Session Profile: Siim Pohlak
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-06-05
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional to the fiscal policy of the governing coalition, particularly regarding the budget deficit created by the Reform Party and the tax hikes (including the car tax) implemented to plug the gap. The speaker emphasizes that the government has prioritized the green transition and LGBT issues, while neglecting the Estonian economy, national capital, and rural life. This stance is forcefully presented and focuses on the negative impact of the government's actions on the economy and people's livelihoods.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the procedural rules of the Riigikogu, repeatedly referencing the "Yellow Book" and challenging the procedure for bundling amendments. The economic critique utilizes specific figures (a billion-euro deficit, 500 million for eliminating the tax hump) and economic indicators (the unemployment rate during the peak moments of the corona crisis). A detailed overview of the tax increases imposed by the government (excise duties, state fees) is also presented.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative, accusatory, and insistent, employing emotional appeals and rhetorical questions ("What is wrong with you, dear governing coalition?"). The speaker emphasizes the deterioration of the economy and the difficulties people face in making ends meet, while simultaneously using powerful metaphors (e.g., Rail Baltic running into the swamp, war hysteria) and accusations regarding the government's personal benefits (private jets, business class). Emotional and direct language is preferred, interspersed with procedural disputes.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the plenary session, repeatedly intervening in the proceedings to challenge the progress of the car tax bill and demand procedural recesses. Ten-minute recesses are repeatedly requested on behalf of the faction of the Estonian Conservative People's Party before votes. This pattern of activity is aimed at obstructing the government's legislative work through procedural means.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the ruling government coalition, especially the Reform Party, which is accused of plunging the state budget into deficit and pursuing an ill-conceived tax policy. The criticism is intense, covering both substantive aspects (destruction of the economy, wealth tax) and procedural aspects (irregularity in the legislative process). The speaker demands the withdrawal of the car tax bill and accuses the government of ignoring the public's ability to cope financially.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of engagement is purely oppositional, focusing on representing the interests of the parliamentary group (EKRE) and obstructing the government's activities. Cooperation is observed only internally within the group (such as requesting recesses on the faction's behalf). No willingness to compromise is evident; they demand the complete withdrawal of the draft bill and the termination of the proceedings.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (the state of the Estonian economy, national capital, and the situation in rural areas). As a specific regional project, Rail Baltic is criticized, with predictions that it will run into the ground and cause hundreds of millions in losses.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, arguing that these measures harm the Estonian economy, increase unemployment, and worsen people's livelihoods. The speaker advocates for alternative revenue sources, such as a bank solidarity tax and the taxation of international internet giants, in order to protect national capital.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the government is criticized for rapidly addressing the green transition and LGBT matters, with critics deeming these topics ideological and less important than the state of the economy, the Estonian language, and culture. The government is accused of charging ahead on these issues like horses with blinkers on.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on opposing the car tax bill and obstructing its proceedings, demanding its complete withdrawal and the suspension of the parliamentary reading. The speaker is an active opponent, submitting amendments whose passage would effectively repeal the car tax, and utilizing procedural timeouts on behalf of the faction before votes.
10 Speeches Analyzed