Agenda Profile: Leo Kunnas
First Reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Value-Added Tax Act (108 SE)
2024-01-10
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is firmly opposed to the government’s proposed VAT hike, while simultaneously advocating for a reduction of the VAT rate to 17.5% (Bill 108 SE). This stance is grounded in an economic and results-oriented framework, emphasizing that the increase will not achieve the desired effect given the current economic downturn. The speaker expressed profound skepticism that the hike would lead to improved tax collection.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in analyzing tax policy and fiscal implications, using specific percentage figures (e.g., 17.5%, 2 percentage points) and economic concepts (turnover, economic recession). They focus on justifying the inefficiency of the tax increase in the context of an economic downturn, analyzing its impact on government revenue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, factual, and concise, centered on logical arguments and economic forecasts. The speaker aims to save the audience time by avoiding the repetition of details, which points to efficiency. The tone is skeptical regarding the effectiveness of the government’s tax policy, but the delivery remains neutral and courteous.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the legislative process, presenting Bill 108 SE at the first reading in the Riigikogu as a substitute on behalf of an ill colleague. No other data regarding the frequency of appearances, routines, or events is available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the government’s tax hike policy, which is being slammed for its inefficiency and the economic damage it is expected to cause. The criticism is both political and economic, centering on the anticipated drop in turnover and the movement of shoppers to Latvia. There are no personal attacks; instead, the focus remains on predicting the failure of the policy itself.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is demonstrating internal cooperation with party colleagues by substituting for the sick colleague Kert Kingo during the presentation of the draft bill. Reference is also made to a similar draft bill by another colleague (Helle-Moonika Helme), which points to political alignment and joint action on taxation matters.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on the economic impacts affecting the border areas of South Estonia, highlighting the risk that the increase in VAT will drive shoppers across the border into Latvia. This points to concerns over cross-border trade and the local economy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, believing that raising the Value Added Tax during an economic recession is counterproductive and reduces turnover. Lowering taxes (specifically VAT to 17.5%) is preferred to stimulate the economy and maintain border trade.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on fiscal policy, specifically the introduction and backing of the draft amendment to the Value Added Tax Act (Bill 108 SE). The objective is to reduce the VAT rate to 17.5%, in opposition to the government's planned increases.
2 Speeches Analyzed