Session Profile: Aivar Sõerd
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-10-22
Political Position
The main topic is the proposal to introduce a temporary solidarity tax on the banking sector, which the speaker strongly opposes, deeming it "hopelessly late." He stresses that taxation cannot be structured around a temporarily favorable economic conjuncture that is already fading. The political stance is heavily focused on policy and economics, defending the existing tax system and cautioning against tax experiments.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates considerable expertise in the economic environment of taxation and banking, utilizing precise terminology such as Euribor, advance income tax, and economic conjuncture. He presents concrete data on tax revenues, noting the manifold increase in banks' advance tax payments and the fact that corporate income tax receipts exceeded the forecast. To back up his expert knowledge, he refers to the positions held by the chief analyst of SEB Lithuania and the Bank of Lithuania concerning the risk associated with foreign investments.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is formal, analytical, and authoritative, particularly when responding to questions and correcting the opposing side's assertions. Strong emphasis is placed on logical arguments, economic timing, and the presentation of data, while avoiding emotional appeals. He/She employs direct correction to refute the opposing side's claims (e.g., the assertion that consumers ultimately bear the tax burden is not a counterargument against implementing the tax).
13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the plenary session of the Riigikogu, serving as the rapporteur for the leading committee (the Finance Committee) during the debate on the draft legislation. He/She references the discussions that took place during the committee meetings, as well as regular meetings held with the Banking Association and the Bank of Estonia to address financial sector issues.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition consists of the initiators of the draft bill, who are being criticized both for the policy (taxation based on temporary economic conditions) and the procedure (lack of analysis in the explanatory memorandum). The speaker rejects the claim of "skimming" bank profits as "obvious exaggeration." He warns that such tax experiments will deter foreign investors, citing Lithuania's experience.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is formal and procedural, centered on conveying the consensus decisions of the steering committee regarding the tabling of the draft resolution and the designation of a representative. He strictly delineates his role as the committee's representative, channeling broader discussions toward the negotiation round.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national tax environment and the banking sector, but international comparison and context are heavily emphasized. The comparison of the economic environments of Estonia and Lithuania is particularly detailed, specifically regarding dependence on Euribor and attractiveness to foreign investors. The Estonian economy’s connection to the Scandinavian markets (Finland and Sweden) is also mentioned.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for a stable tax environment and opposes temporary, reactive taxes stemming from favorable economic conditions. He emphasizes that banks already pay advance income tax, which has increased several times over, and that the consumer ultimately bears the cost of all taxes. He warns that taxing extraordinary profits creates tax risk in the eyes of foreign investors and harms the country's attractiveness.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is the opposition to Riigikogu Draft Resolution 487 (a temporary solidarity tax for the banking sector), stressing both the ill-advised timing of the draft and the impossibility of implementing retroactive taxation. He/She is operating as a representative of the steering committee, criticizing the initiators for failing to provide a thorough analysis in the draft's explanatory memorandum.
13 Speeches Analyzed