Agenda Profile: Anti Poolamets
Draft law amending the Enterprise Income Tax Simplification Act, the Security Tax Act, and the Income Tax Act (645 SE) – First Reading
2025-05-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker radically opposes the tax hikes, arguing that the government lacks both a mandate and public trust, citing election manipulation and low support (below 20%) as the reasons. The political focus centers on the legitimacy of the government, the independence of the justice system, and preventing economic stagnation. The approach is heavily value-driven and results-oriented, leveling accusations of lying and deception against the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the reliability of elections and the influencing of the legal system, citing examples of scandals and unregulated e-elections. Alternative models for financing national defense are also presented, referencing Latvia's experience with bond issuance, PPP projects, and the sale of minority stakes in state-owned enterprises. Economic theory concerning the impact of tax hikes on revenue collection and capital flight is also addressed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is extremely aggressive, accusatory, and urgent, using strong expressions like "they are lying, tricking, and cheating" and referring to corruption ("money slipped away," "the mother-in-law's cabinets"). The appeal is primarily emotional and moral, calling into question the government's legitimacy and honesty. The logical argumentation is supported by numerical support percentages and the example of Latvia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to an appearance in the Riigikogu hall during the first reading of the tax law bill, during which additional time was requested. Other patterns of activity, meetings, or the frequency of speeches are not evident.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the governing coalition, which is accused of systemic lying, election manipulation, and corruption. The party Eesti 200 is facing particularly sharp criticism, with claims that they have absolutely no right to remain in government due to the loss of voter confidence. The criticism is intense and encompasses political, procedural, and personal accusations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker agrees with previous speakers regarding the lack of a mandate for tax increases, citing the opposition's unified stance. There is no indication of seeking compromise with the governing partners; rather, the dissolution of the government is being demanded due to a lack of confidence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonian national issues, particularly the state of the economy and the legal system. Among international examples, Latvia’s positive model for financing defense spending is highlighted, achieved through the issuance of bonds and the sale of stakes in state-owned enterprises.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is against tax hikes, arguing that they ruin the economy, cause capital flight, and lead to businesses shutting down. The preferred method for financing national defense is through issuing state bonds to Estonian citizens and selling minority stakes in state-owned joint-stock companies (PPP projects). Furthermore, the need to tax banks and large corporations is stressed so that they contribute to strengthening defense capabilities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are not directly addressed, with the exception of criticizing the use of security themes to justify the destruction of the economy. The need to strengthen internal security is emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the government's proposed tax hike bills (645 SE). As an alternative, the creation of a national defense and security fund is proposed, along with the advancement of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project model to attract defense investments.
3 Speeches Analyzed