Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Interpellation Regarding the Temporary Taxation of Banks' Excess Profits (No. 595)
2024-03-04
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on strong support for the temporary taxation of banks' windfall profits, which is considered essential during these difficult times. The speaker sharply criticizes the government's decision to abandon the bank tax and, instead, target the wallets of families and residents of remote areas. The political framework is results-oriented, highlighting the government's failure to generate revenue for the state treasury and its subservience to banking interests.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter demonstrates expertise in the fields of banking and tax policy, addressing the impact of interest rate levels (loan versus deposit rates) and central bank activities on profitability. The example of Lithuania is used to explain the flexible tax structure, and comparisons are drawn regarding the availability and fees of Swedish banking services. It is emphasized that banks earned exceptional profits without having to lift a finger themselves.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and critical, emphasizing the severity and urgency of the situation. Strong visual language is employed (e.g., the smiling faces of bankers after the meeting), and the prime minister is accused of demagoguery and relaying the banks' PR messages. The speech is formal, yet it includes sharp personal and political attacks.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during the Riigikogu session as part of a parliamentary query (interpellation). Reference is made to the government's regular (weekly) emphasis on economic difficulties. Specific personal patterns of activity are absent, but the draft bill submitted by EKRE in May is referenced.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is the prime minister and the government, who are sharply criticized for yielding to banking interests and for implementing unreasonable tax hikes (the motor vehicle tax, the abolition of the income tax exemption). The criticism is intense, accusing the government of demagoguery and strangling the Estonian economy with excessive regulations. The opposition is grounded in policy and procedure, raising suspicions about the government's true motives.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It was mentioned that one of the parties then in the coalition expressed a positive attitude toward the idea of the bank tax, citing the short-term potential for cross-party cooperation. Overall, the speaker maintains a position strongly opposed to the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It is emphasized that the government's planned motor vehicle tax will negatively affect precisely those people who live far from major urban centers. This highlights concern regarding the financial burden on residents of peripheral areas and the necessity of protecting their interests.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports temporary taxation (a bank tax) on windfall profits to bring significant revenue into the state treasury and alleviate economic hardship. It opposes tax increases (like the car tax) and regulations that stifle business. It argues that banks earned profit effortlessly, which justifies partially redistributing it back to society.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The government’s decision to target the finances of families with children by eliminating the income tax exemption is being highlighted among social problems. This move is framed as an unfair and unreasonable measure during a difficult time.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the bank tax bill introduced by EKRE in May, which would have taxed banks' extraordinary profits. The speaker is the initiator and a strong proponent of this measure, emphasizing its temporary, short-term, and flexible nature, which would have given banks the option of raising deposit interest rates.
3 Speeches Analyzed