Agenda Profile: Siim Pohlak
Draft law amending the Value Added Tax Act (596 SE) – First Reading
2025-05-22
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political platform centers on strong opposition to the government's tax hikes, particularly the increase of the VAT to 22%, which is viewed as a shortsighted and foolish decision. The primary objective is to reverse the tax increase (from 22% back to 20%) in order to ease inflation and restore economic growth. The policy is heavily focused on criticizing the government's poor economic performance, while stressing the necessity of snap elections and direct democracy.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and macroeconomics, explaining the impact of VAT on inflation, purchasing power, and businesses' input costs. The arguments are supported by international comparisons (tax cuts in neighboring countries) and reference specific meetings, such as the positions presented by the Merchants' Association to the Rural Affairs Committee.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, accusatory, and urgent, employing strong negative language directed at opponents (e.g., "short-sighted and stupid decision," "lied," "the Reform Party's binge"). Economic arguments (growth, liquidity) are combined with sharp personal and political attacks, accusing opponents of lacking a sense of reality and fighting solely for their personal income.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Activity patterns indicate participation in the Riigikogu legislative process, specifically by being active during the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act (596 SE). Furthermore, recent work in the Rural Affairs Committee is referenced, where they met with representatives of the Merchants' Association.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is primarily aimed at the Reform Party and the ruling coalition (Eesti 200, Sotsid), who stand accused of implementing unfair economic policies, lying, and damaging the national economy. The criticism is intense, spanning from mere political disagreements to outright personal attacks, with the Reform Party’s tax policy even being compared to the actions of Putin’s Russia. Furthermore, opponents are criticized for exacerbating inequality and cutting benefits intended for large families.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is a staunch supporter of the bill initiated by their party and urges the Social Democrats to acknowledge their error regarding the tax hikes and support their repeal. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of direct democracy (referendums) and snap elections, signaling dissatisfaction with the current parliamentary cooperation.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national economy and international comparisons, particularly concerning neighboring countries (Latvia, Finland, Sweden) that have lowered taxes to stimulate economic growth. Concern is highlighted regarding Estonia potentially becoming the most expensive country in the Baltic Sea region, citing cross-border shopping in Latvia and Finland as a prime example.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly focused on tax reduction (lowering the VAT rate from 22% to 20%) to stimulate the economy, mitigate inflation, and boost purchasing power. Tax hikes are opposed, with the argument that they damage entrepreneurship, decrease competitiveness, and ultimately result in lower tax revenues in the long term. A fairer tax system is supported, given that value-added tax disproportionately burdens lower-income individuals.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, emphasis is placed on economic inequality and injustice, noting that the VAT increase disproportionately burdens poorer people due to mandatory essential expenses. The government is criticized for favoring the wealthy (through the abolition of the progressive tax rate) and for reducing support for large families.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on initiating and supporting the draft law amending the Value Added Tax Act (596 SE), the purpose of which is to reverse the previous VAT increase. The desired effective date for the draft law is January 1, 2026, to allow time for adjustment.
11 Speeches Analyzed