Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-04-14
Political Position
The speaker is strongly opposed to the government’s tax policy: he demands clarification on the temporary or permanent nature of the VAT and income tax, and stresses that the current tax model undermines residents' livelihoods and the nation's will to defend itself. He promises government reform and improved transparency, and describes the current coalition as an Excel spreadsheet dependent on people, which merely displays a target goal. In this plan, the positive direction involves abandoning or modifying the current budget allocation and focusing on social and security objectives through a responsible budget.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The topics covered include tax stability, the budget, and economic reporting. Mention is made of the 24% level of VAT and income tax, the potential abolition of corporate profit tax, and the effect of taxes on the population and crime rates. Reference is made to the forecast by the Institute of Economic Research regarding the increase in impoverishment and significant risks for families, particularly young people. Both numerical references and subsequent socio-economic consequences (a worrying trend in crime) are utilized.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is combative and inflammatory in tone, often featuring rhetorical questions, sarcasm, and expressions of indignation. It is a combination of rigid criticism and emotional, moralistic rhetoric; the speaker employs language that devalues symbols of competence, such as amateurish points (or 'noob punditry') and citing examples from the “Excel spreadsheet.”
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The report details intensive participation in the plenary sessions: the speaker delivered several different addresses on the same day (14.04.2025) and frequently requested “three minutes extra,” citing continuous engagement and a rapid succession of speeches during the plenary sessions. While specific external or internal events were not mentioned, consistent activity in the plenary sessions is evident, with critical attention focused on the tax model.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the coalition government and the prime minister, who stand accused of imposing excessive taxation and lacking transparency. Criticism is also directed at the finance minister's statement, the Reform Party, and Kristen Michal, who are described as parties riding the wave of populism. The statement is heavily colored by a tone of political confrontation, with minimal references to compromise; the criticism is strong and directly related to the government.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus at the national level is on tax policy and security; not a single section refers to specific regions or regional projects.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Addressing economic policy, the speaker opposes making tax increases permanent, stressing that the sustained rise in VAT and income tax damages residents' financial well-being and undermines business competitiveness. He emphasizes the necessity of budget transparency and points to potential changes, including the ongoing debate regarding the treatment of corporate profit tax and income tax. Furthermore, he argues that taxation negatively affects family finances and the overall economic climate.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Emphasis is placed on the worrying social consequences: rising crime and theft linked to the reduction in residents' income and ability to make ends meet; the vulnerability of families, particularly young families, is highlighted given the increasing impoverishment; the speaker notes that tax hikes reduce defense morale and erode overall societal hope.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speech focuses on tax policy and budget discussions, emphasizing that the coalition is failing to answer questions regarding the sustainability of the taxes and demanding that the relevant draft bill be submitted to the Riigikogu (Parliament). It criticizes the opaqueness of the debate and calls on the government to move towards transparency and accountability, citing the need for clarification regarding the national energy development plan and the proposed legislation.
5 Speeches Analyzed