Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
2025-04-23
Political Position
A strong focus on easing consumer prices and supporting local producers, exemplified by the proposal to lower the VAT rate for local producers to 9% and criticism directed at the government's plan to increase VAT. These positions are geared toward policy and social impacts, highlighting the vulnerability of pensioners and families and the necessity of price controls. This demonstrates a desire to influence specific changes in tax arrangements and competitiveness, rather than relying solely on rhetoric.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
It utilizes specific data concerning the rise in food prices and inflation: a 5.9% change in the price of groceries and a shift in the Ministry of Finance's forecast from 4.2% to 5.2%. It compares the taxation systems of Estonia and Finland (VAT and exemptions), referencing the stances of various European nations. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of local producers and the impact of tax risks on the populace, demonstrating a strong economic foundation in the context of taxation and consumer expenditure. Additionally, it points to the necessity of learning from the experiences of other countries.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
It employs an inquiry-based, questionnaire, and propositional approach, alongside a data- and example-driven methodology. The rhetoric is distinctly fact-based, and arguments are structured numerically; hypothetical questions are posed to the audience (“are you ready…”) to encourage better consideration of the alternatives presented. The tone is formally critical, yet not angry, and is directed at specific politicians and decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker participates in the information session and within the direct parliamentary context, referencing colleagues' questions and previous decisions. They mention that proposals put forth by colleagues (such as the 9% VAT rate reduction) are currently under discussion, and refer to the relevant procedures of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) and the Chancellor of Justice. The speech focuses on sector-specific issues and addresses activities related to political debate through appeals and discussion topics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Critical of the government's economic policy, particularly concerning the managed tax changes (the VAT hike). It is noted that the Centre Party submitted a draft bill to reduce [the rate] to 9%, which the Reform Party did not support, citing the complex, intertwined debate between opposition positions. The second paragraph directs criticism at the premises of the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) and the lack of a necessary legal basis. The opposition is seen as complicating the oversight of enforcement and the growth of a surveillance society, while emphasizing the protection of fundamental rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The text demonstrates a willingness to compromise and consider the positions of various political parties. This raises the question of whether subsequent steps and legislative drafts will garner wider support (for instance, regarding the 9% VAT reduction). While there is discussion about cooperation and inclusion, no specific extensive coalition collaboration is detailed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on globally applicable and broader Estonian policy issues, concentrating on the national level. National examples are mentioned (Finnish exemptions, the taxation of European countries) and the competitiveness of local producers is touched upon, but details regarding regional, city, or local area plans are explicitly absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The central economic debate revolves around mitigating consumer prices and optimizing the tax system. There is support for targeted subsidies (specifically to local producers rather than across all goods) and criticism regarding a general increase in VAT. Emphasis is placed on the effect of inflation and the cost of living on families, alongside the necessity of boosting economic growth and competitiveness. The consensus is to avoid sweeping tax reforms, favoring instead targeted support measures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social protection is emphasized: the risk of pensioners falling into poverty and the vulnerability of families due to the burden caused by rising food prices have been highlighted. The second paragraph addresses civil rights and privacy—criticism of mass surveillance, observations made by the Chancellors of Justice, and the necessity of protecting fundamental rights. Alongside these topics, attention is also given to the cost of living and issues of social equality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary activity involves draft legislation relating to tax policy at the legislative level (the proposal for a reduction to 9%), as well as the regulatory framework for the Chancellor of Justice and the Law Enforcement Act. At the legislative level, emphasis is placed on the need for a legislative basis and clarity in privacy and surveillance laws, and the question is raised whether current regulations ensure the protection of fundamental rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed