Session Profile: Aivar Sõerd
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-13
Political Position
The speaker strongly endorses Bill 734, which halts the income tax hike, stressing its necessity for preserving economic competitiveness and preventing capital flight. The political position is aggressively focused on economic growth and framed as a direct response to the negative emotional toll that successive tax increases have taken on society. He emphasizes that the bill is "extremely necessary" for ensuring people's ability to cope and for fostering economic development.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in tax policy and international tax competition, highlighting specific corporate income tax rates in neighboring countries (Sweden 20.06%, Finland, Latvia 20%, Lithuania 16%). Technical terms are used (e.g., a deficit of 0.7% of GDP), and a detailed calculation of the effective dividend income tax rate (28%) is presented.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and procedural, as this is a report by the Steering Committee, providing an overview of the committee’s discussions and decisions. The appeal is primarily logical and economically justified, focusing on competitiveness and the movement of capital. In the second brief address, the tone becomes urgent, emphasizing the rapid adoption of the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The Presenter is the representative appointed by the Finance Committee for the submission of Bill 734 to the Plenary Assembly and is responsible for leading the legislative process in parliament. The action plan involves presenting summaries of the committee meetings (October 1) and advocating for the draft bill before the Riigikogu Plenary Session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition comes from colleagues (Diana Ingerainen, Riina Sikkut), who criticize the policy due to the growing deficit (0.7% of GDP) and the lack of economic efficiency, particularly concerning the timing of the dividend payout. The speaker conveys these criticisms neutrally, also highlighting the minister’s responses regarding tax competitiveness and stimulating the economy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is procedural and consensual regarding matters of procedure (agenda, appointment of a representative). A substantive discussion took place in the committee, during which various viewpoints were presented. However, the decision to conclude the first reading was made by vote (7 in favor, 1 against), which demonstrates the presence of coalition support.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is both international and domestic, concentrating on tax competition with neighboring countries (Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania) specifically concerning corporate income tax. Examples from these neighboring states are used as direct evidence that tax competition is a genuine phenomenon requiring low tax rates.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly pro-competitiveness and anti-tax hikes, particularly concerning corporate income tax and dividend taxation. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of preventing capital flight and maintaining consumer confidence by avoiding successive tax increases. They support a fiscal policy designed to stimulate the economy, even if it means running a deficit.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is Bill 734 (maintaining the income tax rate), which is deemed extremely important for economic competitiveness. The speaker is a proponent of the bill and the floor manager of the proceedings, insisting that the first reading be completed and the law swiftly passed.
2 Speeches Analyzed