Session Profile: Arvo Aller
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting
2024-06-04
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government's tax policy, specifically the abolition of the income tax exemption for pensioners receiving the average pension. The most salient issue is the deterioration of pensioners' well-being and the breaking of government promises, which is framed as increasing poverty among the populace. The stance is highly critical of the government's actions and is outcome-driven, accusing the coalition of worsening the welfare of the people.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in social policy and taxation, concentrating on the financial situation of pensioners and the increasing tax burden. A factual claim is used, stating that Estonian pensioners are the poorest in the EU, and several tax hikes are enumerated (VAT, excise duties, income tax). Criticism is also leveled at procedural deficiencies in the handling of draft legislation, such as the absence of a development intent (WIK) and the abuse of the "urgent" justification.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and accusatory, emphasizing the unjust and unfair nature of the government's actions toward pensioners. Emotional appeals are employed (impoverishment, broken promises, "the cherry on top"), concluding with a direct political call to vote against the ruling coalition in the European Parliament elections. The tone is formal, but the content is sharply adversarial.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action is limited to an appearance at the Riigikogu plenary session, where strong opposition to a specific draft law is expressed. The speech is timed to the week of the European Parliament elections, which is being used as a platform for political influence. Other activities, meetings, or travel are not mentioned.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the ruling coalition parties: the Reform Party, Eesti 200, and the Social Democrats. They are being intensely criticized for both political decisions (tax hikes, reduction of benefits) and procedural violations (the absence of WIK, the justification of urgency). The opposition is absolute; supporting the draft bill is ruled out, and the coalition stands accused of deceiving the electorate.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style shows a reliance on interest groups, citing the position of the Pensioners' Association, which confirms the poverty of Estonian pensioners. There is no data regarding cooperation with other Riigikogu factions or the search for compromises with the government.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, addressing the situation of Estonian pensioners and the government's tax policy. International comparison is also used, highlighting the position of Estonian pensioners as the poorest pensioners in the European Union.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are strongly opposed to tax increases, especially concerning the abolition of the income tax exemption on pensions. It is emphasized that tax hikes (VAT, excise duties, income tax) increase poverty and directly hit the wallets of those in the most difficult circumstances. Social protection is supported, and there is opposition to fiscal policies that worsen the situation for lower-income groups.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the economic well-being and poverty of pensioners, emphasizing their position as the poorest pensioners in the European Union. The government's actions are viewed as a direct attack on this demographic, also citing the negative impact of abolishing free public transport.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on opposing bills initiated by the government, particularly the proposal to abolish the income tax exemption for pensions. The speaker is an active opponent, also criticizing other upcoming bills (such as the car tax) and the government's general legislative pattern, which lacks a proper intention or plan for drafting the legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed