Session Profile: Arvo Aller
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-02-21
Political Position
The political focus is heavily centered on reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) on foodstuffs to 5% to ease the burden on low-income families and ensure food security. This stance is forceful and highly critical of the current tax policy, which has driven up food prices and pushed the agricultural sector into losses. The presentation of the draft bill is primarily driven by policy and values, emphasizing the protection of both domestic producers and consumers.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of tax policy and the economic situation of the agricultural sector, highlighting specific data (e.g., agricultural loss of -70 million euros) and the EU context (VAT exemptions, the level of direct subsidies). Particular emphasis is placed on the link between VAT and the competitiveness of domestic food producers, using examples such as the financing of MES and statistics on dairy cow output.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is factual but insistent, emphasizing the need for swift action to alleviate the hardships faced by the public and farmers. It utilizes both logical arguments (stimulating consumption, stable revenue collection) and emotional appeals (people’s standard of living has deteriorated, people must be fed), all while maintaining a high level of formality. Comparisons are also drawn to the positive effects of previous tax reductions (excise duties).
16 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action is confined to this plenary session, during which the draft amendment to the Value Added Tax Act, initiated by their faction, will be presented and defended. The speaker will actively respond to questions, clarifying the social, economic, and security implications of the bill. Information concerning other activities is unavailable.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the government's tax increases and policies, which have driven the agricultural sector into deficit and forced consumers to prioritize price when purchasing. The criticism is political and intense, suggesting that the government is essentially taking farmers' own money. Solutions are expected from the Minister of Regional Affairs (Social Democrats). This criticism is supported by economic data (for example, VAT revenue collection is lower than planned).
16 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is characterized by openness to answering questions and a willingness to agree with questioners on certain economic principles (e.g., the importance of profit, the positive impact of lowering excise duties). The primary focus, however, remains on garnering support for their faction's draft bill, while stressing that this represents the minimum action achievable in the current circumstances.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The emphasis is heavily placed on domestic food production and the food security of the Estonian state, tackling these issues at the national level (Estonian farmers, Estonian children). An international focus is also crucial, particularly concerning the need to alleviate restrictions related to EU direct payments (the laggards/tail-enders) and the Green Deal.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Our economic perspective advocates for lowering taxes (specifically, reducing VAT to 5%) in order to stimulate consumption and enhance the competitiveness of domestic producers. We prioritize achieving stable, long-term tax revenue and support micro and small enterprises, along with encouraging investment through retained earnings, which stands in opposition to the current policy of increasing taxation.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around the accessibility and affordability of food for low-income families. This highlights the fact that high prices are forcing people to choose food based on cost rather than quality. The discussion also emphasizes making school meals more affordable by lowering the VAT (Value-Added Tax), which is necessary to ensure children are properly fed.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft amendment to the Value Added Tax Act, which seeks to lower the VAT on foodstuffs to 5%. The speaker is the initiator and primary supporter of this bill, viewing it as a minimal and essential first step toward ensuring the survival of the agricultural sector and assisting consumers.
16 Speeches Analyzed