Session Profile: Marek Reinaas
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-29
Political Position
The speaker's political position is primarily procedural and informative, serving as the representative of the Finance Committee to provide an overview of the debate surrounding the VAT reduction bill. He emphasizes the significance of the overarching philosophical principles of taxation and economic operation, stressing the necessity of considering both the budget and the resulting socio-economic impact. The speaker corrects factual data concerning Latvia's VAT rates, demonstrating a commitment to factual accuracy.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the legislative process and tax policy, particularly regarding the nuances of VAT and their international comparison. He presents detailed information on the changes in the VAT rate for Latvian fruits and vegetables (5%, 21%, 12%), thereby correcting the lack of knowledge prevalent within the commission. He also references economic theoretical viewpoints, such as the impact of supply and demand on pricing.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is formal, descriptive, and analytical, fitting the role of a commission rapporteur. He/She employs a logical structure, detailing the sequence of events and the substance of the debate, including references to an "intellectually interesting debate" and a "dull" discussion. Although he/she notes that the discussion was emotional, his/her own tone remains neutral and fact-based.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is linked to active participation in the work of the Riigikogu Finance Committee, where he represents the committee before the plenary session. He provides an overview of the discussion held on May 13, which prepared for the first reading of the draft bill, as well as subsequent consensus decisions. His role is summarizing and informative.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker impartially relays Jürgen Ligi's criticism regarding the VAT reduction bill. His criticism centered on the lack of analyses concerning its budgetary and socio-economic impact. Ligi opposed the draft law strictly on economic grounds, asserting that in a capitalist market economy, prices are set by the relationship between supply and demand, not by the tax.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is procedural and consensual, emphasizing that the commission reached several decisions (including placing the draft bill on the agenda and appointing a representative) by consensus. He/She also notes that during a deep intellectual discussion, partial consensus was achieved between Korobeinik and Ligi on the topic of the purchasing behavior of poor people.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national tax policy (VAT on domestic fruits and vegetables) and an international comparison with the analogous tax systems of Latvia and Lithuania. There is no specific local or regional focus.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The presenter communicates economic views emphasizing the need to account for the budget, consumption, and socio-economic impact when establishing tax breaks. Furthermore, he/she highlights the market-based perspective that the decisive factor in pricing is the balance between supply and demand, not specific taxes.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A key social issue is the purchasing behavior of poorer people and their access to fruits and vegetables. The discussion addressed the question of whether lowering the value-added tax (VAT) would help less affluent individuals eat healthier, referencing the Latvian experience, where a reduced rate boosted consumption.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the proposal to lower the VAT on domestic fruits and vegetables to 5%. The speaker is a procedural proponent who describes the handling of the draft bill in the Finance Committee and its subsequent referral to the plenary session. The topic of food security was mentioned, but it was not discussed in the Finance Committee.
10 Speeches Analyzed