Agenda Profile: Siim Pohlak
Value-Added Tax on Foodstuffs
2025-01-22
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, information briefing
Political Position
The political focus is centered on the rising cost of living and tax policy, specifically the opposition to the 24% VAT rate on food products. A strong, results-oriented position is being presented, demanding that the VAT on food be lowered to 5%, given that these are essential goods. The government's performance is being assessed negatively, as it has consistently brought a string of bad news and price hikes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the comparison of European VAT rates, pointing out that Estonia, with 24%, rises to second place, right after Denmark. The specific economic term "necessity good" (sundkaup) is used, and reference is made to the expectations of merchants and food producers regarding price reductions. The need for concrete results, rather than just analyses and calculations, is emphasized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, insistent, and slightly confrontational, stressing that politics consistently delivers nothing but "bad news" (price hikes, tax increases). An emotional appeal is made to justice regarding "unjustifiably high prices," and the opposing side is demanded to provide concrete deadlines and actions instead of just twiddling their thumbs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The address is being delivered during the Riigikogu session, focusing specifically on a particular agenda item and the imminent vote on the EKRE draft bill, which is expected to take place within the next couple of hours. The speaker is using this opportunity to issue a final, repeated appeal for support of the bill ahead of the vote.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is directed at the government, which is led by the Reform Party, and the Social Democrats, who are being blamed for causing tax hikes and the high cost of living. The criticism is policy-based, accusing the government of seeking reasons why the VAT cannot be lowered, instead of looking for solutions. Concern is being expressed that the Reform Party, headed by Jürgen Ligi, is overriding the other coalition partners.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is being sought through the support of a specific draft bill, calling on the minister's party to back the 5% VAT reduction bill proposed by EKRE. This cooperation is conditional and directed toward supporting the opposition's initiative, stressing that this is the only chance for a tax cut.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing the livelihood challenges and tax burden faced by Estonian residents. International comparison is also used to highlight Estonia's unjust position among European countries that have the highest VAT rates on food products.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly supports lowering taxes, particularly reducing the VAT on foodstuffs to 5%, in order to alleviate the public's problems with rising prices. Concern is expressed over the increasing cost of essential goods (food, energy, vehicle ownership), which is attributed to the actions of the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed at the economic well-being of residents and the serious problems caused by rising prices, since food is "obviously an essential commodity." It is emphasized that people cannot choose whether or not to consume it.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is supporting the bill put forth by EKRE to reduce the VAT on foodstuffs to 5%, which is deemed a "very good bill." The speaker is a strong proponent of this initiative and demands concrete deadlines from the government for adopting the tax reduction decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed