Session Profile: Siim Pohlak
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session.
2024-04-30
Political Position
The political position is strongly against the government's tax increases and spending policy, emphasizing the economic recession and the brutal exploitation of the people ("it is milking the Estonian people today like its own cow"). The main topics are the raising of state fees, climate policy, and state budget priorities. The focus is on the government's poor economic performance and unjust decisions, demanding the rejection of Draft Law 417.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of fiscal policy and tax structure, referencing a specific bill (417) and presenting estimates for future climate expenditure forecasts (300 million euros per year starting in 2027). The expertise focuses on the economic situation, utilizing comparisons with other European countries (Estonia as a "black hole").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, accusatory, and emotionally charged, employing strong language such as "brutally" and "green madness." There is a powerful appeal to emotions, describing the difficulties faced by pensioners and families and posing direct questions to the minister regarding their suffering.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is limited to appearances at the plenary session of the Riigikogu, where criticism of the government's policy is presented and a faction proposal is submitted. Information regarding other activities is unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversary is the government, particularly the Reform Party, who they accuse of driving the Estonian economy into a black hole and mismanaging the state. The criticism is intense, focusing on both political injustice (tax hikes) and ethical brutality (the targeting of pensioners and large families). Compromise has been ruled out, with demands for the bill to be rejected.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is strictly intra-factional, demonstrated by the submission of a proposal in the name of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE) to reject the draft bill. There is no evidence of a willingness to compromise or engage in cross-party cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is wide-ranging, encompassing Estonia's national economic problems and comparisons at the European level ("to be taxed among the five richest countries in Europe"). Specific local or regional topics are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic platform is staunchly opposed to tax and excise hikes, stressing the imperative to protect domestic small entrepreneurs and safeguard pensioners. Criticism is leveled against the government's ballooning expenditures (such as salary increases for officials and funding for ideological NGOs). Furthermore, there is a call to address the issue of foreign large capital extracting tax-free profits. The government is viewed as fiscally irresponsible.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sphere, the focus is on economic injustice and vulnerability, specifically criticizing the removal of benefits from large families and the abandonment of pensioners in dire straits. These groups are being framed as victims of the government’s brutal policies, struggling to manage utility expenses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the rejection of Draft Law 417 (which proposes raising state fees), a measure the speaker actively opposes. Furthermore, a concern is being raised regarding the absence of funding for strengthening national defense within the government's action plan.
2 Speeches Analyzed