Session Profile: Henn Põlluaas
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-06-05
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's tax spree, particularly the motor vehicle tax, emphasizing its devastating impact on the economy and public welfare. This stance is heavily focused on outcomes, accusing the government of lying and driving Estonia into the deepest recession in Europe. The speaker stresses that the government's actions are forcing people to make an impossible choice: either own a car or put food on the family table.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and macroeconomics, citing the economic crisis, inflation, and declining tax revenues. Comparisons are drawn with the German tax system, highlighting the high level of vehicle taxes there, the absence of a registration fee, and the difference in wage levels compared to Estonia.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and emotional, repeatedly employing strong negative phrases such as "government of liars," "cynical," and "absurd." There is a strong appeal made regarding the well-being and livelihood of the Estonian people and families, and sharp rhetorical questions are posed concerning the government's motives. The style itself is formal, but the substance is extremely critical, focusing on morality and procedural injustice.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's activity has been concentrated in the plenary session, where they participate both in the substantive debate on the motor vehicle tax and in procedural disputes. They make statements regarding the commencement of the time count and repeatedly request clarification from the Presidium concerning the unlawful voting procedure.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the ruling coalition, which stands accused of lying, destroying the economy, and mocking parliamentary principles. The criticism is both political (tax hikes) and procedural (violating the Rules of Procedure regarding the bundling of amendments). The speaker calls for the government to be removed and halted, ruling out any compromise whatsoever.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is evident internally within the party (EKRE) itself, emphasizing that "our entire party EKRE cares" about the people. There is absolutely no reference to seeking compromises with the governing coalition or pursuing cross-party cooperation. The speaker stresses that his substantive amendment proposals were simply thrown into the trash by the coalition.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards rural areas and rural residents, for whom giving up their car is impossible due to inadequate public transport. It is also emphasized that public transport in cities is below any acceptable standard, which makes giving up a car difficult.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are strongly opposed to tax hikes, especially during an economic downturn, as they damage competitiveness and entrepreneurship. The speaker argues that raising taxes (such as VAT, income tax, and excise duties) has yielded the exact opposite result, reducing state treasury revenues.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues highlighted is the financial coping ability of families with children and large families, whose stability is threatened by the motor vehicle tax. The focus is on economic well-being and maintaining the standard of living, ensuring that people can still "put food on the table" even while owning a car.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the motor vehicle tax bill, acting as a strong opponent to it. The speaker submitted substantive amendments, including a proposal to direct all tax revenue to the defense budget, which the coalition either rejected or procedurally tied up. Significant attention is also being paid to criticizing the violation of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act.
6 Speeches Analyzed