By Months: Siim Pohlak
Total Months: 11
Fully Profiled: 11
12.2024
15 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the text of the draft legislation, citing specific sections and subsections (e.g., amendments to the Child Protection Act, where "prohibition" is replaced by "restriction"). Regarding economic issues, they utilize statistical data (VAT rates, quarters of economic recession, decline in employment) and provide concrete calculations regarding the impact of tax hikes on the average wage earner (five extra days of work per month). They also address technical aspects, referencing civil radio interference caused by wind turbines.
11.2024
16 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of tax policy, particularly concerning the ratio between the car tax registration fee and the vehicle's purchase price, and is well-versed in comparing VAT rates across Europe. They also demonstrate historical awareness, citing the DIGAR database regarding the occurrence of extreme weather phenomena (giant hail) in Estonia over the last 100 years. Furthermore, they are familiar with the issues of segregation and ghettoization prevalent in Western Europe.
10.2024
15 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates authority on matters of state finance and economic policy, detailing tax increases, budget transparency, and the business environment. Economic terminology is utilized, and reference is made to specific surveys (Norstat, the Employer Speedometer), comparing Estonia’s situation with Lithuania’s experience regarding the bank tax. The classification of impact assessments for draft legislation and related issues are also a key focus.
09.2024
8 Speeches
The politician demonstrates expertise in economic and fiscal policy matters, drawing comparisons with European countries and proposing alternative financing methods (such as government bonds). He/She is also well-versed in national defense capability issues, particularly concerning the identification of and response to unexpected objects (the drone incident). Furthermore, social policy and demographic issues are at the forefront, with models being sought from other nations.
07.2024
5 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise in macroeconomics and personal finance, citing specific figures, such as the disposable income of Estonian residents (–€200) and the annual cost of tax hikes (€1,500–€2,000). He/She draws comparisons with Scandinavian countries and highlights the bloating of state bureaucracy and the financial damage caused by corruption.
06.2024
15 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of economics and small business, referencing specific data points (90%+ small businesses, a billion-euro budget deficit). His/Her level of knowledge is particularly strong regarding the procedural rules of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), where he/she repeatedly refers to the "yellow book" and disputes the procedural handling of draft legislation (such as the Car Tax). He/She is also aware of international examples concerning e-elections and the taxation of banking.
05.2024
16 Speeches
Demonstrates knowledge of economic policy (the impact of taxes on income groups and local businesses) and strategic security topics (Islamic terrorism, food security, state control of nuclear energy). Uses international parallels to support arguments, such as comparing Russian e-voting practices and radical socio-political ideas in Western Europe (the meat tax).
04.2024
20 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise regarding the organization of elections and the security risks associated with e-voting, referencing even peer-reviewed research articles and American professor Drew Springall. They are familiar with the magnitude of the state budget deficit and the cost of abolishing the tax hump. Furthermore, they are competent regarding the procedural rules of the Riigikogu, having filed protests against the board's decisions concerning the limitation of recesses.
03.2024
38 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of tax policy, citing specific VAT rates in European Union countries for comparison (e.g., Denmark, Germany, Austria). He/She uses economic statistics to dispute government claims (e.g., the drop in purchasing power and industrial output to 2018 levels). Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the procedural rules of the Riigikogu, particularly concerning the majority vote requirements for draft legislation and the administrative costs associated with the expense reimbursement system.
02.2024
25 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates a strong grasp of taxation and banking, referencing specific legal statutes and providing examples of bank taxes and VAT rates in other European countries (Lithuania, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary). Furthermore, he/she is familiar with the rules of procedure of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) and the working protocols of parliamentary committees, submitting detailed protests regarding procedural violations. In addition, specific knowledge concerning local government corruption patterns (illustrated by the example of the Kose council) is presented.
01.2024
17 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates knowledge concerning economic policy (the impact of tax hikes on inflation and business recovery), infrastructure projects (specifics regarding Rail Baltic's speed and the number of track pairs), and legal procedures (oversight by the Prosecutor's Office, surveillance activities). Specific numbers and references are used (draft bill numbers, excise duty rates), and the reliability of Eurostat data is called into question in light of the minister's answers.