Agenda Profile: Alar Laneman
First reading of the Bill amending the Income Tax Act (416 SE)
2024-04-30
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-based, focusing on the moral and social importance of fulfilling promises. The speaker opposes the government’s attitude that promises can be altered when circumstances change, viewing this as a major risk to social cohesion. The platform is strongly oppositional, accusing the government of failing to recognize the significance of broken promises.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the social and legal role of promises, citing marriage and business transactions as examples, and describing a promise as an instrument that binds society together. He/She also shows an understanding of how the economic environment is shaped, underscoring that the government designs the conditions (for instance, through taxation), which means they do not change spontaneously or independently.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, critical, and concerned, repeatedly employing rhetorical questions to challenge the minister's stance. The appeals are a blend of logical arguments (the instrumental value of the promise) and moral pressure (a negative legacy for future generations). The minister's attitude is described as "a little too unconcerned."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data only concerns the submission of two consecutive questions during the same session, which indicates active participation in the discussion of agenda items.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the minister and the government, criticizing their justification for breaking promises due to changing circumstances. The criticism is intense and substantive, accusing the government of cultivating an inappropriate attitude that threatens public trust. The opposition targets both policy (the design of the economic environment) and morality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There are no details regarding cooperation; the focus is on directly questioning the minister and challenging their viewpoints.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, dealing with social cohesion, the shaping of the economic environment, and the overall validity of the promises made by the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress stability and confidence, which stem from the state fulfilling its commitments, viewing this as the foundation for business transactions. The speaker criticizes the government for designing the terms of the economic environment (including taxes) in a way that burdens future generations with problems, thereby opposing the government's current fiscal policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In addressing social issues, emphasis is placed on the importance of promises as an instrument that unites society (including marriage). This is a strong values-based position, warning against the disintegration of a society where promises are not kept, and stressing responsibility toward future generations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing the draft bill to amend the Income Tax Act, with its first reading providing the context for the debate. The speaker, who is in opposition, is using the discussion of the bill to challenge the moral and societal damage resulting from the government's broken promises.
2 Speeches Analyzed