Agenda Profile: Marek Reinaas
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu, "Submitting a proposal to the Republic's Government to lower the value-added tax on foodstuffs to 5 percent" (492 OE)
2024-11-07
15th Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strictly procedural and neutral, as the speaker is acting solely in the capacity of a rapporteur. They emphasize the repeated discussion (the fourth instance) of the draft bill concerning the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs, and bring attention to the primary political issue: identifying sources to offset the budgetary impact. They do not publicly express a personal opinion, underscoring their official capacity.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expertise is demonstrated by the knowledge of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and the work of the Finance Committee. He/She accurately quotes the committee meeting minutes and summarizes the questions posed by other colleagues (e.g., Mart Võrklaev). He/She highlights the technical observation made by the Ministry of Finance representative that it is not possible to introduce a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) rate in Estonia, as the reduced rates are 9% and 13%.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of address is formal, objective, and procedure-focused, concentrating on relaying the minutes of the committee session. The presenter relies heavily on documentation and factual reporting, avoiding emotional or personal appeals. He/She employs a brief moment of humor when responding to a question regarding his/her appearance and the polling numbers of Eesti 200.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action relates to the work of the leading committee and the subsequent reporting to the plenary session. He/She reports on the sitting of the Finance Committee held on September 17, as well as the decision by the Riigikogu Board concerning the referral of the draft legislation to the agenda (moving the date from November 5 to November 7).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The presenter avoids expressing direct opposition to the draft legislation or criticizing other politicians, strictly maintaining the role of a rapporteur. They deflect political or party-specific questions (such as those concerning the rating of Eesti 200), noting that these topics were not included in the committee's discussion.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is consensual and procedural. He emphasizes that the committee made the decisions regarding sending the draft to the plenary session and appointing the rapporteur consensually. He names the committee members who participated in the sitting (including Annely Akkermann, Tanel Kiik, Mart Võrklaev), thereby demonstrating transparency.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives are presented neutrally, stressing fiscal responsibility and the effects on the budget. He/She brings up the issue of the resulting impact on the state budget and the necessity of finding funding sources to offset the reduction in value-added tax (VAT). He/She also cites the view that lowering the VAT on animal feed would allow farmers to produce food at a lower cost.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Riigikogu Draft Resolution 492 OE, which concerns lowering the VAT on foodstuffs to 5%. The speaker is acting as the rapporteur, focusing on the history of the bill's proceedings and its procedural referral to the first reading. He/She notes that the Centre Party has submitted a draft bank tax bill, which the Finance Committee has not yet discussed.
8 Speeches Analyzed