Session Profile: Siim Pohlak
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
A strong oppositional stance is directed against the government’s tax policy and economic management, particularly concerning the introduction of the car tax and the failure to tax banks’ extraordinary profits. The speaker underscores the tax chaos and unjust policies created by the government, which are driving Estonia to the top of the economic recession rankings. The political framework is strongly results-oriented, focusing on the necessity of stability in the economic environment and tax certainty.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in financial and tax policy (car tax, VAT, bank profits), as well as the working order and procedural rules of the Riigikogu. Their knowledge is especially strong concerning the organization of parliamentary committee work and procedural violations, specifically citing the selective granting of speaking rights and the lack of necessary documentation. Specific terminology is employed, including "impact assessments," "issuance of state bonds," and "procedural admissibility."
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly combative, protesting, and insistent, especially when criticizing procedural issues and the work of the committees. Strong accusations are employed (e.g., "chaos," "brutally terminated," "decrees from the podium") and emphasis is placed on the injustice faced by lower-income individuals. The style remains formal, repeatedly addressing the "Esteemed Chairman," but it incorporates powerful emotional appeals against the government's actions.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active in the sessions, repeatedly raising procedural questions, protests, and interpellations (especially in February and September). The pattern of activity focuses on holding the government accountable (inquiries directed at the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance) and initiating legislation (the VAT bill). Proposals are frequently submitted to remove draft legislation from the agenda or to send them back to the committee.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party-led government, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, and the Riigikogu board/speaker. The criticism is twofold: political (tax increases, economic recession) and procedural (the chaotic work of committees, refusal to grant the floor, and ignoring information from the legal and analysis department). The protests are intense and demand the suspension or return of the processing of the draft legislation, citing "partisanship" when handling procedural issues.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker works closely with the EKRE faction, submitting interpellations on behalf of 13 faction members. Furthermore, they join the protests of other opposition MPs (such as Andrei Korobeinik and Martin Helme), especially concerning the procedural organization of the Finance Committee. This collaboration is aimed at unified resistance to government bills and the violation of procedural norms.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the national level, dealing with issues concerning taxes, the economic downturn, unemployment, and the business environment, all of which broadly affect Estonian people and companies. Specific regional or local topics are not addressed in the speeches.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to tax hikes, particularly the proposed car tax and the VAT increase on foodstuffs, demanding "tax peace" and a stable business environment. They prefer shifting the tax burden onto banks' extraordinary profits (citing the Lithuanian model) and financing national defense through the issuance of targeted government bonds, rather than through tax increases. It is emphasized that tax increases primarily hurt lower-income individuals and exacerbate economic hardship.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social problems highlighted are the direct consequences of the economic recession, such as the drop in people’s purchasing power, rising unemployment, and the necessity of taking out loans just to cover daily expenses. The proposal to reduce the VAT on foodstuffs is framed as an issue of social justice, given that food is an essential commodity and a mandatory expense.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priorities include opposing the government’s tax hikes (especially the motor vehicle tax) and lowering the VAT on foodstuffs to 5% (a bill that has already been initiated). The speaker is an active opponent and initiator, also focusing on ensuring compliance with the Riigikogu’s rules of procedure and procedural norms, specifically by demanding that draft legislation be returned to the committee.
11 Speeches Analyzed