Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic for Increasing the Birth Rate of the Estonian People" (283 OE)
2024-03-13
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The speaker's primary political position centers on robustly supporting and boosting the Estonian birth rate, stressing that this is fundamentally a matter of national survival. He stands in strong opposition to the current government's policies, specifically accusing them of cutting family benefits and introducing new taxes (such as the car tax and the sugar tax). His political framework is both value-driven (focused on caring for the Estonian people) and results-oriented (critiquing the government's hostility towards families).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the financial instruments of family policy, listing specific measures such as increasing family benefits and parental allowances, reducing kindergarten placement fees, and linking retirement age and income tax to the number of children. He/She also possesses knowledge of the housing loan sector, citing co-financing offered through the Rural Development Foundation (MES) in sparsely populated areas.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's rhetorical style is combative and critical, employing strong contrasts (those who care about the Estonian people versus those who are indifferent). The tone is urgent and accusatory, particularly regarding the government's actions, which are labeled as undermining the state and anti-family. The appeals are primarily emotional and politically charged, focusing on listing specific unjust measures.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity has centered on presenting and defending the draft resolution of the Riigikogu during the first reading, while responding to questions from colleagues. He/She emphasizes the Riigikogu's role as the body that provides guidance to the government, not the reverse. Other data regarding the frequency of appearances or activities conducted outside of parliament is unavailable.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is the current coalition government, which is sharply criticized for its family policy (the removal of benefits for large families) and its tax policy (the car tax, the sugar tax). The criticism is policy-based and intense, accusing the government of going after Estonian families and reducing the sense of security among young people. No willingness to compromise with the government has been expressed; instead, there is a demand for the Riigikogu (Parliament) to provide clear direction.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the need for the Riigikogu as a whole to give the government a clear mandate regarding the issue of increasing the birth rate. Although representing the opposition, the speaker's proposal is aimed at prompting the government to take action, rather than directly seeking cooperation with other parliamentary factions. The continuation of the project initiated by EKRE (the MES home loan) has been previously noted, demonstrating long-term political continuity.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is mainly national (the birth rate and population size of the Estonian people), but the regional aspect is highlighted in the context of housing loans. Specific emphasis is placed on the need to support young families, particularly in sparsely populated areas, through MES loans. The role of local governments is also mentioned concerning kindergarten fees and measures designed to attract families to the area.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to raising taxes (car tax, sugar tax) and supports lowering the prices of food and medicine. He advocates for alternative revenue streams, such as implementing a bank tax (which would generate 150 million), rather than taking money from families (170 million). His economic views prioritize the financial security of families and reducing the tax burden.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme is increasing the birth rate and supporting families to ensure Estonia’s population grows through natural births, rather than migration. The speaker criticizes the government’s actions, which undermine young families’ confidence in staying in Estonia and having children.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the initiation of a draft resolution of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) (283 DR), which proposes that the government address the issue of increasing the birth rate of the Estonian population. The speaker is both the initiator and a strong proponent of measures, which include increasing family benefits, tax incentives based on the number of children, and favorable housing loans.
6 Speeches Analyzed