Session Profile: Arvo Aller
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
2025-04-17
Political Position
The political focus is heavily centered on reducing the VAT on food items to 5%, which is viewed as the absolute minimum the coalition should undertake to support the public. This stance is strongly supportive, underscoring the necessity of easing price pressure on consumers and boosting the rural economy. The political framework is clearly aimed at providing economic relief and enhancing national security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and the nuances of VAT, referencing European directives and Estonia's domestic options for implementing reduced rates. Specific data and percentages (5%, 9%, 24%, 27%) are utilized, and the positive outcomes of Latvia's 2018 VAT pilot project for fruits and vegetables are highlighted. The expertise centers on ensuring the tax reduction benefits the consumer and stimulates domestic production.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and at times combative, accusing the ruling powers of hostility towards the populace and employing steamroller tactics against the opposition's sound initiatives. Both logical arguments (references to the experiences and studies of other countries) and emotional appeals are utilized, emphasizing consumers' hardships and the necessity of affording the cost of basic needs. The tone is formal yet sharp, while simultaneously offering the coalition assistance in implementing the tax reduction.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Fierce opposition is aimed at the ruling coalition and the Reform Party, who are being criticized for tax hikes and ignoring the opposition’s sound initiatives. The criticism is intense, accusing those in power of presenting "anti-people" arguments and believing they are the only ones who know how to get things done. The coalition’s actions are being described as a slow-moving "steamroller" that simply rolls over all of the opposition's proposals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is actively promoting cooperation within the opposition, noting that the Centre Party (Keskerakond), EKRE, and Isamaa all support lowering the VAT. Help and support are being offered to the coalition to implement this joint initiative, demonstrating an openness to political compromise on the issue of tax reduction. The goal of this cooperation is to "do good for the Estonian people."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is aimed at revitalizing rural life and supporting small businesses in rural areas by implementing a 5% VAT, allowing them to sell their food openly. Emphasis is placed on building confidence among domestic producers and linking support for rural areas directly to national security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints strongly advocate for tax reductions, particularly concerning the VAT on foodstuffs, in order to ease the financial burden on consumers and stimulate small businesses in rural areas. Tax hikes (excise duties, income tax, and VAT) are viewed as detrimental to the economy, leading to even higher food prices. Support is given to improving the competitiveness of domestic producers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern revolves around consumer affordability and meeting basic needs, emphasizing that people are forced to shop based on price because their budget doesn't allow them to purchase more expensive goods. This situation is directly linked to the current tax policy, which leaves people with less disposable income.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting the draft bill to reduce the VAT on foodstuffs to 5%, as we are the main proponents and supporters of this initiative. There is also mention of the possibility of lowering the rate for medicines and books to 5%, thereby broadening the scope of application for reduced tax rates. The overall objective is to amend the reduced VAT rates domestically within Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed