Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Third reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (416 SE)
2024-06-04
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The key stance is strong opposition to eliminating the income tax exemption on the average pension, which is viewed as an unfair attack against the poorest demographic—pensioners. The position is intensely negative, underscoring the government's poor performance and broken promises, which has resulted in the deterioration of people's well-being. The political framework is strongly value-based, protecting vulnerable groups from the government's tax policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence in the field of tax policy and social security, focusing on the direct financial impact that the abolition of the income tax exemption has on pensioners. This competence is substantiated by referencing the opinion of the pensioners' association and comparing the poverty level of Estonian pensioners within the context of the European Union. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the procedural shortcomings of the legislative process (namely, the absence of a preliminary drafting intention).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is accusatory, combative, and urgent, describing the government's actions as "unjust" and an attack on pensioners' wallets. Emotional appeals are used to emphasize the injustice, and the government's previous tax increases and cuts are listed (VAT, excises, free public transport). The speech concludes with a direct call to vote against the ruling parties in the European Parliament elections.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the ruling coalition: the Reform Party, Eesti 200, and the Social Democrats. Criticism is intense, focusing on political injustice, broken election promises (specifically, the tax-free average pension), and the rushed handling of draft legislation. The opposition is absolute, as no vote supporting the bill will be cast.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style is non-cooperative; the speaker expresses strong opposition to government policy and urges the public to vote against the ruling parties. There is no mention of cross-party collaboration or willingness to compromise.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, addressing Estonian pensioners and the government’s tax policy more broadly, and international, referencing the poverty rate among Estonian pensioners in the EU and the European Parliament elections. Specific local or regional problems are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, criticizing the increases in VAT, excise duties, income tax, and the car tax. Emphasis is placed on the need to protect pensioners from the government’s tax policy, which increases poverty and undermines people’s well-being. Social redistribution in favor of pensioners is supported, while maintaining their income tax exemption.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the welfare and economic security of pensioners, who are described as the poorest group in the European Union. There is strong opposition to cutting their benefits, as doing so increases poverty and is considered "highly unjust."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the opposition to the draft Act amending the Income Tax Act (416 SE), which abolishes the income tax exemption on the average pension. Criticism is aimed at government-initiated bills that worsen people's welfare, as well as procedural deficiencies, such as the lack of a concept note and the constant excuse of "urgency."
1 Speeches Analyzed