Agenda Profile: Aivar Sõerd
First reading of the Draft Act (379 SE) on the Amendment of the Tax Information Exchange Act, the Taxation Procedure Act, and the Income Tax Act.
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on the technical implementation of the global minimum tax directive (Pillar Two). The position is cautious and policy-driven, emphasizing the need to avoid the risk of tax revenue leakage to other countries, especially concerning the use of exemptions and the rate of dividend distributions. The main concern is whether the solution chosen by Estonia ensures compliance with the effective 15% minimum tax rate.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High technical expertise in the field of international taxation and corporate finance. Specific terminology is used, such as "effective tax rate," "multinational ultimate parent entity," and "excess profit." Reference is made to specific thresholds (750 million euros, 53% dividend payout rate) and reliance is placed on the clarifications provided by the Ministry of Finance and a study conducted by the University of Tartu.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly formal, procedural, and analytical. The tone is informative and cautious, focusing on facts, the substance of the draft legislation, and providing a detailed summary of the Finance Committee's deliberations. Emotional or narrative elements are absent; the emphasis is placed solely on technical details and procedures.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Active participation in legislative committee work, providing a summary of the Finance Committee session (February 19) and outlining its consensus decisions. The Speaker is responsible for directing the draft bill to the plenary session agenda and setting the procedural deadlines (March 20, 2024).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct opposition or criticism directed toward specific opponents or political groups. The criticism is aimed at potential negative political consequences (the risk of losing tax revenue) related to the technical details of the draft legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation within the committee is consensus-based, emphasizing that all procedural decisions of the Finance Committee (including placing a draft bill on the agenda and concluding the reading) were unanimous. It collaborates with representatives of the Ministry of Finance, forwarding their responses and the results of studies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (Estonian companies, Estonian tax revenue) and the international level (implementation of the EU directive). A specific risk is mentioned: that tax revenue could be ceded to other countries, citing Finland as an example. Five specific Estonian corporate groups affected by the directive are listed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on preventing tax leakage and ensuring fiscal compliance within an international context. The significance of labor costs and tangible fixed assets in adjusting taxable profit is acknowledged, which helps Estonian companies avoid the minimum tax. Awareness is also demonstrated regarding the stability of the dividend policies of large companies (e.g., Bolt, Eesti Energia).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the implementation of the global minimum tax bill (379 SE) and related amendments to tax legislation. The individual is actively involved in the procedural management of the bill, having been appointed as the representative of the lead committee and making proposals for concluding the first reading.
3 Speeches Analyzed