By Months: Henn Põlluaas
Total Months: 10
Fully Profiled: 10
12.2024
10 Speeches
Demonstrates knowledge of economic policy (the impact of tax hikes on inflation and recession) and history (the events surrounding the 1940 Riigivolikogu/State Assembly), drawing on historical parallels. It addresses in detail issues of citizenship and internal security (the citizenship status of criminals, dual citizenship) and is familiar with the procedures of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee. It also raises practical questions concerning the implementation of the new motor vehicle tax and the prevention of environmental pollution during mining planning.
11.2024
3 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise in state budget control and the feasibility analysis of major infrastructure projects (Rail Baltic). He/She uses specific data, citing quadrupled construction costs and operating expenses (500 million annually), and critically analyzes the shortcomings of the original feasibility study, which relied on bluff and the lost Russian transit traffic. Furthermore, he/she is familiar with the promotion of performance-based budgeting in both Latvia and the European Commission.
10.2024
21 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates technical expertise in the State Budget Act, referencing specific sections (§ 47, § 48) and Supreme Court rulings regarding the lack of regulations for equalization and support funds. He also uses detailed statistical data concerning the economic recession (indicators of exports and productivity) and the arrival in Estonia and protection granted to Ukrainian men liable for military service. Furthermore, he is aware of the size of state investments made for the development of the broadband network (approximately 170 million euros).
09.2024
2 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise in the field of national defense and armament, utilizing specific terminology such as K9, Caesar, HIMARS, and artillery calibers (155- and 122-millimeter). Furthermore, they possess thorough knowledge of Estonia's recent history and legislation, referencing Jüri Uluots' 1944 appeals and the Riigikogu's 2012 decision concerning the recognition of freedom fighters.
07.2024
1 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise primarily in the field of fiscal policy and taxation, highlighting specific figures and potential savings (e.g., 500 million from eliminating the tax bracket distortion and 300 million from the bank tax). He/She draws comparisons with other countries (Germany, Europe) regarding the economy and tax burden, and explains the negative effect of tax hikes on consumption and production. This expertise is focused on analyzing the state budget and measures for economic revitalization.
06.2024
11 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the procedural rules of the Riigikogu (simple majority vs. absolute majority) and the application of legal analyses. On economic topics, the necessity of digitalization, automation, and robotization is emphasized. In the context of defense policy, reference is made to the role and use of anti-personnel mines in Ukraine, which are referred to as "the poor man's atomic bombs."
05.2024
12 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of international and domestic law, citing the principle of state immunity, the inviolability of property, and the Estonian Constitution. The argumentation includes specific references to European Union directives and international standards (e.g., the Council of Europe's 2017 requirements for e-voting). Awareness is also demonstrated regarding the financial risks and countermeasures associated with the scheme for confiscating Russian assets.
04.2024
27 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates competence in the fields of demography and socioeconomics, citing specific figures related to poverty and declining birth rates, alongside comparisons with neighboring countries. Furthermore, they are well-versed in the shortcomings of the e-voting system and the findings of international audits (OSCE, OECD), stressing the lack of verifiability. Concrete data is utilized concerning unemployment and the number of immigrants (e.g., 11,000 Ukrainian deserters).
03.2024
49 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of tax policy (bank tax, VAT, excise duties) and its economic impact, demanding detailed analyses of the tax burden. Furthermore, they are well-versed in national defense development plans, security screening, and constitutional law issues, citing provisions of the constitution, rulings by the European Court of Human Rights, and the opinions of constitutional law experts. Specific knowledge regarding Islamic extremism and the practice of banning the burqa/niqab in European countries is also highlighted.
02.2024
58 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates mastery of the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and procedural regulations, repeatedly challenging the majority required for adopting decisions. Furthermore, they possess detailed knowledge of the legal foundations of food labeling (EU regulations, insect proteins) and language policy (C1 level requirement, Language Inspectorate recommendations). They are also familiar with the fundamentals of foreign policy and issues within the consular sector.