Agenda Profile: Anti Poolamets
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act (184 SE)
2024-01-10
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The most prominent themes are the working capacity of the government coalition and the state's sovereignty in tax law. The speaker heavily criticizes the coalition's complacency and its refusal to organize additional sessions, viewing this as a disregard for the requirements of the constitution and the rules of procedure. The lack of sovereignty in Estonian tax law due to European Union regulations is also strongly emphasized. The political framework is highly procedural and value-based (sovereignty).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in parliamentary procedure (obstruction, additional sessions, requirements of the rules of procedure) and tax law (VAT rates, EU rules). He/She directly references the founding treaties of the European Union and the rules for setting VAT rates to support the claim regarding the lack of sovereignty.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly confrontational, accusatory, and passionate, utilizing strong emotional appeals (e.g., "a blatant lie," "lying"). The speaker emphasizes a logical argument (that more work must be done during difficult times) and appeals to constitutional and sovereignty principles. He/She employs rhetorical questions ("What kind of free country is this?") and expresses personal distrust ("I simply don't believe it").
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active legislator, having presented a bill (184 SE) changing the VAT rate during the first reading. He emphasizes the need to intensify the parliament's work schedule, pointing to the free Fridays and weeks off, in order to deal with the obstruction.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the coalition (who are accused of complacency and incompetence) and Annely Akkermann, who is accused of outright lying regarding the imposition of European Union taxes. The criticism is intense and focuses both on the government's procedural incompetence and its dishonesty regarding the issue of sovereignty.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national legislation (VAT) and international sovereignty issues (EU tax rules). Regional or local focus is absent from the speeches.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The proponent is engaged in indirect taxation policy, having submitted a draft bill aimed at raising the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate to 18.5%. Fiscal sovereignty is the central theme of their economic views, contrasting with the tax rules and limitations on derogations imposed by the European Union.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is changing the VAT rate via Bill 184 SE, which proposes a rate of 18.5%. Additionally, a significant focus is being placed on improving parliamentary procedure and compelling the coalition to hold additional sittings to meet the requirements of the Rules of Procedure.
4 Speeches Analyzed