Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Draft law amending the simplified taxation act for entrepreneurs and the income tax act, and repealing the security tax act – second reading
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The most prominent issue is the permanent implementation of tax hikes (VAT, income tax), which the speaker strongly opposes, demanding tax stability. This position is strongly value-based and results-oriented, accusing the Reform Party-led government of creating sovereign risk and lacking democratic legitimacy. The speaker emphasizes the need to reduce administrative costs rather than shifting the burden onto the shoulders of the ordinary person.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter demonstrates high competence in the field of tax policy and parliamentary rules of procedure, referencing the Rules of Procedure Act, the practice of omnibus bills, and the procedures for processing amendments. Specific economic terms are utilized, such as the volume of the consolidated burden, inflation containment, and the growth of administrative expenditures, while citing precise figures (a tax burden exceeding one billion euros). Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the previous positions of interest groups regarding the security tax.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is extremely combative, accusatory, and emotional, emphasizing the ugliness and injustice of the situation while accusing the government of "lying politics" and breaking the law. Strong metaphors are employed ("Upside-down Antsla logic," "bundle law") and direct reference is made to the concerns of the people, quoting a letter received that morning. The speaker poses formal, yet sharp, procedural questions to the session chair in order to highlight the majority's unlawful conduct.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the second reading of the bill, repeatedly raising procedural questions for the session chair and the representative of the lead committee. This pattern of activity also includes submitting a motion on behalf of Isamaa to suspend the proceedings and conveying the voice of the people (a letter received this morning). The speaker's actions are directed at maximally obstructing and criticizing the government's work.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed at the Reform Party-led government and coalition, which stands accused of violating the law, lacking democratic legitimacy, and overriding parliamentary custom. The criticism is intense, encompassing both policy outcomes (inflation, tax burden) and procedural infringements (such as prohibiting a vote on the Isamaa amendment). The speaker alleges that the majority is imposing its will "in a manner that violates the law and humiliates opponents."
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of engagement is purely oppositional and confrontational, focusing on exposing the government's actions and procedural errors. The speaker highlights the amendments put forward by Isamaa, which call for the exclusion of tax increases, and proposes terminating the proceedings. There are no references to seeking compromise or cross-party cooperation; instead, it is stressed that the opposing side will not emulate the government's behavior.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is distinctly national, centered on the overall state of the Estonian economy and the Estonian people (rising prices, tax burden). Specific regional industries or communities are not highlighted, with the sole exception being a rhetorical reference to the "Upside-Down Antsla logic."
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to tax increases, demanding tax stability and the abandonment of all upcoming tax hikes (Value Added Tax, income tax, corporate income tax). Emphasis is placed on the necessity of reducing government expenditures and combating waste within the state apparatus, given that the tax burden is set to increase by one billion euros, while government spending simultaneously grows by over half a billion. The government's policy is viewed as a threat to the economic outlook, accelerating inflation and eroding people's real incomes.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Public attention is centered on the negative impact of tax hikes on the average person, particularly people with disabilities, pensioners, and working individuals whose incomes will decrease. The dialogue held with representative organizations for people with disabilities regarding the car tax is heavily criticized, with the government being accused of extorting consent and engaging in dishonest conduct.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is opposing Bill 645 SE (making tax increases permanent) and pushing through the Isamaa party’s amendments, which stipulate the complete exclusion of tax increases and the abolition of the tax hump. A significant focus is also placed on criticizing the violation of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and constitutional provisions related to the failure to put amendments up for a vote, especially in the context of processing omnibus bills. The speaker submitted a motion to terminate the proceedings.
7 Speeches Analyzed