Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Draft Law on Annulment of Excise Tax Increases on Energy Carriers (627 SE) - First Reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance heavily focuses on the poor state of the Estonian economy, citing a 0.3% decline in the first quarter. This position is results-oriented, emphasizing the necessity of restoring competitiveness and avoiding past tax errors that resulted in tax revenue migrating to Latvia. The speaker is concerned about the future of the economy if the draft bill to annul the excise duty hikes fails to gain support.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of recent economic data, citing the 0.3% contraction of the Estonian economy in the first quarter. Historical context is also provided regarding the 2018 excise duty hikes and cross-border tax competition. Comparisons are drawn with the economic growth of Latvia and Lithuania to highlight Estonia's relative underperformance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and concerned, focusing on logical arguments grounded in economic data and historical errors. Formal language is employed, and direct questions are raised concerning the future of the economy and its competitiveness. The tone is more advisory and cautionary rather than overtly aggressive.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Reform Party’s earlier policies, particularly the 2018 excise duty hikes, which are widely seen as an economically damaging mistake. The criticism is policy-driven and intense, utilizing a negative historical precedent to underscore the risk of taxes pushing consumers and business across the border to Latvia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the Estonian national economy and competitiveness. The cross-border aspect is significantly emphasized, comparing the decline of the Estonian economy with the economic growth seen in Latvia and Lithuania, and referencing the problem of taxes shifting to Latvia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives highlight the pressing need for both economic growth and improved competitiveness. The speaker is critical of the high excise taxes, which have historically led to tax revenue flowing out to Latvia. The preference is for policies designed to help the economy begin its recovery.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft act concerning the invalidation of excise duty increases on energy carriers (627 SE). The speaker is a proponent of the bill's objective, emphasizing that failing to support it would harm Estonia's competitiveness and impede economic recovery.
2 Speeches Analyzed