Session Profile: Urmas Kruuse
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-10-22
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the draft bill concerning the additional taxation of banks at a rate of 50%, deeming it disproportionate and damaging to the economy. It is emphasized that the bill should be relegated to the dustbin of history, as it sends a negative signal to investors and consumers. This approach is heavily focused on the future of the political and economic environment.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in banking and taxation, citing specific figures (advance income tax totaling 139 million euros in 2023) and technical terminology (Euribor-linked loans, fixed-term deposits, advance income tax). A comparative analysis with Lithuania is also employed, underscoring structural differences between the economies concerning the level of debt burden.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is formal, critical, and data-driven, relying on economic logic and statistical comparisons. Indignation is expressed regarding the tone of the bill's proceedings, which is deemed to belong to the previous century. The argumentation focuses on the consequences, such as passing taxes onto clients and sending a negative signal to investors.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during the plenary session, repeatedly posing questions to the rapporteur and delivering an extended address, demonstrating focus on the ongoing debate regarding the draft law. All contributions were related to the discussion framework of one specific topic (banking taxation).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at the bill's initiators, whose approach to taxing the banking sector is deemed disproportionate and illogical. The criticism is rooted in both policy and substance, demanding that the initiators acknowledge the idea of the bill (being consigned to the dustbin of history). It is emphasized that boundless taxation will lead to the recovery of funds from clients.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker recognizes and supports the colleague's (Epler's) position, which calls for a broader discussion on the draft bill. While direct cooperation or compromise on this specific piece of legislation is not mentioned, emphasis is placed on the need to sensitively grasp the interconnectedness of issues within society.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the domestic economic environment and international comparisons, particularly concerning signals from the loan market and investors. The example of Lithuania is used to explain why the Estonian and Lithuanian economies cannot be compared regarding the impact of Euribor.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports the financing of entrepreneurship and economic growth, opposing limitless taxation that stifles investment. It emphasizes that banking is a vital donor function for the economy, and improving state finances must be comprehensive and sustainable, not merely balancing the budget through taxes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There are no direct social issues addressed, but the focus is on people’s financial behavior and literacy. The speaker expressed confusion as to why Estonian depositors weren't using fixed-term deposits to earn more money for themselves and cut into the bank's profits.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is to strongly oppose the bill concerning the additional 50% taxation of bank profits. The speaker's goal is to discredit the bill and ensure its defeat, emphasizing that banks already contribute through advance income tax.
4 Speeches Analyzed