Agenda Profile: Siim Pohlak
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Lower the Value Added Tax on Foodstuffs and Medicines to 5 Percent" (272 OE)
2024-03-13
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political position is fiercely opposed to the government’s economic and tax policies, describing them as the biggest tax hike in Estonian history and an unjust experiment. The speaker urgently demands a reduction in VAT on foodstuffs and medicines to mitigate rising prices and help the economy overcome the crisis. This stance is strongly geared toward supporting the public and businesses against the government’s shortsighted decisions, emphasizing the principle that taxes are not raised during a crisis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and comparative European VAT rates, citing specific percentages for Denmark, Austria, Germany, and other countries. Knowledge is also presented regarding the links between the economic crisis and consumer behavior, detailing how tax hikes push the public into a savings mode and impact the turnover of more specialized shops within shopping centers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and accusatory, employing strong emotional appeals and loaded language (e.g., labeling the abolition of the tax hump as "Goebbels-like baptized" and the government as "the most cynical in Europe"). The appeals rely both on logical arguments (European comparisons, economic theory) and emotional descriptions of the public's hardship and the crowding in grocery stores. The tone is urgent, demanding that the government immediately acknowledge the damage caused and admit its mistakes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The information is restricted to speeches given in the Riigikogu during the debate on the specific draft legislation. The speaker mentions interacting with entrepreneurs who operate stores and with people in shopping centers to gather data regarding shifts in the economic situation and changes in consumer behavior.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary target is the Reform Party government coalition, which faces sharp criticism over its misguided economic policies and short-sighted tax increases. The criticism is twofold: political (unfair taxation favoring the wealthy) and personal/procedural (the government is labeled cynical, and its justifications for abandoning the planned VAT reduction are deemed pathetic). The resistance is intense, and rather than seeking compromise, the government is being pressured to acknowledge its mistakes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The approach to collaboration is focused on supporting the opposition's draft legislation (a measure proposed by EKRE) and influencing members of the governing coalition. Governing coalition members are urged to think more broadly and support the VAT reduction, finding the necessary budgetary coverage within a week, although no direct willingness to compromise with the government is expressed.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing the Estonian economy, tax policy, and state budget as a whole. A significant part of the analysis is international, comparing Estonia's VAT rates and price increases with those of other European Union countries.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly geared towards lowering taxes during the crisis, particularly on essential goods, in order to mitigate inflation and help businesses stay afloat. This position advocates for cutting state budget expenditures on unnecessary projects and reducing bureaucracy to find the necessary budgetary coverage for the tax reduction. Furthermore, the current policy is criticized for unfairly favoring the wealthier population and large foreign corporations.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus centers on economic justice and the availability of basic necessities, highlighting the soaring costs of food and medicine. The government is being criticized for cutting benefits for large families while the tax burden on essential goods simultaneously increases, forcing the population into a strict savings mode. The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone can afford the things necessary for survival.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting the bill (EKRE 272 OE) to lower the VAT on foodstuffs and medicines, aiming to bring the rate down to 5 percent. The speaker is a strong proponent of this measure, viewing it as a necessary relief mechanism to mitigate the consequences of the government’s economic decisions.
4 Speeches Analyzed