Agenda Profile: Siim Pohlak
Chair implementation
2025-09-04
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, centering on fierce criticism of the government's tax policy and economic management. The most salient issues are the opposition to new taxes (such as the car tax and VAT hikes) and the demand to tax the windfall profits of major banks. The focus is heavily directed toward highlighting the inefficiency and unfairness of the government's activities, primarily utilizing a performance-based and values-based framework. They are also protesting against violations of the Riigikogu's rules of procedure.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates proficiency regarding the Riigikogu's Rules of Procedure and internal working order, as well as its procedural rules, by raising repeated procedural questions and objections (e.g., the selective granting of the floor, the admissibility of draft legislation). Substantively, there is a strong grasp of fiscal policy, particularly concerning the motor vehicle tax, VAT, and the taxation of bank profits, citing the economic recession and the necessity for impact assessments.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly combative, protesting, and critical, especially directed at the Riigikogu Board and committee chairmen. Sharp and direct language is employed, accusing the Board of partisan favoritism and warning of the breakdown of the democratic process ("decrees from the podium"). The appeals are a blend of procedural logic (demanding adherence to rules) and emotional urgency (describing the sessions as "chaotic" and "brutally" terminated).
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the sittings of the Riigikogu, focusing on raising procedural questions and submitting interpellations and draft legislation. This activity has been concentrated around discussions of major tax topics (such as the car tax and bank profits), particularly in February and September. The speaker often acts on behalf of the EKRE parliamentary group, submitting collective interpellations.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition's stance is intense, targeting both the government's policies and the actions of the Riigikogu's governing bodies. The primary adversaries are the Reform Party-led coalition and the Speaker of the Riigikogu, who stand accused of violating procedural rules, causing chaos, and ignoring the opposition. The criticism is both substantive (referring to "tax chaos") and procedural (specifically, the refusal to grant the floor). There is no mention of seeking compromise; the focus remains squarely on protests and demands.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation primarily occurs internally within the faction, involving the submission of interpellations on behalf of 13 members of the EKRE faction. Furthermore, they join the protests and proposals put forth by other opposition members (e.g., Andrei Korobeinik, Martin Helme, Ants Frosch), particularly concerning procedural violations within the Finance Committee. There is no indication of cooperation with the coalition or any effort to seek compromises.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the national level, addressing the Estonian economy, tax burden, and the business environment more broadly. The international context is utilized to provide examples (like the Lithuanian model for bank taxation) and to position Estonia's economic recession within European rankings. Specific local or regional topics are not covered.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to tax hikes (car tax, VAT), arguing that they will deepen the economic recession, increase unemployment, and damage the business environment. They advocate for shifting the tax burden onto financial capital, demanding the taxation of major banks' extraordinary profits. To finance national defense investments, a targeted issuance of government bonds is preferred over a cascade of tax increases, emphasizing the necessity of tax stability.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are discussed within the context of economic injustice, stressing the impact of taxation on lower-income individuals. Particular criticism is directed at the high VAT rate on foodstuffs, given that food is an essential commodity and a non-negotiable expense. It is also highlighted that, as a result of government policy, people are forced to take out loans just to cover their daily living expenses.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the government’s tax bills (e.g., the car tax) and challenging their procedural validity due to procedural violations. The speaker has taken the role of initiator, submitting inquiries to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance regarding the taxation of banks and the impact of tax hikes. Furthermore, a draft bill was submitted to amend the Value Added Tax Act, aiming to lower the VAT on foodstuffs to 5%.
11 Speeches Analyzed