic relations and the role of tourism in local communities; provides examples of the potential for regional impact and the necessity of mitigation measures.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic reports focus on the impact of tax policy on the general economy and the tourism sector, emphasizing the need to balance these effects. They advocate for decision-making rooted in impact assessments and suggest maintaining or lowering the tax rate to stimulate growth and mitigate losses. Furthermore, the reports stress the importance of regional tax balance and achieving a broad-based economic effect.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It highlights the social consequences: the threat of job losses in the hospitality and related businesses, and the resulting impact on community life and regional vitality. It articulates the need for stability and investment confidence for the sake of the well-being of workers and communities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus: assessing the impact of the VAT exemption for accommodation establishments and considering its potential withdrawal or reduction; organizing inquiries and emphasizing the necessity of impact analyses and broad-based dialogue before amending the legislation. It indicates an intention to consider changes based on analyses and regional consequences.
3 Speeches Analyzed