Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Draft law amending the Value Added Tax Act (539 SE) - First Reading
2025-01-22
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political platform is heavily focused on improving the population's well-being, specifically by supporting a reduction in VAT on food items due to high inflation and relative poverty. Criticism targets the government’s tax hikes (VAT, car tax) and wasteful spending, stressing that the country’s financial issues should be resolved by eliminating waste, not by increasing taxes. The speaker directly connects economic prosperity to security and patriotism, underscoring that the patriotism of people who are hungry fades away.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and the international tax environment, citing specific VAT rates across various European nations (Belgium, Finland, Germany). The presentation utilizes statistical data concerning inflation, the high cost of the food basket (which is 9% above the EU average), and relative poverty in Estonia (affecting 20% of the population). Furthermore, the speaker exhibits knowledge of the bureaucratic aspects of the tax system, favoring a universal tax reduction over origin-based differentiation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and forceful, emphasizing the severity of the economic hardships and the necessity for immediate intervention. Both logical arguments (international examples, avoiding bureaucracy) and emotional appeals (the erosion of patriotism when stomachs are empty) are employed. The speaker admonishes the coalition partners (especially the Social Democrats) and challenges the rationale behind the Reform Party's tax policy.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He/She actively speaks at the Riigikogu session during the first reading of the draft bill, serving as the lead proponent of the initiative. He/She refers to participation in the preceding information hour and the debate on an earlier draft bill (the car tax), which demonstrates regular involvement in parliamentary work. Previous activity during the reduction of excise duties is also noted, intended to prove that the benefits of the tax cut reached the consumers.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition to the ruling coalition, especially the Reform Party and the Social Democrats. The criticism centers on the unjustified nature of the tax hikes, wasteful spending, and the government's tendency to copy European "stupidities" (for example, in energy policy). The Social Democrats are criticized for hypocrisy, as they acknowledge the merit of the idea but plan not to support the draft bill.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Actively seeking support from the opposition and coalition partners (especially the Social Democrats), urging them to "get on board" with this positive initiative. [The entity/person] shows openness to amendments aimed at improving the technical details of the draft bill concerning the European VAT framework. [It] stresses the necessity of sending a clear message to businesses that the benefits of the tax reduction must reach consumers, referencing the cooperation between the state and entrepreneurs.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on the national economic situation, stressing that the cost of living and financial hardship are acute both in Tallinn and elsewhere in Estonia ("it is even more expensive to live there"). It uses extensive international comparisons to evaluate Estonia’s situation, highlighting that living in Tallinn is more expensive than living in Tokyo, Rome, or Abu Dhabi.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports lowering taxes (specifically VAT on food products) to improve people's economic well-being, and opposes any tax hikes. It stresses the necessity of ending government wasteful spending to prevent the need for tax increases. The belief is that by monitoring the government and sending a clear message, the benefits of tax reductions will reach consumers, rather than simply boosting corporate profits.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main focus is on social well-being and poverty reduction, noting that 20% of the population lives in relative poverty and that getting by has become very difficult for many. It directly links economic well-being (an empty stomach) with security and patriotism and warns that due to the difficult situation, people are planning to move away from Estonia.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the initiation and support of the draft bill (539 SE) concerning the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs. The speaker is the initiator of the bill and is prepared to propose amendments to bring it into compliance with the European VAT regulatory framework. Also high on the agenda is opposition to the car tax law, which is viewed as yet another tax increase.
6 Speeches Analyzed