Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth session, press briefing.
2024-12-11
Political Position
The opposition spokesperson, who is strongly critical of the government's tax policy. They emphasize that security taxes and other tax increases disproportionately burden those with lower incomes and pensioners, and they draw attention to bank benefits as an injustice. They stress social solidarity and believe that banks should contribute more, rather than continuing consumption and income tax increases which harm the population.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates expertise in tax and income tax policy, referencing specific rates (dividend tax 14% → 22%, maximum bank income tax 18%) and outlining the distinctions of advance income tax. Describes more complex tax structures and their impact, using numerical examples to justify its positions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker is primarily combative and in a direct style; uses rhetorical questions directed at the listener, accusatory language, and argues with a critical tone. The texts contain sarcasm and a rapid flow of emotion, but are based on facts and figures.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Effectively participates in the information session’s oral presentations in one day (12/11/2024), delivers several separate speeches, and focuses on the discussions on tax policy for the same day. Reportedly a sufficiently active and consistent representative of the opposition in this session.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
A clearly oppositional stance regarding the government; the focus of criticism is tax policy and the actions of the Centre Party government. It points out that the coalition has not been sufficiently solidarity and the proposed solutions damage those with lower incomes. It does not show a willingness to make major compromises with the government, but emphasizes alternative tax proposals and equality.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The approach is primarily critical and questioning; collaboration is shown rather as limited than actively sought. It raises questions and disagreements, but doesn’t reveal specific intentions for broad-based bi- or multiparty cooperation; the emphasis is on observation and questioning the answer.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Issues addressed at the national level; there is a lack of a clear regional focus or regional projects. The role and potential responsibility of local governments are mentioned, but the central focus is on tax policy occurring at the national level of Estonia.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
An economic policy moving towards the equator and solidarity. It wants to reduce tax increases that burden the population and increase the contribution of banks, noting that unfair tax benefits for banks and value-added tax systems reduce the overall revenue. It expresses criticism towards the tax increases planned by the coalition and emphasizes the need to regulate and equalize taxation.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It emphasizes social vulnerability: protecting pensioners, preventing poverty, and addressing difficulties in making ends meet. It claims that tax increases, including the security tax, may increase the resources of those lurking and expand access based on income. It stands for solidarity and is critical of the gatherings of low-wage earners and pensioners.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is on ongoing bills related to tax policy, particularly the development of the security tax and the rate of advance income tax for banks. It highlights that the security tax will be put to a vote on the third reading and criticizes the coalition's arguments regarding the taxation of banks. If warranted, it emphasizes the need to change the tax structure and equalize the tax burden.
5 Speeches Analyzed