Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Draft law amending the Income Tax Act (597 SE) - First Reading
2025-05-21
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position is one of strong support for the income tax reduction bill, which is being presented as a helping hand for Estonian workers and families. This stance is value-based, emphasizing the welfare of the people and the nation's security, and stands in sharp contrast to the government's policy of tax increases. Support for the bill is also justified by the need to ensure national security, arguing that the money remaining in people's pockets strengthens the state.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the relationship between tax policy and state budget revenue collection, highlighting the role of consumption and VAT in the context of tax reductions. He draws upon previous government experience (EKRE 2020) and challenges the Ministry of Finance's official forecasts concerning the 200 million euro decrease in receipts, alleging manipulation of the figures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, populist, and sharply critical, addressing "the Estonian people" and "the working person" directly. Strong emotional appeals are employed, accusing the government of negligence and implementing Putin’s propaganda, while balancing this with economic arguments concerning the circulation of taxes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the first reading of the draft Income Tax Act, delivering two speeches on the same topic. He/She references recent events, such as the Finance Minister’s comments the previous day, as well as previous political experience dating back to 2020.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is intense and is directed against the Government of the Republic and the majority in the Riigikogu, who are accused of squeezing the last money out of the people. The Minister of Finance is particularly criticized, who is accused of shifting the blame for the tax hikes onto Putin, as well as former coalition partners (the Social Democrats) for their inaction.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is rather confrontational, although the draft bill is ironically presented as "coming to the aid" of the Government of the Republic to simplify their work. There are no indications of openness to compromises or cross-party cooperation in supporting this draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (the Estonian people, the state budget), but emphasis is placed on residents of rural areas, for whom a car is an essential necessity. The introduction of the car tax is criticized, as it directly impacts the daily lives and ability to cope of rural residents.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly pro-tax cuts, based on the belief that reducing income tax will increase state budget revenues by boosting consumption and getting money circulating. They sharply oppose all tax hikes imposed by the government (including VAT, excises, and vehicle and land taxes), arguing that these measures have failed to generate the anticipated revenue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issues currently highlighted are the criticism surrounding the reduction of support for large families and the financial well-being of the working person. It is stressed that the government does not care about its own people, stripping them of funds needed for vital, life-sustaining activities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting Draft Bill 597 SE, which proposes amendments to the Income Tax Act aimed at reducing income tax. The speaker is a strong proponent of this initiative, viewing it as a crucial decision for working people in Estonia and a factor that will stabilize state budget revenues.
2 Speeches Analyzed