Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value-Added Tax Act (661 SE)
2025-10-09
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the draft amendment to the Value Added Tax Act (661 SE), emphasizing its benefits for the Estonian people, farmers, and local municipalities. The political focus is directed toward alleviating the burden on local governments, particularly concerning the provision of school meals. At the same time, the actions of the government (the Reform Party) are criticized, specifically citing the insufficient trust and involvement of entrepreneurs in the legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the impact of the Value Added Tax Act on local municipalities and the funding of school meals, referencing a previous interpellation submitted to the Minister of Education and Research. The expertise also addresses legislative procedures, stressing the necessity of involving specific representatives of the economic sector and merchants in the discussions. A specific rural entrepreneur, Oleg Kross, is mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is polite and respectful (repeatedly using "Thank you very much, esteemed Chairman/Rapporteur"), yet simultaneously sharp and questioning. The speaker primarily employs rhetorical questions to cast doubt on the government's inclusion processes and its level of trust in businesses. The focus is on logical and procedural argumentation, underscoring the utility of a wide-ranging debate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the government, particularly the Reform Party and the Prime Minister, who are accused of insufficiently trusting and involving entrepreneurs. The criticism is procedural, alleging that the Prime Minister has failed to convene a roundtable with merchants, relying instead on a narrow range of sources. The speaker also criticizes the fact that the discussion is happening over the heads of those who are often referred to as beneficiaries.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the critical nature of wide-ranging cooperation and inclusion, insisting that a broader range of stakeholders—including representatives of retailers and entrepreneurs—must be involved in legislative discussions. He considers it essential to reach a good-faith agreement between the government and the economic sector. He emphasizes that the debate will only be productive if more parties are present at the table.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is squarely on local municipalities and farmers, highlighting how the law benefits them. Special attention is also given to representatives of rural commerce who establish shops in the countryside, underscoring the importance of regional trade.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports economic measures that alleviate the financial burden on local governments and benefit farmers. It emphasizes the need to trust and listen to entrepreneurs and merchants during the legislative process, suggesting that the government should establish a good-faith agreement with them.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the provision and funding of school meals, which is being addressed by alleviating the burden on local governments. The speaker sees an opportunity in the draft bill to make the organization of school meals more affordable and easier.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft Act amending the Value Added Tax Act (661 SE), which the speaker supports due to its beneficial nature. The speaker is using this legislative debate to call for better procedural engagement and a broader discussion within the committee, particularly involving the business sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed