Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Continuation of the first reading of the draft law amending the Income Tax Act for Entrepreneurs, the Security Tax Act, and the Income Tax Act (645 SE)
2025-05-21
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position focuses heavily on procedural correctness and strongly opposes the adoption of Bill 645 SE during its first reading. The speaker objects to making temporary tax increases permanent without public dialogue, emphasizing that the bill’s handling violates the Rules of Procedure Act. The stance is primarily procedural and rules-oriented, demanding that the Parliament’s Board assess the quality of the draft legislation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act and the rules of legislative drafting, citing specific sections (e.g., § 92 subsection 1, § 50). The expertise is focused on the quality of legislation, particularly the requirements for the explanatory memoranda accompanying government bills, which pertain to consultation rounds and the submission of opinions. Precise legal terminology is utilized, such as "to comply with legislative drafting requirements" and "consultation round."
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, insistent, and strictly focuses on legal logic and procedural matters. The tone is critical and demanding, raising repeated protests and questions to the board member, suspecting the board of knowingly violating the rules. Emotional appeals are absent; the focus remains on facts and rules.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the Riigikogu session, lodging repeated interventions and protests concerning the legality of initiating proceedings on the draft bill. This pattern of behavior demonstrates a readiness to react instantly to procedural violations and demand the suspension of the proceedings.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at the government, which is accused of deliberately sidestepping the required coordination process and public dialogue when making the tax increases permanent. Criticism is also aimed at the Riigikogu Board, which accepted the bill for deliberation despite violating the Rules of Procedure Act. The resistance is intense and focuses on procedural deficiencies.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on domestic legislation and the internal procedures of the parliament, specifically concentrating on the amendment of tax laws.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective is linked to tax policy, specifically opposing the permanent establishment of temporary tax hikes without adequate public consultation. The speaker stresses that the government has ignored the stances of various business organizations, suggesting a clear bias toward prioritizing the views of specific business elites.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on suspending and rejecting the proceedings of Draft Bill 645 SE (amendments to tax laws) at the first reading. The main priority is ensuring compliance with the Parliament's Rules of Procedure Act and the rules of legislative drafting throughout the law-making process. The speaker is acting as an opponent of the draft bill and an advocate for the quality of the procedure.
6 Speeches Analyzed