Agenda Profile: Reili Rand
Tax policy
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political stance is firmly opposed to the government's tax policy, particularly the decision to make the VAT increase permanent, which is eroding people's purchasing power. The speaker draws a contrast between supporting the interests of a select few businesses ("handing out gifts") and prioritizing the livelihood and well-being of the Estonian people. The position is strongly results-oriented, highlighting the significant divergence between economic forecasts and the actual quality of life.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in economic forecasting and tax policy, citing data from the Bank of Estonia regarding the economic recovery and the deterioration of purchasing power. Specific statistical indicators, such as the median salary in Hiiumaa of 1373 euros, are used to illustrate the policy's impact. Furthermore, the connections between covering national defense expenditures and the increase in VAT are discussed in detail.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and demands accountability, employing strong contrasts (e.g., corporate gifts versus family livelihoods). The speaker presents logical arguments and data, but also incorporates an emotional appeal, highlighting the injustice faced by the broader populace. The second address focuses on procedural pressure aimed at eliciting a substantive response from the Prime Minister.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the Riigikogu (Parliament) information hour, posing direct questions to the Prime Minister and monitoring procedural correctness when receiving responses. A subsequent address highlights the effort to ensure that the questions posed receive a full and substantive answer, demonstrating a persistent pattern of oversight.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the government, which is being criticized for a tax policy that favors a select few businesses over the wider population. The criticism is policy-based, focusing on unfair decisions regarding Value Added Tax (VAT) and the financing of national defense expenditures. The intensity of the attacks is high, accusing the government of supporting narrow business interests.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient Data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker highlights the regional focus, using the median wage of Hiiumaa as an example to illustrate the impact of economic policy on the specific context of their home island. This emphasizes the necessity of considering the effect of policy across various regions of Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly focused on protecting the purchasing power of the population and opposing regressive taxation (VAT), which worsens people's ability to cope financially. The speaker opposes tax relief or "gifts" for businesses, especially when these are prioritized over the well-being of families while covering national defense costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Within the scope of social issues, strong emphasis is placed on people's livelihood and well-being, which is directly linked to the deterioration of purchasing power and the cost of the extremely expensive food basket. The focus is on the economic security of families and reducing inequality through tax policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward a critical analysis of the government’s tax policy and the schemes used to finance national defense spending. In particular, there is opposition to making the VAT increase permanent, and questions are being raised about the exclusion of contributions from businesses toward national defense.
2 Speeches Analyzed