Agenda Profile: Aivar Sõerd
Draft law amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Tax Act and the Value Added Tax Act (594 SE) – First Reading
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
Strong opposition to Draft Bill 594 SE, which concerns the reduction of excise and VAT, as it is allegedly based on false assumptions regarding the sharp increase in energy prices. The stance is both policy-driven and fact-based, emphasizing that oil and gas prices are actually in steep decline, returning to 2021 levels. Criticism is directed at the conceptual foundation of the bill and the lack of financial coverage.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates authority on economic and tax matters, particularly concerning fuel excise duties and VAT. It utilizes specific data regarding the drop in oil (Brent, US) and gas prices, referencing 2021 levels. It emphasizes that the commission's work relies on calculations provided by experts and qualified analysts (the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Estonia, and commercial banks).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is analytical, fact-based, and at times confrontational, especially when highlighting the false claims made by the bill's initiators. It employs logical appeals, stressing procedural correctness and financial backing, and defines its role modestly as merely conveying the committee's discussion. It repeatedly asserts that the bill is fundamentally based on a "false premise."
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He/She presents before the Riigikogu as the representative of the leading committee (the Finance Committee), providing a detailed overview of the debate on the draft legislation that took place on April 8th. This operational procedure is linked to legislative processes and the forwarding of the committee's decisions to the plenary session.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition to the faction (EKRE) that initiated the bill, criticizing the false claim regarding rising energy prices upon which their bill is based. Criticism is also aimed at political consistency, questioning why EKRE failed to lower the VAT when they held the Finance Minister portfolio in the government. The opposition is both substantive and procedural, highlighting the lack of necessary fiscal calculations.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Acts institutionally on behalf of the Finance Committee, relaying the committee's collective decision to reject the draft bill (6 in favor, 2 opposed). This involves cooperation with Lauri Lelumees, the representative of the Ministry of Finance, who provided the fiscal assessment, and with committee members (such as Tanel Tein), who raised important questions.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on national tax policy and the international economic environment. It refers to world market oil prices, the oil cartel increasing production in Saudi Arabia, and the decrease in US consumption. There is no specific local or regional focus.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports fiscal responsibility and budget balancing, opposing the proposed bill that, according to Ministry of Finance calculations, would result in an 85 million euro revenue loss this year. It stresses the necessity of relying on figures provided by qualified analysts and criticizes the bill’s initiators for failing to provide any calculations themselves.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is on the draft legislation (Bill 594 SE) concerning amendments to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel, and Electricity Excise Duty Act and the Value Added Tax Act. The speaker is appearing as a representative of the leading committee, recommending that the bill be rejected while stressing the importance of procedural integrity in lawmaking and fiscal responsibility.
8 Speeches Analyzed