Session Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2024-07-29
Political Position
The politician is vehemently opposed to the car tax, calling it unconstitutional and promising to repeal it should the Isamaa party return to power. His political platform is highly critical, accusing the Kallas-Michal governments of systematically generating instability, which is manifested through tax hikes, cuts to family benefits, and the failure to implement promised teacher salary increases. He is demanding that the government immediately adopt a negative supplementary budget and correct its policies to meet the expectations of society.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The politician shows expertise in taxation and legislative procedure, citing the Tax Procedure Act and the principle of legitimate expectation. He uses specific financial data, criticizing the massive size of administrative costs (€400,000) compared to the support given to disabled people, which is measured in mere cents. Furthermore, he presents his own calculation regarding defense spending (half a billion instead of 1.6 billion) and the uptake of EU funds (only 5.7% utilized).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is highly critical, combative, and at times ironic, especially concerning disability benefits quantified in mere cents. He employs both a logical appeal (referencing legislation and budget figures) and an emotional appeal, highlighting the widespread insecurity and resentment within society (citing over 80,000 protest signatures). The politician addresses the "dear Estonian people" directly, promising to bring the government's activities to an end.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The discussions have centered on the extraordinary session of the Riigikogu, where the car tax bill and its amendments are being debated. He/She is active both in the substantive debate and in raising procedural questions, asking the session chair about the voting procedure for amendments and the appropriateness of processing a law deemed unconstitutional.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at Kristen Michal's government and the ruling coalition as a whole, especially the Reform Party and the Social Democrats (SDE). The criticism is both political (tax hikes, deepening the economic recession) and value-based (a lack of decisiveness in stripping voting rights from citizens of the aggressor state). He demands a motion of no confidence against the appointed Minister of Infrastructure due to his political positions following the annexation of Crimea.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speeches lack any reference to cooperation with the ruling coalition; instead, they emphasize Isamaa's opposing and obstructionist stance. He refers to support from outside parliament, mentioning over 80,000 protest signatures collected via a citizen's initiative against the car tax.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national and macroeconomic topics, such as tax policy, state budget consolidation, and the national defense development plan. Specific regional or local issues are not addressed in the speeches.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The politician is strongly opposed to tax hikes, especially during an economic downturn, arguing that it is the "wrong approach." He criticizes the government's consolidated tax increase (nearly one billion euros annually) and demands a swift reduction in administrative costs through a negative supplementary budget. He stresses the necessity of ensuring stability for businesses and easing public concern over the cost of living.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
This piece addresses social problems stemming from government policy decisions: the reduction of family benefits amidst a demographic crisis, the cancellation of the planned salary increase for teachers, and the ridiculously small increase in support payments for elderly people with disabilities. It also raises fundamental ethical questions, such as the failure to revoke voting rights from citizens of the aggressor state, and the postponement of language requirements necessary for the transition to Estonian-language education.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is opposing the motor vehicle tax law and emphasizing its unconstitutionality due to the violation of the principle of legitimate expectation. He/She demands that the government draft a negative supplementary budget and is also dealing with procedural issues in the Riigikogu (Parliament), specifically those concerning the voting on amendments.
5 Speeches Analyzed