Agenda Profile: Siim Pohlak
First reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic for the Implementation of the Digital Services Tax in Estonia" (408 OE)
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on supporting the introduction of a digital services tax aimed at taxing large global corporations. Simultaneously, strong opposition is voiced against the tax policy of the Reform Party government, which places a heavy burden on local residents and small businesses. The framework is value-based, emphasizing the prioritization of domestic entrepreneurship over large international corporations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the government’s comprehensive tax hike package, listing excise duties, VAT, the car tax, and the soda tax. Specific financial claims are employed, referencing the tax-free extraction of hundreds of millions of euros by global corporations and the mega-profits earned by foreign banks.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is sharply aggressive and accusatory, particularly aimed at the Reform Party government, which is labeled the special representative of large corporations. Emotional appeals are employed, contrasting local victims (pensioners, working people) with the profits of foreign multinational corporations. The style is rather politically charged and confrontational.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party government, which is sharply criticized for the unfair distribution of the tax burden. The criticism is intense, accusing the government of turning a blind eye and prioritizing large corporations over local people. The opposition is both policy-based and value-based.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, highlighting the situation of the Estonian people, pensioners, and local businesses. Attention is also directed toward international players, such as global corporations (Facebook, Google) and major foreign banks operating in Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the necessity of taxing large global corporations that funnel untaxed profits out of Estonia. There is strong opposition to implementing increases in excise duties, VAT, and other tax hikes that place a burden on local residents. Furthermore, the prioritization of domestic entrepreneurship and its protection from state tax pressure are advocated.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are being addressed in the context of economic injustice, highlighting the negative impact of tax increases on pensioners, working people, and large families. The rise in unemployment is also noted, which now exceeds the level seen during the COVID crisis.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is supporting the draft bill for the implementation of the digital services tax, which is clearly deemed necessary due to the flow of untaxed funds. The speaker is a strong proponent and supporter of this initiative.
1 Speeches Analyzed