Agenda Profile: Irja Lutsar
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Lower the VAT Rate on Cancer Medicines" (277 OE)
2024-03-19
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position clearly opposes the current draft bill concerning the reduction of VAT on cancer medicines, highlighting the lack of equal treatment and legislative clarity. A political approach is preferred, one where support is also extended to other equally serious diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, and the solution must be systemic. This viewpoint is strongly policy-driven, focusing on the complexity and inequality inherent in the bill's implementation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in pharmaceutical policy and healthcare financing, emphasizing the need for drug price negotiations and the complexity of VAT application for medicines used in the treatment of multiple conditions. A specific rare disease (cystic fibrosis) and the innovative nature of its treatment are mentioned, pointing to a detailed understanding of the medical field.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and logical, focusing on highlighting the ambiguities and inequalities of the draft proposal, while raising several questions that require resolution. The tone is moderate and pragmatic, offering systemic solutions—such as international cooperation on price negotiations—as a counterweight to emotional arguments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data regarding activity patterns, with the exception of participation in the discussion of Riigikogu Draft Bill 277 OE during its first reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The objection is directed at a specific legislative bill (277 OE), criticizing its vagueness and its disparate treatment of various illnesses. The criticism is political in nature and focuses on systemic shortcomings, such as the ambiguity surrounding the definition of pharmaceuticals and the failure to extend support to other patient groups.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the need for international cooperation in pharmaceutical price negotiations, citing cooperation with Europe or neighboring countries as an example (similar to the COVID crisis). Domestically, he points out that his party (Eesti 200) also does not support the bill, referring to a unified party-wide position.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation (VAT) and international cooperation regarding the price of medicines. Emphasis is placed on Estonia’s position as a small market, which requires international cooperation (Europe or neighboring countries) to strengthen price negotiations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic viewpoints relate to tax policy (specifically, opposition to selective VAT reduction) and the pharmaceutical market. The preference is for a cost-reducing solution achieved through strong collective price negotiations rather than tax relief, while acknowledging the pharmaceutical industry's opposition to such an approach.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns the equal treatment of people suffering from serious illnesses and the accessibility of necessary medication. It is stressed that if VAT relief is granted to one group of patients, it must also be extended to those with other similar serious conditions to ensure social justice.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing Draft Bill 277 OE, which proposes lowering the VAT rate on cancer drugs. The priority remains finding systemic solutions to improve drug accessibility, favoring price negotiations over legislative amendments that could introduce uncertainty.
1 Speeches Analyzed