Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Second Reading of the Bill for the Amendment of the Income Tax Act (416 SE)
2024-05-28
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Political Position
The central position is one of strong opposition to the draft amendment of the Income Tax Act (the abolition of the tax hump), because it is an election promise that is too costly during an economic crisis (500 million) and fails to improve the economy. Statesmanlike conduct is demanded, which would entail abandoning or postponing the reform. Furthermore, the government is accused of deceitful politics and breaking its promises. The stance is strongly policy- and value-based, highlighting the state's difficult financial situation.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound expertise in fiscal and budgetary policy, utilizing specific figures (500 million, 400 million, a billion) and referencing issues of budget balance and the revenue side of the state budget. Possesses a good understanding of the legislative process, referencing proposed amendments and the possibilities for suspending proceedings.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly combative, critical, and forceful, accusing the government of lying, being stuck in dogmas, and pushing forward with a foolish bill. It employs strong moral appeals (a demand for statesmanship) and rhetorical questions to highlight the internal contradictions within the coalition.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
An active participant in the Riigikogu debate, repeatedly posing questions to the bill’s proponents and requesting extended speaking time (an additional eight minutes). The focus is on obtaining substantive answers and the vote regarding the Isamaa party’s proposed amendment.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, who are criticized for their handling of election promises (such as the abolition of the tax hump) and for breaking other pledges (like the income tax exemption for pensions). The criticism is intense, accusing the government of pursuing policies that are harmful and dangerous to the national economy. The Reform Party, in particular, is criticized as the force standing behind the entire fiasco.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Missing. The focus is on presenting Isamaa's sole amendment, demanding a statesmanlike change of heart and an admission of error from the coalition. This is underscored by referencing a previous statesmanlike compromise made by Isamaa, thereby highlighting the current government's rigidity.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on the national level: state budget revenues, Estonia’s economic situation, the maintenance of the public sector, and the funding for police officers, rescue workers, and teachers’ salaries. Solutions concerning the revenue base of local governments are deemed confusing and ineffective.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Advocates for strict budgetary discipline and increasing state budget revenues during the economic crisis, proposing a billion-euro solution (scrapping the planned abolition of the tax hump and terminating Pillar II loans). Opposes tax benefits for higher-income earners and supports reducing the tax burden on low-wage earners.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It addresses social issues within the budget context, stressing that the government cannot find the money for teachers', police officers', and rescuers' salaries, and is instead pinching pennies from their wages. It also points to the breach of the income tax exemption for the average pension that was promised in the coalition agreement.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is halting the proceedings of the draft bill amending the Income Tax Act (416 SE) or postponing it until 2028 based on the Isamaa amendment proposal. It demands that the initiator withdraw the bill, shelve it, or suspend the second reading.
7 Speeches Analyzed