Agenda Profile: Anti Poolamets
Draft law amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Tax Act and other laws (510 SE) - Third Reading
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s excise and tax policies (VAT, pension taxation), emphasizing their negative impact on the impoverishment of the population and the stagnation of the economy. Green policy is particularly sharply criticized, being labeled a competition-killing, far-left invention. The stance is primarily outcome-based, focusing on the economic downturn and the closure of businesses.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding economic indicators, the impact of excise policy, and cross-border trade statistics, highlighting specific data on household payment difficulties (43,500) and the decline in excise revenue (a drop of 19 million euros). Specific figures are used concerning the growth of cross-border trade (30%) and the level of Estonian beer excise (which is 48% higher than in Latvia). Future regulations are also referenced, such as the CO2 charge and the purchasing of quotas in the context of transport fuels.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and cautionary, employing powerful metaphors such as "cutting off the oxygen supply" and "the economic assassin's dream." The appeals are a mixture of economic data and ideological opposition, labeling the opposing side as proponents of a planned economy and liberals infected by far-left ideas. The overall tone is urgent, emphasizing the deepening of the economic crisis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the parliamentary debate, requesting additional time and referencing recent current affairs (electricity prices compared to Finland) as well as the content of the information session held that same day (Lauri Läänemets' assertions).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is directed at the government’s economic and tax policies, which are described as destroying Estonia’s competitiveness and killing the economy. The criticism is policy-based and intense, accusing opponents of not wanting economic growth, but rather preferring "languishing in the name of saving the world." The opponents' policy is labeled a far-left invention that kills competitiveness.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national competitiveness and cross-border economic relations, comparing Estonia with Finland, Sweden, and Latvia regarding electricity prices, excise duty rates, and border trade. Separately, emphasis is placed on the negative impact on the Estonian tourism sector, which is suffering from the lack of interest from Scandinavian tourists due to the alcohol excise tax.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views strongly advocate for competitiveness and a low tax burden, opposing any increases to excise duties (fuel, alcohol), VAT, or the taxation of pensions. Criticism is directed at allowing banks to move excessive profits out of the country. Furthermore, the need to support entrepreneurs and the struggling tourism sector is emphasized. They advocate for a free-market economy and reject any elements of a planned economy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
When discussing social issues, the focus is on the direct social impact of economic policy, highlighting the dramatic increase in household payment difficulties (up over 40% annually) and the general impoverishment of the population. Slogans advocating for reduced alcohol consumption are considered insignificant compared to the actual economic damage being caused.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the draft act (510 SE) amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel, and Electricity Excise Duty Act and other acts, emphasizing the detrimental effect of excise duty hikes on the economy and the resulting growth in border trade. The proposed Climate-Resilient Economy Act currently under discussion is also sharply criticized as a tool for destroying competitiveness.
4 Speeches Analyzed