Session Profile: Siim Pohlak
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting.
2024-03-13
Political Position
The political position is vehemently opposed to the government's (Reform Party's) tax policy, which critics have dubbed the "tax experiment" and the "tax spree." The primary demand is the reduction of VAT on food and medicines to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis. This is contrasted with the government's decision to abolish the tax bracket that favored the wealthy. The overall stance is strongly rooted in values and outcomes, highlighting inequality and the suffering experienced by the populace.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of tax and economic policy, utilizing specific terminology such as "tax wedge distortion" (or "tax hump") and "tax rate." To substantiate their position, they cite specific VAT rates and draw comparisons with other European Union countries (Denmark, Germany, France, etc.), underscoring Estonia's high ranking.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and forceful, employing strong accusations (such as government cynicism, or acting "Goebbels-style"). The address is formal, yet it incorporates emotional descriptions of the public's forced austerity and the crowding in grocery stores. The argumentation is grounded in both economic rationale (taxes should not be raised during a crisis) and comparisons drawn from the tax statistics of various European countries.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity is linked to a plenary session of the Riigikogu, where they repeatedly posed questions and delivered a lengthy speech concerning the government's economic policy and the reduction of the value-added tax (VAT). There are no references to activities that occurred outside the Riigikogu or to regular communication patterns.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government coalition led by the Reform Party, which is being sharply criticized for its flawed economic policy and unfair tax hikes. The criticism is intense and policy-driven, accusing the government of favoring the wealthier segment and ignoring the suffering of the populace. The government’s justifications for abandoning the planned VAT reduction are being called "pathetic."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The approach to cooperation centers on backing their own faction's (EKRE) bill and urging governing coalition members to admit their errors and support the VAT reduction. There is no mention of readiness to compromise with the government; rather, they are demanding that the losses be recovered and the policy be altered.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly at the national level (the state of the Estonian economy and its people) and on international comparisons with the tax policies of European Union member states. Specific local or regional projects or communities are not emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views strongly advocate for tax cuts, particularly concerning essential goods, and oppose tax increases during an economic crisis. They support reducing bureaucracy and eliminating unnecessary spending within the state budget. Furthermore, they criticize government policies that unfairly benefit the wealthier segment (those earning 2,000–8,000 euros) and large foreign corporations.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, emphasis is placed on economic justice and the criticism surrounding the reduction of benefits for large families, a reduction that was implemented immediately. The primary social concern is the accessibility of essential goods (food, medicine), which have become prohibitively expensive due to tax hikes, forcing the public into strict austerity measures.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting the bill put forward by EKRE, which concerns lowering the VAT on food and medicines. The speaker is a strong proponent of this measure and demands that the government, provided it has the political will, find the necessary budgetary coverage within a week and get the job done.
4 Speeches Analyzed