Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Draft law amending the Enterprise Income Tax Simplification Act, the Security Tax Act, and the Income Tax Act (645 SE) – First Reading
2025-05-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's tax agenda (645 SE), emphasizing that it will result in higher prices and a permanently high tax burden for the Estonian people. The stance is policy-driven and focuses on the negative financial impact, claiming that people stand to lose over a billion euros annually due to these tax increases. The speaker criticizes the government's rhetoric as demagoguery designed to fool society.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy, referencing specific rates like personal income tax (starting in 2026), corporate income tax, and the level of the indirect tax burden. Large financial figures (over a billion euros, a trillion euros) and technical terms such as "tax hump" and "indirect tax burden" are utilized to emphasize the negative scope of the proposed law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, aggressive, and emotionally charged, employing strong moral condemnation ("Shame on you!", "cowardice"). The speaker accuses opponents of demagoguery and empty rhetoric, attempting to blend emotional appeals with concrete economic data (levels of tax burden). The tone is sharply critical and accusatory.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered during the first reading of Draft Law 645 SE. The speaker refers to the opposing side's earlier promises concerning the introduction of temporary taxes, which were made several months ago. There is insufficient data regarding the frequency or rhythm of the appearances.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party, whose agenda is called empty/lacking substance and "quite a joke." The criticism is intense and directed both at the substance of the policy (high tax burden) and at procedural shortcomings. In particular, they are accused of cowardice and the failure to send the draft bill to stakeholders for coordination.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information on cooperation readiness is lacking; the focus is entirely on attacking the opposing side's legislation. The speech does not indicate any bilateral or cross-party cooperation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing the tax burden and price levels for the Estonian populace. Regional comparisons are also utilized, highlighting the increase in Estonia's corporate income tax rate to the highest level in the region.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to tax increases, particularly the raising of the indirect tax burden, corporate income tax, and personal income tax. Economic views stress that a high tax burden results in higher price levels and persistent uncertainty. A lower tax burden is preferred, contrasting with the government's plan to convert temporary taxes into permanent ones.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are not addressed in the speech.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing Draft Bill 645 SE (Amendments to Tax Laws). The speaker is a strong opponent of this bill, criticizing both the substantive changes and the procedural shortcomings, such as the avoidance of stakeholder consultation.
1 Speeches Analyzed