Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Draft Law on Declaring the Security Tax Act Invalid (595 SE) - First Reading
2025-05-08
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on the bill (595 SE) concerning the repeal of the security tax. The speaker adopts a strongly oppositional stance, accusing the Reform Party of lying to the public and attempting only a partial abolition of the tax, thereby calling their political integrity into question. The focus is rather on political performance and a value-based framework (honesty versus lying).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of tax policy and the security levy, highlighting its several components (the VAT increase, income tax starting from the first euro). Furthermore, they are familiar with the legislative process, inquiring about the progress of the bill’s drafting and referencing the presenter’s previous ministerial roles (Minister of Justice and Minister of Finance).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confrontational and accusatory, using the word "lies" to describe the actions of the Reform Party. The speaker relies on historical context (recalling the imposition of a tax) and poses pointed questions to emphasize the dishonesty of the opposing side.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is restricted to two addresses given during a single sitting day, both of which focus on the same draft law and its deliberation in the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party, which is being criticized intensely and directly. The criticism is both political and substantive, accusing the party of lying and attempting to eliminate only one component of the security tax, rather than abolishing the entire tax altogether.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on national tax policy and security issues, and there is no regional focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are focusing on the specifics of taxation, criticizing the Reform Party’s attempt to alter the structure of the security tax. It is noted that the original tax was tied directly to the security contribution, and the public, including pensioners, had agreed to it.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The only social issue mentioned concerns pensioners, who are cited as an example of the public's willingness to contribute to security through taxation. Social questions are addressed within the context of tax policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Draft Act on the Repeal of the Security Tax (595 SE). The speaker is a critical opponent of the current version of the bill and the pace of its development, suspecting that the draft does not solve the problem comprehensively.
2 Speeches Analyzed