Session Profile: Urmas Reinsalu

The speaker positions themselves as a fierce opponent of the government's tax cascade (exceeding one billion euros) and especially the car tax, emphasizing its lack of democratic legitimacy and its economic detriment. They call for an active and initiative-taking foreign policy in transatlantic relations and criticize the government's sluggishness regarding defense investments (the acquisition of munitions) and the curbing of European Union bureaucracy. The political framework is strongly focused on criticizing the government's actions and performance (economic recession, inflation) and presenting the alternative offered by Isamaa.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in European Union policy, addressing in detail transatlantic relations, the design of the Defense Commissioner’s portfolio, challenges in sanctions policy, and the administrative burden associated with the Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSDR). They utilize budget and economic analysis data, referencing specific page numbers from the explanatory memorandum regarding GDP, inflation, and the state budget (for instance, the confusion surrounding Rail Baltic funding), thereby exhibiting a detailed command of fiscal policy.

The speaker’s style is combative, passionate, and insistent, utilizing strong metaphors and emotional appeals ("silent agony," "tax pandemic," "the government has lied to the people"). He/She balances academic detail (the Draghi report, PricewaterhouseCoopers analysis) with direct political accusations, emphasizing the lack of trust and the manufacturing of uncertainty. The overall tone is one of concern, but offers hope for change through Isamaa.

The speaker is highly active during the plenary session, repeatedly posing questions to the Prime Minister and the committee chairman, and delivering lengthy speeches during debates on draft legislation (the car tax). He/She references recent events, such as European Parliament hearings, the United States presidential election, and protest actions by Tallinn accommodation providers, demonstrating a continuous engagement with current affairs.

The criticism is aimed directly at the ruling coalition (Reform Party, Estonia 200, Social Democrats), accusing them of breaking election promises and lacking democratic legitimacy when levying tax increases. The criticism is primarily policy- and procedure-based, accusing the government of severing dialogue with the public and enacting anti-business policies. He calls the government's actions "futility" and a "leadership failure."

The speaker presents Isamaa as an alternative force, highlighting that they have put forward a rational alternative budget and proposed legislation aimed at abolishing taxes. He stresses the importance of cooperation with stakeholders, actively supporting the protests organized by business organizations and associations representing families with children. On the international front, he sees a need for an agreement among European nations—one that carries sufficient weight—to revise European Union law.

The speaker is heavily focused on regional inequality and the issues associated with sparsely populated areas, stressing that tax hikes (especially the car tax) will hit rural regions and lower-income individuals the hardest (for example, Jõgeva and Valga counties). They criticize the government's rhetoric regarding regional balance, noting that it stands in stark contrast to their actual policy decisions.

The speaker is strongly opposed to tax increases, arguing that they fuel inflation, decrease purchasing power, and stifle economic growth. He supports the stance of business organizations, criticizing massive bureaucratization and the administrative burden. Regarding fiscal policy, he calls for a genuine reduction in government spending and demands an alternative to tax hikes that would stimulate economic growth.

The speaker addresses issues of social well-being and mobility, particularly focusing on the deteriorating economic status of families with children and the elderly (specifically mentioning the taxation of pension income). He stresses that rising taxes compel people, especially those in rural regions, to make the difficult choice of seeking employment either in Tallinn or overseas, thereby undermining family stability and confidence.

The main legislative priority is the full repeal of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act. Furthermore, he demands the cancellation of the initiative to raise the Land Tax Act and a comprehensive revision of the entire tax cascade. In the defense sector, the focus is on implementing the recommendations of the Defense Forces commanders regarding the procurement of ammunition stocks and enabling the use of EU structural funds for defense investments.