Agenda Profile: Henn Põlluaas
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Lower the Value Added Tax on Foodstuffs and Medicines to 5 Percent" (272 OE)
2024-03-13
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political focus is on the recession and inflation, which have led to bankruptcies among food producers. The sentiment is strongly critical of the government's actions, accusing them of unleashing "tax terror." The objective is to support domestic food production and restore the public's purchasing power through lowering the value-added tax (VAT).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker focuses on the economic fallout from food production and consumption, highlighting producer bankruptcies and the nearly double increase in food prices. Their expertise is demonstrated by emphasizing the link between the preference for domestically produced food and consumers' inability to afford it. Specific statistical data or technical economic analysis is not presented; instead, the arguments rely on everyday observations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and emotionally charged, using expressions like "tax terror" and describing the closing of producers' doors. The speaker relies on everyday observations and emphasizes the urgency of the situation. Finally, a direct question is posed to the presenter to assess the impact of the planned VAT reduction.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the government, which is directly blamed for causing the economic downturn and inflation. The criticism is intense and policy-driven, focusing on the devastating impact of the government-imposed "tax terror" on producers and consumers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, concentrating on domestic food producers and the purchasing power of the Estonian people. Emphasis is placed on the importance of prioritizing domestic food and the issues concerning its accessibility.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly advocate for tax cuts, particularly concerning the VAT on foodstuffs, as a means to mitigate inflation and the ongoing recession. There is also strong support for domestic producers, and emphasis is placed on the necessity of boosting the public's purchasing power. The government's current tax policy is widely regarded as destructive.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on the population's purchasing power and food security, highlighting that due to the economic recession, people can no longer afford to buy Estonian food.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on the draft bill (272 OE) concerning the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs and medicines. The speaker is a staunch supporter of this initiative and aims to highlight its positive effect on producers and the public's purchasing power.
1 Speeches Analyzed