Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Draft Law Amending the Value Added Tax Act (593 SE) – First Reading
2025-04-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political platform is aggressively focused on improving family livelihoods and stimulating domestic consumption, specifically by supporting a reduction of VAT on foodstuffs to 5%. Criticism leveled at the government is sharp, accusing them of economic deterioration and of causing the highest inflation and the recession. The political framework is strongly results-oriented, contrasting the current failures with the previous administration's brief "bright interlude."
13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in VAT regulations, referencing EU rules on the number of reduced rates permitted (two) and offering specific figures (5%, 9%, 13%). The Ministry of Finance's estimate of the budget impact (€400 million) is utilized, and international examples (Great Britain, Ireland) highlighting the positive effect of tax cuts on consumers are presented.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and ironic, particularly when directed at government members and coalition partners, who stand accused of arrogance and a failure to grasp the numbers. Powerful metaphors are employed, such as "political theater" to characterize the activities of the Social Democrats (Sotsid) and Eesti 200. Appeals are made both to logic (stimulating consumption) and to emotion (patriotism, faith in one's country). The overall tone expresses concern regarding the financial well-being of families, yet remains optimistic about finding viable solutions.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu chamber debates during the first reading of the bill. Reference is made to previous discussions in the Finance Committee and the debate on the bank tax held last week with colleague Sõerd. This demonstrates consistent participation in economic policy discussions.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The standoff is acute, directed against the ruling coalition (Reform Party, SDE, Eesti 200), which stands accused of wasteful spending, ideological policy-making, and an inability to objectively evaluate the current situation. The Minister of Finance faces personal criticism for failing to grasp the figures, while the coalition's general approach is dubbed a "steamroller" and a blatant disregard for established rules. The tactics employed by other opposition parties (Social Democrats, Eesti 200) are also under fire; these tactics involve initiating inquiries instead of engaging in actual legislative work.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker acknowledges the existence of political competition within the opposition but emphasizes broad cooperation. Hope is expressed that consensus can be found on the draft legislation in the Riigikogu chamber, even though the low chances of success for the opposition's bills are recognized, given the current political arithmetic. Earlier initiatives by other parties (such as the Centre Party) concerning tax cuts are supported.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily at the national level (the Estonian economy, family livelihood) and within the international context (the VAT rates of European countries, EU regulations). While residence in Võrumaa is mentioned, this does not influence the substantive political focus, which is aimed at stimulating the economy of the entire country.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports lowering taxes (specifically, VAT on food to 5%) to boost domestic consumption and revitalize the economy, stressing that the more disposable income people have, the better they are able to cope. It opposes government waste on major projects (railway, ideological energy subsidies) and proposes using these funds as a source to cover the 400 million euro budget shortfall. It prioritizes fiscal freedom and reduced state intervention, arguing that excessive intervention stifles innovation.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social concern is the decline in families' ability to cope and the resulting uncertainty, which they are trying to mitigate with tax reductions. Culturally, there is support for maintaining the reduced VAT rate for books and medicines, as these are not considered luxury items. Concern is also expressed regarding the content of newspapers, with references to "brainwashing," suggesting a desire to limit the influence of specific media outlets.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the passage of the bill (593 SE) to reduce the VAT on foodstuffs to 5%. Furthermore, the speaker is interested in increasing the transparency of the state budget by requiring a mandatory cost-based breakdown. Support is also given to maintaining the preferential rate for books and medicines at the 5% level.
13 Speeches Analyzed