Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Inquiry Regarding Tax Increases (No. 647)
2024-10-21
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's tax increases (especially the profit tax and the tax cascade), emphasizing their negative impact on the economy and competitiveness. The stance is results-oriented, demanding adequate solutions and a clear economic vision from the government that would help pull the country out of recession. The speaker sharply criticizes the government for adopting decisions in a hurried manner and without an impact assessment.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in financial and economic policy, particularly regarding the pension pillar (the Second Pillar, indexing, and the effect of inflation) and the business environment. To back up their stance, they use a personal example of rationally utilizing their second pillar funds to pay down their mortgage. Emphasis is placed on the competitiveness of the economy, the effect of energy policy on energy-intensive industries, and the necessity of conducting impact analyses.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and direct, accusing the minister of demagoguery, arrogance, and resorting to labeling. It employs both personal defense arguments (specifically against being called a "liar") and strong emotional expressions (such as "the tax cascade is strangling ordinary people"). At the same time, the speaker commends the minister when he attempts to engage in debate, and also acknowledges colleagues for posing questions.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been active, referencing recent meetings with business sector representatives where the impact of government decisions was discussed. He also actively participated in last week's debate with the Minister of Finance, which he repeatedly references in this current inquiry. This pattern of activity demonstrates a commitment to opposition oversight and dialogue with stakeholders.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Minister of Finance and the government, who are being criticized both for procedural shortcomings (lack of impact analysis, rush job) and for political decisions (tax increases). The criticism is intense and includes personal attacks; for example, the minister is accused of demagoguery and of dividing questioners into "goats and sheep." The speaker condemns the government's message that disagreeing with the tax increases amounts to supporting Kremlin talking points.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker acknowledges the colleagues present in the chamber for asking questions, noting the cooperation within their own faction. Cooperation with the government is ruled out, as the speaker criticizes the minister's conduct and refuses to engage in debate via procedural questions. There is no information regarding cross-party compromises or cooperation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national economic policy and international competitiveness, highlighting the stronger economic performance of our Baltic neighbors (especially Lithuania). Regionally, emphasis is placed on the negative impact of the tax cascade on families in rural areas, as well as on Estonia’s energy-intensive industry, which serves as the engine of the economy.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly pro-business, opposing tax hikes (such as profit tax and cascading taxes) and the increase in administrative burden, which undermine competitiveness. They advocate for rational financial conduct and criticize the government's failure to control energy prices. The speaker stresses that the budget must be an instrument for fostering economic growth, not merely a matter of balancing an Excel spreadsheet.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are intertwined with economic policy, highlighting the benefit to low-income earners from the release of the Second Pillar funds, given that inflation had eroded the savings held there. Concern is also voiced regarding the negative impact of the tax cascade on families in rural regions. Furthermore, the speaker takes the floor to defend female colleagues against attacks launched from the podium.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the government's planned tax hikes, particularly the taxation of corporate profits, and demanding confirmation that these increases are temporary. A crucial priority is requiring impact assessments to be conducted during the legislative process and ensuring bureaucracy is reduced, not expanded.
6 Speeches Analyzed