Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Draft law amending the Income Tax Act and the Defence Service Act (432 SE) – First Reading
2024-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's fiscal policy, particularly concerning new taxes and the expansion of the state budget deficit. The primary objective is to postpone the amendments to the Income Tax Act (the so-called abolition of the tax hump) in order to save half a billion euros annually in the state budget. The framework is primarily focused on ensuring fiscal responsibility and economic stability during the crisis, thereby avoiding "recklessness" in public finances.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates significant expertise in tax legislation and state budget matters, providing a detailed explanation of the history of the income tax-free minimum and its effect on various salary brackets (1,200–2,100 euros). Concrete financial figures (half a billion euros) are cited, and procedural norms governing the entry into force of legal amendments (the six-month principle) are referenced. Furthermore, the speaker exhibits knowledge concerning the potential violation of existing laws and the constitution when implementing changes to tax legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and forceful, emphasizing the necessity of putting the state's finances in order. Strong judgments are employed ("madness," "an extremely foolish situation") and coalition partners are accused of hypocrisy. It appeals both to logic (avoiding budget deficits) and moral justice (the fair treatment of social strata), utilizing metaphors such as "the government coalition is hunchbacked."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The action pattern centers on the presentation and defense of a specific bill (432 SE), initiated by the Isamaa party, during its first reading in the Riigikogu. The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, initiating drafts and raising procedural questions concerning the validity of the government's stances following a change in administration.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party, whose tax plan is being called the "most expensive election promise" and who is accused of increasing instability. The entire governing coalition is criticized for creating budget deficits and violating good legislative practice (the six-month principle). The Social Democrats are accused of extreme hypocrisy, as they support a tax plan that favors the wealthy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker references an earlier statesmanlike compromise and cooperation with the Social Democrats when the current income tax system was established. Coalition members are currently being urged to support Isamaa's draft bill aimed at streamlining state finances. A willingness has been expressed to consider a compromise to maintain the current income tax system and raise the salary bracket (e.g., 1,500–2,500 euros).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports strong fiscal discipline and opposes increasing the state budget deficit and introducing new taxes (VAT, excises, car tax) during the economic crisis. It supports maintaining tax relief for low-wage earners, arguing that the government's plan favors the wealthy and is unfair to those with lower incomes. The necessity of avoiding instability and uncertainty in the Estonian economy is emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are being addressed through tax policy, highlighting the necessity of treating different social strata equitably. The focus is primarily on protecting lower-income individuals who stand to lose under the government's plan, contrasting their situation with higher-wage earners who would benefit.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the bill initiated by Isamaa (432 SE), which aims to postpone the entry into force of the amendments to the Income Tax Act until January 1, 2028. The speaker, acting as the proponent, is concentrating on bringing order to state finances and demanding compliance with the established legislative practice (the six-month principle).
3 Speeches Analyzed