Agenda Profile: Priit Sibul
Draft law amending the Accounting Act and, as a consequence, amending other laws (516 SE) - second reading
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position focuses on the maximum reduction of the administrative burden, criticizing the limits of draft bill 516 SE regarding the easing of the audit obligation. Support is given to the Isamaa proposal, which would have reduced the burden even further, and the necessity of finding the optimal and correct threshold is emphasized. The political inconsistency of the coalition is also criticized, as the tiered mechanism is used for other taxes but not in this specific case.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of amendments to the Accounting Act, audit thresholds, and administrative burden. Technical terms such as "optimum" and "ladder mechanism" are used, and reference is made to specific figures (1,800 companies) and the positions of interest groups (Eesti 200, the Chamber of Commerce).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, inquisitive, and conveys slight frustration regarding the suboptimality and inconsistency of the coalition's decisions ("I just don't get it"). Numerous rhetorical questions are employed to challenge the presenter's rationale and stress the necessity of long-term planning. The appeal is primarily logical and procedural.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
We do not have sufficient data regarding the activity patterns (frequency, meetings, travel). The observed activity pattern is restricted solely to the submission of two questions during the second reading of the draft law in the Riigikogu chamber.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The standoff is directed against the Economic Affairs Committee and the coalition, who failed to support a more ambitious reduction of the administrative burden, thereby ignoring the joint position held by the Chamber of Commerce and Eesti 200. The criticism targets procedural failure and political inconsistency (specifically, the non-application of the ladder mechanism).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker points to the support that the coalition failed to utilize, mentioning Isamaa's proposal and the shared position of the Chamber of Commerce and Eesti 200 concerning the 50% change. This indicates a readiness for cooperation, provided it leads to a more effective and ambitious political result.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is no data regarding regional focus. The focus is on national legislation pertaining to business more broadly.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are distinctly pro-enterprise, emphasizing the necessity of reducing the administrative burden by raising audit thresholds. Fiscal and regulatory stability is prioritized, recommending phased solutions (a "ladder" approach) to facilitate long-term planning for both auditors and businesses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is no data on social issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft amendment to the Accounting Act (516 SE), particularly concerning the thresholds for mandatory audits. The speaker is critical of the current scope of the draft and supports more ambitious changes that would result in a greater reduction of the administrative burden. Furthermore, the use of tiered legislative solutions (a "ladder" approach) is advocated to prevent the need for repeatedly revisiting the issue.
2 Speeches Analyzed