Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Second Reading of the Bill for the Amendment of the Income Tax Act (416 SE)
2024-05-28
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on opposing amendments to the Income Tax Act, particularly those related to the taxation of old-age pensions and the resulting reduction in pensioners' incomes. The speaker challenges the stated goal of state austerity, simultaneously highlighting the social damage and demanding to know exactly how much money pensioners stand to lose because of these changes. This stance is strongly rooted in policy and values, prioritizing the protection of the financial security of the elderly.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the field of financial and tax policy, addressing specific topics such as the minimum rate of the income tax reform (700 euros), the taxation of old-age pensions, and the logic behind banking taxes. Financial terms such as "savings" and "interest" are used, and reference is made to the work of the Finance Committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply interrogative and critical, underscoring the opposing side's lack of answers and incompetence. Irony is employed by referencing the opposition party's former finance ministers, once hailed as "Europe's best," to emphasize the current deficit in competence. The appeal is directed both at the logic of political policy and at social justice (specifically mentioning pensioners).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data shows two consecutive speeches concerning the same bill (the Draft Act on Amendments to the Income Tax Act) during its second reading. The speaker is an active participant in questioning during parliamentary sessions. Information regarding other activity patterns is unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The standoff is directed at the government's tax policy and the actions of the rapporteur. The criticism targets both the substance (the reduction of pensioners' incomes and banking policy) and the procedure (the failure to answer colleagues' questions, including those regarding the discussion of Isamaa's proposals).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker points to cooperation and the convergence of positions with opposition colleagues (Helir-Valdor Seeder, Martin Helme) and the proposals of the Isamaa party. Cooperation with the governing coalition is non-existent; rather, the rapporteur is criticized for failing to respond.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national tax policy and social groups (pensioners, banks). Regional focus is absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views focus on the fairness of the tax burden, opposing cuts to pensioners' incomes for the sake of state austerity. Strong criticism is also leveled against the banking sector, arguing that banks consistently profit through interest payments without ever facing hardship or losses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the livelihood and financial security of old-age pensioners. The speaker is strongly opposed to the elimination of the income tax exemption for pensions, which reduces the income of the elderly, and questions how pensioners are expected to cope in this new situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the second reading of the Draft Act Amending the Income Tax Act (Bill 416 SE). The speaker is opposing the bill, utilizing questions to highlight the negative effect the amendments will have on the taxation and income of pensioners.
2 Speeches Analyzed