Session Profile: Riina Sikkut
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-05-20
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government's tax package, particularly concerning the increase in VAT and the abolition of the tax hump. This position is framed by the necessity of promoting social justice and economic growth, asserting that the government’s choices are unwise and run contrary to the recommendations of the IMF. The address concludes with a proposal to reject the draft legislation. The political framework is clearly driven by policy and values.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound competence in tax policy and macroeconomics, detailing double taxation avoidance treaties and the structure of the tax system. The arguments are consistently supported by references to analyses and recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the OECD, utilizing technical terms such as "fiscal neutrality" and "GDP gap."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical, critical, and at times confrontational, especially when challenging the minister's responses. Strong logical arguments and direct quotes (especially from the IMF report) are used to dispute the government's positions. The tone is formal and interrogative, seeking to demonstrate that the government distorts expert assessments and breaks previous promises.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the plenary session, posing several questions to the minister and delivering a longer speech on tax policy. He/She also participates in the work of the committee, providing an overview of the Finance Committee's discussion on May 6th and mentioning connections to foreign visits (the President of Botswana, the IMF delegation).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
A strong opposition stance is aimed at the government and Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, criticizing their tax policy decisions and the misinterpretation of IMF recommendations. The criticism is policy-driven, accusing the government of adopting unfair, growth-undermining measures and breaking its promise of tax peace.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
In routine legislative work (for example, when preparing a tax treaty), consensus is demonstrated in the Finance Committee, where decisions were made by consensus. However, there is a lack of willingness to cooperate regarding the government's tax package, for which the Social Democrats are submitting a motion for rejection.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on the national tax system and international relations, especially Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) (Botswana, Liechtenstein, Andorra). Botswana's growing economy and the business interests of IT companies there are mentioned, but there is no specific regional or local focus within Estonia.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It advocates for expanding the tax base, considering the taxation of assets and capital, and opposes raising consumption taxes (VAT), as this harms domestic demand and economic growth. It supports progressive income taxation to maintain fiscal neutrality and equity, criticizing the unfair impact of abolishing the tax hump. Warnings are issued against excessive reliance on high tax rates applied to a narrow base.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is pronounced, highlighting the negative impact of tax hikes on lower-income households and their ability to cope, particularly due to the rising cost of the daily food basket. It calls for implementing mitigating social measures, such as increasing subsidies for school meals or extracurricular activities, or raising the subsistence minimum, in order to offset the VAT increase.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the government's tax package and submitting a proposal for its rejection. The focus is also on the ratification of international agreements, such as the agreement between Estonia and Botswana on the avoidance of double taxation, concerning which a committee report was submitted.
5 Speeches Analyzed