Session Profile: Leo Kunnas
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-01-10
Political Position
The political focus is centered on opposing the government’s proposed VAT hike, which is deemed ineffective given the current economic downturn. The speaker’s stance is strongly policy- and results-driven, emphasizing the negative impact of the tax increase on turnover and revenue collection. This position clearly advocates for a tax reduction, proposing alternative rates (17.5% and 19.5%).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and macroeconomic concepts (such as turnover, recession, and revenue collection). Specific figures and percentage comparisons (e.g., 2 percentage points or 10%) are used to frame the arguments. The expertise is focused on forecasting the negative consequences of the tax hike.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is formal and highly concise, especially when presenting legislative drafts. The emphasis is placed on logical and economic argumentation, expressing skepticism regarding the expected revenue from the government's tax hike ("I don't have much faith in it"). Emotional appeals are avoided; the focus remains on facts and economic consequences.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in legislative work, having introduced two related bills (108 SE and 132) in a short timeframe. He/She is serving as the rapporteur, replacing the sick colleague Kert Kingo. This demonstrates a readiness to quickly take over colleagues' presentation duties.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed against the government's economic policy, particularly the raising of the value-added tax (VAT). The criticism is purely political and economic, emphasizing that the tax hike is economically inefficient and will reduce turnover. There are no personal or procedural attacks directed at the opponents.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker works closely with colleagues in the faction, substituting for Kert Kingo during the introduction of the draft bill and referencing a similar bill proposed by Helle-Moonika Helme. This demonstrates a willingness for internal factional division of labor and mutual support.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker raised a specific regional concern, warning that the VAT increase would cause shoppers from Southern Estonia to shift their purchases to Latvia. This highlights a focus on the economic specifics and competitiveness of border regions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives clearly favor tax cuts, with the goal of preventing the economic downturn from worsening and revenue from decreasing. The government's tax hike is considered ineffective because it reduces revenue and does not significantly improve tax receipts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the VAT reduction bills (108 SE and 132), which aim to lower the rate to either 17.5% or 19.5%. The speaker is acting as the initiator and presenter of these drafts, concentrating on the proposed changes to tax policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed