Session Profile: Arvo Aller
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-02
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely oppositional, criticizing the government’s “steamroller” policy and the cumulative impact of tax hikes (including the sugar-sweetened beverage tax, VAT, excises, and the car tax). The primary focus is on government incompetence and procedural violations, particularly the lack of a formal development intention or preparatory analysis for crucial legislative drafts. The speaker claims that the tax is purely designed to fill the state budget, not to improve public health, thus casting doubt on the government's stated objectives.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of tax legislation, addressing the threshold for the sweetened beverage tax (5 grams per 100 milliliters) and outlining exceptions for small producers and drinks sold at fairs. Specific financial data is also utilized, referencing the 25 million euros planned for the budget and the administrative expenses (4.9 million, including 3 million in personnel costs). Procedural awareness regarding lawmaking is equally important, emphasizing the necessity of a formal drafting intention.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and critical, employing strong metaphors such as "steamroller" and labeling the replacement of physical education "complete nonsense." The appeal is primarily logical and data-driven, highlighting the cumulative impact of taxes and the irrationality of administrative costs. Although the tone is formal, the content is intensely critical of the government and its procedural actions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is concentrated on a single plenary session (May 2, 2024), involving active participation in the first reading of the draft bill, including submitting repetitive questions and proposing rejection on behalf of the faction. The speaker focuses on detailed questioning and procedural criticism.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary target of criticism is the government, which is criticized for its governing culture (the "steamroller" approach) and for ignoring legislative procedures, specifically due to the lack of a formal intent to draft. The criticism is intense and highly political, culminating in the proposal by the faction of the Estonian Conservative People's Party to reject the bill during its first reading. Previous governments (the Social Democrats/Sotsid) are also criticized for the effects of excise duty increases and the resulting border trade.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative approach is focused on the faction’s internal activities, with the proposal being put forward on behalf of the Estonian Conservative People’s Party faction. There are no indications of a willingness to compromise or engage in cross-party cooperation regarding this draft bill, as the proposal calls for its immediate rejection.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (the state budget, public health), but it also includes a specific regional economic concern related to Latvia and the movement of cross-border trade following earlier tax hikes. Furthermore, concern is highlighted regarding the taxation of local small-scale producers and farm producers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly oppose tax increases, emphasizing the cumulative negative impact of various taxes (VAT, income tax, excise duties, and the sweetened beverage tax) on consumer prices and household budgets. Meeting budgetary targets is viewed as the government's sole motivation, and there is criticism regarding the inflation of administrative costs, specifically highlighting the unreasonably large personnel expenses (3 million) required for tax administration.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social topics, public health is addressed, emphasizing that instead of taxation, the focus should be on prevention and boosting children's physical activity. The substitution of physical education with "mobility lessons" is heavily criticized, as it is seen as a fruitless endeavor that demands no effort from the kids.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the rejection of Bill 418 (the "Sweetened Beverage Tax Act Bill") during its first reading. The speaker is a staunch opponent of the bill, highlighting both procedural shortcomings (the absence of a Policy Intent Memorandum) and the substance of the policy (the tax's inefficiency and high administrative costs).
4 Speeches Analyzed