Agenda Profile: Vladimir Arhipov
Draft law amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Tax Act and the Value Added Tax Act (594 SE) – First Reading
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker adopts a clearly adversarial stance toward the government's tax policy, strongly advocating for a reduction in excise rates and VAT. He/She consistently stresses that tax hikes damage the economy and place an unfair burden on consumers, particularly low-income groups. The speaker positions himself/herself as a proponent of business-friendly policies who champions economic revitalization through tax cuts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates a strong grasp of the effects of tax policy on the economy, using specific examples concerning the supply chain, logistics costs, and price pass-through. It shows knowledge of how excise duties and VAT operate, and their impact on various societal groups. It references the experiences of other countries and alternative solutions, such as a banking levy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs an emotional and compassionate tone, particularly when discussing pensioners and low-income families. The rhetoric is critically aimed at the government, utilizing rhetorical questions and concrete, real-world examples. The style is accessible and easy to understand, avoiding overly technical language while still maintaining the logical coherence of the argumentation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The addresses are scheduled to take place during the Riigikogu session on May 7, 2025, as part of the first reading of the draft Excise Duty Act. The pattern of participation indicates active involvement in tax policy discussions, presenting both questions and more extensive statements. It also mentions previous appeals made to the government seeking answers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
It takes a distinctly adversarial position toward the government, sharply criticizing their tax policy and the assessment of the impact of their decisions. It accuses the government of pursuing a "backward" economic policy and showing insufficient concern for vulnerable groups. The opposition is principled and uncompromising on the issue of tax increases.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Highlights similar issues shared with colleagues and a common concern regarding tax policy. Respectfully addresses both the session chair and colleagues. The cooperation style is largely consensual among opposition forces, but adversarial toward the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on national issues, without mentioning specific regions or local concerns. The emphasis is on the overarching problems facing the Estonian economy and society, although it does reference the reputation of Estonia’s business climate within an international context.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly advocates for lowering taxes to stimulate economic growth and supports pro-business policies. Criticizes the raising of the value-added tax (VAT) as unfair to all consumers and demands government spending cuts instead of tax increases. Emphasizes the necessity of supporting small businesses and maintaining competitiveness.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is heavily placed on the financial well-being of pensioners and low-income families, highlighting their vulnerability to tax hikes. It raises the threat of deepening poverty and calls for compensatory measures for those with low incomes. Issues of social justice are strongly featured through the lens of economic policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Actively supports amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel, and Electricity Excise Duty Act and the Value-Added Tax Act to reduce excise rates and VAT. It opposes the tax hikes planned by the government and demands that alternative solutions be considered. It emphasizes the necessity of a fair and transparent tax policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed