Session Profile: Arvo Aller
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
2024-01-15
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, centered on the preservation of the nation-state and the public's sense of security. The speaker stresses the necessity of directing defense expenditures within Estonia and criticizes the government's tax increases ("taxing people to death") as a factor eroding that sense of security. Also significant is the concern regarding the unified Estonian school system and the failure of integration, which indicates a critique based on both values and measurable results.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the financing of national defense (specifically the amount of 1.2 billion euros), taxation (VAT, income tax, and excise duties), and the economic impact of major infrastructure projects (Rail Baltic). Particular emphasis is placed on the need for statistical data concerning the links between crime and social problems, such as domestic violence and immigration.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and confrontational, employing strong and emotionally charged expressions such as "taxing to death" and allusions to the "hushing up" of the investigation. Numerous direct and rhetorical questions are used to challenge the results and motives of the government's policy. At the same time, the speaker ironically points out the presenter's mechanical reading ability.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity shows active participation in the plenary session on a single day (January 15, 2024), posing questions to both the Prime Minister and ministers across several different policy areas. The pattern is rapid and multifaceted, covering economics, security, and social issues.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition's stance is directed against the government and the prime minister, sharply criticizing tax policy, foreign aid priorities, and the failure of integration. The criticism is both political (focusing on tax hikes) and procedural, hinting at inadequate investigations (the Lehtme case) and general dishonesty. The opposition is intense and highly accusatory.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is primarily confrontational, but the need to collaborate is mentioned to ensure the survival of the nation-state and guarantee a sense of security. Agreement is noted with the views of colleague Rain Epler regarding the inadequacy of the investigation, which suggests a readiness for alliances within the opposition.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on both national and international issues. Domestically, emphasis is placed on establishing security in rural areas and expressing concern over the regionally divisive impact of Rail Baltic, which effectively cuts Estonia in half. On the international front, there is strong opposition to allocating 1.2 billion euros to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities, with demands that these funds be used instead for Estonian national defense.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, arguing that raising VAT, income tax, and excise duties will "tax the nation to death" and force businesses to close down. They prefer state funds to be directed toward bolstering domestic defense capabilities rather than foreign aid. Concern is also voiced regarding job losses in road transport companies because of the Rail Baltic project.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social matters, the focus is placed on the survival of the nation-state, the failure of integration, and the priorities of language instruction within a unified Estonian school. The question is raised regarding the potential links between immigration (over 100,000 people) and a possible increase in intimate partner violence, demanding data and specific measures. Security is considered the guarantee for the continued existence of the nation-state.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is centered on oversight and procedural transparency, requiring answers regarding the deadlines for the investigation into the Johanna-Maria Lehtme case and the collection of evidence. Furthermore, the actual impact of integration development plans is being criticized, as is their connection to public events (the Town Hall Square incident).
7 Speeches Analyzed