Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-16
Political Position
The political stance centers on robust support for the reduction of the value-added tax (VAT), which was initiated through a citizens' initiative. The speaker intensely criticizes the government for implementing tax increases without proper analysis, labeling the situation a "tax chaos" or a "tax circus." The political framework is aimed at criticizing the government's activities and performance, and meeting public expectations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy, particularly regarding Value Added Tax (VAT) and its impact on consumers. The necessity of scientific analysis is emphasized when assessing the justification of tax increases. Comparative data is also utilized, referencing 24 European countries where the VAT on foodstuffs has been lowered.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp and critical, employing emotional terms such as "tax chaos" and "tax circus" to describe the government's actions. However, the style remains respectful towards the presenter, who is praised for a "very human speech" and thorough arguments. The speaker employs a logical appeal, emphasizing the absence of analyses and the example set by European countries.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The modes of operation are restricted to posing questions during the plenary session of the Riigikogu. The speaker refers to a meeting with the people who signed the popular initiative, emphasizing the public's expectations in the legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the government, particularly the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, who are being criticized for failing to conduct proper analysis when implementing tax hikes. The criticism is intense and centers on the government’s incompetence and their illogical claims regarding the impact of lowering the Value Added Tax (VAT).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is highly supportive of the submitter of the popular initiative, whose efforts and arguments are acknowledged. The speaker stresses the necessity of quickly drafting the popular initiative into a bill, indicating a readiness to work alongside the initiative's supporters.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national tax policy and its impact on Estonian consumers. Additionally, an international comparison is used, highlighting the practice of 24 European countries in lowering VAT on foodstuffs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are heavily focused on reducing taxes, particularly the value-added tax (VAT), in order to ease the burden on consumers. The government's policy of raising taxes is viewed as unreasonable, as it was implemented without any prior analysis of the impact on consumers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the importance of popular initiatives and public expectations in the legislative process is emphasized. The issue of VAT reduction is addressed as a human concern that affects consumers, and one to which the Riigikogu must urgently respond.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the swift processing and adoption of the bill on VAT reduction, which is based on a popular initiative. The speaker criticizes the Riigikogu's delays in starting the debate on the popular initiative, demanding its rapid formalization as a bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed