Session Profile: Marek Reinaas
15th Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session
2024-11-07
Political Position
The political position is primarily procedural, focusing on relaying the work and decisions of the Finance Committee to the plenary session. The most noticeable issue is the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs to 5%, where its repeated discussion is highlighted (this being the fourth time in the last couple of years). A personal view on the draft bill is not disclosed due to the position of the rapporteur, with the focus remaining on facts and procedure.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expert assessment is clearly tied to the parliamentary proceedings and the work of the Finance Committee, particularly the precise reading and referencing of the minutes. Technical knowledge is demonstrated concerning VAT rates, noting that it is currently not possible to implement a 5% rate in Estonia (the reduced rates are 9% and 13%). Furthermore, the link between the VAT on animal feed and farmers’ production costs is understood.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and protocol-driven, emphasizing reliance on facts and the summaries of the committee session ("I am reading the minutes of the committee meeting"). The tone is neutral and impartial, avoiding emotional arguments and personal viewpoints. When responding to questions concerning personal opinion or the party's approval rating, light humor and self-discipline are employed.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is associated with the role of the legislative rapporteur before the plenary session, where the content and decisions of the Finance Committee meeting are summarized. The presentation was held on November 7th, referencing the September 17th meeting. It is noted that this topic is recurrent in the Riigikogu (the fourth discussion in the last couple of years).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no oppositional viewpoint, as the speaker is fulfilling the role of a rapporteur, merely referencing the committee's work. The criticism is aimed more at the shortcomings of the draft legislation (the absence of coverage/funding sources) than at specific adversaries.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The working style is consensus-based and collegial, stressing that the committee’s decision to forward the draft legislation to the plenary session was unanimous. The attendance of representatives from several political parties (including Annely Akkermann, Tanel Kiik, and Mart Võrklaev) at the sitting is noted.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, covering the state budget, VAT policy, and the production costs faced by Estonian farmers. European Union countries are also briefly mentioned, noting that the EU is on the right track.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives center on analyzing the impacts of tax policy, particularly the effect of reducing the value-added tax (VAT) on the state budget and the necessity of identifying offsetting revenue sources. It is recognized that a lower VAT rate on animal feed should allow farmers to produce food more affordably. Furthermore, a bank tax is mentioned as a potential source of offsetting revenue, though the commission has not yet debated it.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on a draft resolution proposing that the government lower the value-added tax (VAT) on foodstuffs and animal feed to 5%. The speaker is both a supporter and the rapporteur of the procedure, ensuring the bill moves consensually from the Finance Committee to the plenary session for its first reading.
8 Speeches Analyzed