Session Profile: Aivar Sõerd
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-02-18
Political Position
Strong opposition to the draft bill (535) proposed by the Center Party faction concerning a temporary solidarity tax on the banking sector, emphasizing that banks are already significant taxpayers and are subject to a separate advance income tax. This position is heavily policy- and data-driven, focusing on defending the existing tax system and criticizing the proposal for being ill-conceived. The political stance stresses the necessity of a predictable tax environment that encourages entrepreneurship.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates high competence in the area of corporate income tax and banking sector taxation, utilizing precise tax rates (e.g., 18% advance income tax, 22/78 on dividends) and financial data. It presents detailed statistical data regarding the total sums of income tax paid by banks (250 million euros) and compares the Estonian system with the tax regimes of Latvia and Lithuania. This competence is further confirmed by explaining the impact of the economic climate (Euribor, decline in LHV profit).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and corrective, with objections being refuted directly and substantiated by data ("I completely refute this claim"). The emphasis is on logical argumentation, utilizing detailed tax data and references to commission discussions to demonstrate the draft bill's lack of thoroughness. Rhetorical questions are employed to expose the technical deficiencies of the opposing party's proposal, particularly concerning the taxation of undistributed profits.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
They are actively involved in the Riigikogu Finance Committee, serving as the rapporteur for a specific draft bill (535), which demonstrates a key role in guiding and clarifying the legislative process. This pattern of activity includes providing detailed summaries of committee discussions and decisions, as well as monitoring any postponements in the bill's proceedings. They repeatedly address the plenary session to answer questions and correct the opposing sides' claims regarding taxation.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition has been voiced against the initiators of the bill (the Center Party faction, Andrei Korobeinik), criticizing their proposal for being poorly thought out and factually incorrect regarding tax matters. The criticism is politically motivated, specifically refuting claims about banks being insufficiently taxed and dismissing the comparison drawn between the margins of casinos and banks. Opponents are being accused of incompetence, and are advised to educate themselves on the tax system and conduct a proper analysis.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is formal and procedural, focusing on communicating the commission's consensus decisions (e.g., appointing a rapporteur). In substantive discussions, they rely on the arguments of other colleagues (Mart Võrklaev, Rain Epler) to strengthen the opposition to the draft bill. They mention that the bill could be improved with amendments, but simultaneously emphasize its inherent initial illogicality.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on comparing the economic environment and tax policy of the Baltic states (Latvia and Lithuania), using these examples as a cautionary tale. It highlights that Estonia's investment climate is more attractive due to the bank taxes imposed in Latvia and Lithuania, citing the SEB group's decision to relocate its head office to Tallinn as a prime example. The regional focus centers on the international investment context and overall competitiveness.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports a business-friendly, transparent, and predictable tax system, and opposes sudden, high taxes that could deter investors. It emphasizes the need to account for the cyclical nature of banks, as their profits are dependent on the economic climate (Euribor). It stresses that banks are making a significant contribution to the state budget (an additional 600 million euros over five years) thanks to the existing tax changes and the advance corporate income tax.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus remains centered on the handling of Bill 535 (the temporary solidarity tax for the Estonian banking sector) and the expression of opposition to it. The Speaker is serving as the rapporteur for the lead committee, concentrating on highlighting the technical and substantive deficiencies of the draft legislation, particularly concerning its overlap with the current advance income tax system. It is emphasized that the bill requires a majority vote of the full Riigikogu membership for its adoption.
9 Speeches Analyzed