Session Profile: Henn Põlluaas

The political position is one of strong opposition to the current governing coalition (Reform Party, Social Democrats, Estonia 200), focusing its criticism on economic policy (tax increases) and the alleged destruction of the nation's future. The stance is value-based, drawing historical parallels (the events of 1940) to warn against the current situation. The speaker asserts that the government's actions will push Estonia into the ranks of the five poorest countries in Europe, thereby deepening the crisis. The key themes addressed are tax increases, the national defense budget, and guaranteeing Estonian-language education.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and macroeconomic indicators, listing all rising taxes (VAT, income tax, land tax, car tax, excise duties) and pointing to the recession and inflation. He/She is also aware of the financial movements related to the national defense budget and aid to Ukraine. Regarding education topics, he/she emphasizes constitutional rights concerning Estonian-language instruction.

The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and forceful, employing strong emotional appeals and historical parallels (the events of 1940) to dramatize the current situation. Sharp and unconventional language is used ("bullsh…", "blatant lie," "cesspits"), and the deliberate destructiveness of the government's actions is emphasized. The speaker poses many rhetorical questions and concludes on a pessimistic note, seeing the future "in the darkest colors."

The speaker actively participates in the plenary sessions of the Riigikogu, having addressed the body on consecutive days (December 4 and 5) during debates on significant draft legislation, specifically the state budget and the education law. They requested an additional three minutes during their speech, which clearly shows a desire to present their views thoroughly.

The main opponents are the governing coalition (the Reform Party, the Social Democrats, Eesti 200) and Finance Minister Ligi, who are accused of blatant lying and the deliberate destruction of the state. The criticism is intense and policy-driven, focusing specifically on tax hikes and cuts to family benefits. The speaker claims that the government is ignoring all proposals put forth by the opposition, which suggests that they are ruling out any possibility of compromise.

The speaker does reference the previous speech by a "good colleague," which provided the inspiration for drawing the historical parallel, but there is no mention of direct cooperation, willingness to compromise, or cross-party action.

The focus is primarily national (Estonian economy, tax policy, national defense) and international (comparison with Europe and neighbors, aid to Ukraine). Specific regional or local topics are not covered.

Strongly opposed to tax increases, arguing that raising taxes during a crisis (VAT, income tax, land tax, and excises) deepens the economic downturn and pushes Estonia into the ranks of poorer countries. He/She criticizes the government's policy, which has resulted in the highest inflation and recession. Supports an economic policy designed to halt the decline in productivity and competitiveness.

The speaker strongly advocates for family and child benefits, criticizing the government's decision to cut them. Regarding education, the focus is on guaranteeing the constitutional right of Estonian children to Estonian-language instruction and a cultural environment in kindergartens, while simultaneously opposing the draft legislation that allegedly fails to secure this right.

The main legislative focus is the opposition to the state budget due to tax increases and the alleged bluff concerning defense expenditures. Furthermore, he/she is a strong opponent of the draft bill related to the Preschool Institutions Act, which, in his/her estimation, fails to guarantee Estonian children Estonian-language instruction within an Estonian-language group.