Session Profile: Arvo Aller
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
2025-05-21
Political Position
The political platform strongly advocates for tax cuts, especially reducing income tax, so that working people have more money left in their pockets. This is framed as taking care of the Estonian people and ensuring the security of the state, sharply contrasting with the government's policy of raising taxes. The position is strongly value-driven and results-oriented, accusing the government of neglecting its own citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and state budget revenue, referencing prior government experience (EKRE 2020) and connecting the positive effect of the income tax cut to VAT collections. They use specific figures (200 million, 5%) and criticize the Ministry of Finance’s reliance on Excel-based calculations. They are also aware of Latvia’s goal for national defense spending (5%) being achieved without requiring tax hikes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, accusatory, and urgent, emphasizing an emotional appeal concerning the welfare of the people and the government's negligence. Sharp political accusations are employed, such as the finance minister engaging in the implementation of Putin's propaganda. The speech is direct and strongly contrasts the government's actions with the vital needs of the populace.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Actively participated in the plenary session debate on the draft Income Tax Act, offering support for the bill and requesting additional time to present their views. Data regarding other activity patterns, such as frequency, meetings, or travel, is currently unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversaries are the Government of the Republic and the Riigikogu majority, who are accused of impoverishing the populace through tax hikes and of general neglect. The criticism is intense and political, extending to the accusation of implementing Putin's propaganda under the guise of a security tax. Former coalition partners (the Social Democrats) are criticized for their past support of tax increases and their current absence from the session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no sign of cooperation; the discourse is rather confrontational and critical. Although the proposal is rhetorically framed as coming to the government's aid, the actual goal is sharp criticism of the government's policy and the offering of opposing solutions. No willingness to compromise is expressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national issues and the general well-being of the Estonian people. The regional emphasis is evident in highlighting the needs of people living in rural areas, for whom a car is a necessity and who will be directly affected by the car tax.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly pro-tax cuts, based on the belief that this keeps money circulating and increases budget revenue (a policy tested in 2020). It sharply opposes all tax hikes (including VAT, excise duties, car tax, and land tax), deeming them ineffective and harmful to the public's standard of living. The preference is to increase the disposable income of working people to stimulate consumption and economic growth.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is currently aimed at improving the economic well-being of working people and families. Criticism has been leveled at the reduction of support for large families and the imposition of taxes on activities that are essential for life (such as owning a car in a rural area). There is an emphasis on the need to protect Estonian families and working people from the government's tax policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is supporting the draft amendment to the Income Tax Act, which aims to reduce the income tax rate. The speaker is a strong proponent of this bill and the initiator of the movement, viewing it as a crucial step toward improving the well-being of the Estonian people.
2 Speeches Analyzed