Agenda Profile: Aivar Sõerd
Draft resolution "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government Regarding the Imposition of a Temporary Solidarity Tax on the Banking Sector" (535 OE) – First Reading
2025-02-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the temporary 50% solidarity tax on the banking sector initiated by the Centre Party. This position is policy-based, stressing the need for a transparent and predictable tax system that supports business and investment. The speaker emphasizes that banks are already significant taxpayers and warns that extraordinary taxation could scare off investors, referencing the relocation of the SEB headquarters to Estonia.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates high proficiency in taxation and the financial mechanisms of the banking sector. They use precise technical terms (advance income tax, the 22/78 tax rate, retained earnings, Euribor) and present specific statistical data regarding the income tax paid by banks (250 million euros) and the tax burden on individual banks. Furthermore, they are aware of how market conditions affect banking, referencing the decline in LHV Bank's profit.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is analytical, fact-based, and at times confrontational, especially when refuting opponents' claims ("I completely refute this claim"). The argumentation relies primarily on logic and data, utilizing figures from the Tax and Customs Board and economic analysts. The style is formal, focusing on details and the comparison of systems.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker serves as the rapporteur for the Riigikogu Finance Committee, providing a comprehensive overview of the committee's discussion held on January 13. They are actively involved in the plenary session, both asking and answering questions, and have repeatedly posed technical questions regarding the implications of the draft bill.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed squarely at the bill's initiators (the Centre Party/Andrei Korobeinik), whose arguments are widely viewed as arbitrary and factually incorrect. The criticism focuses both on the substance of the policy itself (the 50% tax rate) and the initiators' inadequate analysis, particularly concerning the comparison of tax systems between Estonia and the other Baltic states. The speaker forcefully rejects the assertions that banks are not paying sufficient taxes.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker described the Finance Committee's discussion as constructive and thorough, noting that procedural decisions (adopting the agenda, appointing the rapporteur) were reached by consensus. In the substantive debate, he relies on the arguments presented by other committee members (Mart Võrklaev, Rain Epler).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national tax environment and its competitiveness within the Baltic region. Examples of the bank tax in Latvia and Lithuania are used to illustrate how unpredictable tax policy can deter investment, with the decision of the SEB headquarters to relocate to Tallinn being cited as a positive example.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for a stable and predictable tax system that supports economic growth and investment. He emphasizes that banks already pay advance income tax and tax on dividends, and that their profits have contributed to the state budget surplus. He opposes extraordinary and high taxation of profits, deeming it unfair given the cyclical nature of the economy.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) draft resolution 535 OE, which proposes that the government establish a temporary solidarity tax for the banking sector. The speaker is the representative of the leading committee, who opposes the adoption of the draft, arguing that it has been insufficiently analyzed and would harm the tax environment.
9 Speeches Analyzed