Agenda Profile: Siim Pohlak
First Reading of the Bill on Amendments to the State Fees Act and Related Amendments to Other Acts (417 SE)
2024-04-30
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political platform is firmly opposed to the government’s raising of taxes, excise duties, and state fees, viewing them as an excessive burden placed upon the Estonian people. The speaker sharply criticizes the government's economic incompetence and uncontrolled spending, particularly concerning climate policy and pay raises for bureaucrats. This position is strongly value- and performance-based, highlighting the decline of the Estonian economy and the resulting injustice.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of state finance and budget expenditures, highlighting specific destinations for these costs, such as the renaming of ministries and pay raises for officials. Economic comparisons are utilized ("a black hole compared to European economies"), and specific cost forecasts are presented (the price of "climate panic" is 300 million euros per year).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and emotional, employing sharp metaphors like "milking the Estonian people today like his own cow" and "climate and green frenzy." The tone sounds the alarm and is urgent, stressing the severity of the economic crisis. The appeal centers on protecting the public and small business owners from the government's unjust policies.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is the government, particularly the Reform Party, which is being blamed for turning Estonia into the country with the deepest economic recession in Europe. The criticism is policy-driven, focusing on wasteful spending and unfair taxation, which burdens ordinary citizens while leaving big capital untouched. Compromise is ruled out, as there is a proposal to reject the entire bill outright.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is being demonstrated strictly within the faction, as evidenced by the forwarding of the Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE) proposal to reject the draft bill. There is absolutely no indication of a willingness to compromise or engage in cross-party cooperation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (the Estonian people, domestic enterprise) and the international context (the European recession, the actions of the European Union). The bankruptcy of domestic small businesses is emphasized, but a specific regional or local focus is lacking.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are strongly opposed to tax increases, including criticism of state fees, excise duties, and the elimination of the tax bracket. They demand cost cutting and criticize the allocation of money toward raising officials' salaries and supporting ideological NGOs. Emphasis is placed on the need to protect domestic small businesses and address the tax-free repatriation of profits by foreign large capital.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In terms of social problems, it is emphasized that the government is collecting money from pensioners and families with children, which points to concern over the economic burdening of these groups. The funding of "ideological NGOs" from the state budget is also criticized.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on opposing Bill 417 SE (the Act Amending the State Fee Act). The speaker is an active opponent who, on behalf of their faction, is submitting a motion to reject the draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed