Session Profile: Aivar Sõerd
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-05-07
Political Position
The speaker strongly opposes Bill 594 (the lowering of excise duty and VAT on fuels), as it is predicated on the false premise of a sharp increase in energy prices, even though oil prices have dropped back to 2021 levels. This stance is strictly policy- and fact-based, highlighting the bill's lack of financial backing and its conceptual flaws. The speaker points out that the proposed amendments would result in a loss of budgetary revenue amounting to over 200 million euros annually by 2027.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in fiscal policy, taxation, and global energy markets. He/She references specific data concerning the decline in global oil prices and cites Ministry of Finance calculations regarding the loss of budget revenue (85 million euros in the first year). In his/her work, he/she relies on calculations provided by experts and qualified analysts, including those from the Bank of Estonia and commercial banks.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and critical, particularly toward the initiators of the draft legislation. The speaker repeatedly employs the term "false claim" to underscore the inadequacy of the opposing side's legislative foundations. They emphasize their role as a representative of the commission, tasked with conveying the discussion and decisions, while maintaining a low emotional tone and focusing strictly on logical arguments.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is linked to the legislative process, involving acting as the rapporteur for the Finance Committee at the plenary session. He/She provides a detailed overview of the committee's discussion, which took place on April 8th, and the committee's decisions to reject the draft bill. The speaker's role is to convey the committee's positions and answer questions regarding the content and procedure of the draft bill.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition has been directed at the bill initiated by the EKRE faction, criticizing it both substantively and procedurally. The sharpest criticism targets the claim regarding rising energy prices that forms the basis of the bill, a claim which has been repeatedly labeled as false. Furthermore, opponents are accused of incomplete work, as there are no calculations showing how the proposed tax reduction would affect the additional revenue collected by the state budget.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is institutional, representing the decision of the majority of the Finance Committee to reject the draft bill (6 in favor, 2 against). He refers to the contribution of colleagues (e.g., Tanel Tein) and representatives of the Ministry of Finance during the committee discussion. Compromising with the initiators is not supported, as the proposal to withdraw the bill was rejected.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing the purchasing power of Estonian consumers and businesses, as well as the loss of state budget revenue. An international focus is also crucial, given that the discussion centers on global market oil prices and European Union VAT directives. Specific regional topics are absent.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for fiscal responsibility and opposes unfunded tax cuts that would result in significant losses of budget revenue. He/She emphasizes that tax reductions must be financially covered and must align with the current economic situation. Furthermore, he/she points to the restrictions imposed by European Union VAT directives regarding the application of a reduced rate for fuels.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on rejecting Draft Bill 594 (which proposes lowering fuel excise duty and VAT), with the individual speaking in their capacity as the representative of the leading committee. They stress that the bill runs contrary to both the principles of fiscal responsibility and international law. The speaker's main goal is to ensure that this draft bill does not advance to a second reading.
8 Speeches Analyzed