Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-02
Political Position
The speaker voiced strong criticism regarding the direction of the government's tax and economic policies. He stressed that raising taxes during an economic crisis is detrimental and called for a holistic, economically sound solution, as well as ensuring compliance with EU requirements. He noted that healthcare funding requires clearly substantiated answers, and that the current rush to pass draft legislation is harming businesses and citizens alike. The overall position is critical, focusing on prioritizing the economy and legitimate regulatory compliance.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
He demonstrates knowledge of tax and EU law: he mentions the registration fee is discriminatory and points out a potential conflict between the car tax bill and EU law. He references the European Commission's opinion and wishes to inquire about its current status. He uses precise terminology such as 'state aid' and 'EU law,' which indicates clear expertise in these subjects.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The emphasis is decisively critical and challenging; it utilizes rhetorical questions and concrete examples, stressing statesmanship and respectful dialogue. The text is formal in structure but includes personal references, highlighting practical and legal arguments.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The parliamentary style demonstrates the consistent utilization of procedural means (such as recess and the Presidium) and a willingness to collaborate with various institutions (factions, Bishop Daniel). He stresses the necessity of increased cooperation and dialogue to facilitate discussions and the search for solutions.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The stance is fiercely oppositional to the government's tax policy, emphasizing the avoidance of burdens on businesses and citizens, and the crucial importance of adhering to EU requirements. Simultaneously, it condemns the use of the executive body to restrict the rights of the opposition and stresses the necessity of open dialogue and the benefits of cooperation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Supports cooperation and dialogue: invites representatives of parliamentary groups, religious organizations, and the church to a meeting, and emphasizes that solutions to problems must be found collaboratively, rather than simply being treated as a PR exercise. Demonstrates readiness for compromise and broad-based discussion.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
National focus; there have been no mentions of county or regional projects.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
On the economic level, he opposes broad tax increases; he emphasizes that additional burdens during start-up periods are detrimental and desires strong economic growth and an environment that fosters entrepreneurship. He stresses the need for EU legal compliance and control over state aid, as well as the need for a clear and well-justified solution for healthcare funding.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
This position involves maintaining dialogue and peaceful interaction with religious communities. It specifically references the internal friction that arose within the church during the debate over the marriage equality bill, and aims to prevent hate speech while protecting minorities through an inclusive approach. The speaker emphasizes that the Riigikogu (Parliament) must listen to diverse societal groups and work toward finding solutions.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on reviewing the drafts concerning the car tax and the sweet drink tax, as well as the registry fee and state aid requirements. He intends to withdraw the drafts or submit them for discussion after consulting with the European Commission. Furthermore, he emphasizes the Riigikogu's duty, as the legislative body, to find solutions collaboratively.
6 Speeches Analyzed