Agenda Profile: Tanel Tein
First reading of the Draft Act (728 SE) on the Gambling Act, the Gambling Tax Act, the Act amending the Gambling Tax Act, and the Act amending the Cultural Endowment Act.
2025-10-21
15th Riigikogu, Sixth Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
Incomplete: Profile is incomplete as parliament did not provide full information regarding person's speeches.
The political focus is on elevating the funding of culture and sports to a new level by establishing stable and transparent funds financed by the additional revenue generated from the gambling tax. The approach to the draft legislation is strongly supportive and strategic, emphasizing the strengthening of independence from standard budget cycles. The objective is to attract new international tax revenue to Estonia, not merely to redistribute existing domestic funds. The policy is aimed at fostering long-term trust and creating a competitive tax environment.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Incomplete: Profile is incomplete as parliament did not provide full information regarding person's speeches.
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise regarding the strategy concerning the remote gambling tax, the international tax environment, and the anti-money laundering framework. They utilize specific figures and statistics, referencing the Foresight Centre's analysis regarding potential revenue of 100 million euros, as well as the conservative forecasts provided by the Ministry of Finance. Furthermore, the speaker is well-versed in corporate donation tax incentives and their low uptake rate (0.5% of companies).
12 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Incomplete: Profile is incomplete as parliament did not provide full information regarding person's speeches.
The language used is formal, persuasive, and highly optimistic, focusing on a strategic approach and the creation of new economic opportunities. Extensive use is made of logical arguments and data, highlighting investment and the trust pact between the state and the business sector. The overall tone is forward-looking, stressing that this move will elevate Estonian culture and sports to a new level.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Incomplete: Profile is incomplete as parliament did not provide full information regarding person's speeches.
The speaker presents the first reading of the draft law initiated by 16 members of the Riigikogu. Data is unavailable regarding activity patterns, such as frequency of presentation or meetings. (There is insufficient data.)
12 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Incomplete: Profile is incomplete as parliament did not provide full information regarding person's speeches.
The criticism is aimed at the previous tax increase policy, which led to operators leaving Estonia, citing one operator whose annual tax contribution was 4 million euros as an example. He/She also criticizes the earlier attempt to process mass data, calling it a mistake that the Chancellor of Justice and the President rejected. The opposition is policy- and regulation-based.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Incomplete: Profile is incomplete as parliament did not provide full information regarding person's speeches.
The speaker highlighted collaboration with 16 members of the Riigikogu (Parliament) when initiating the bill, as well as cooperation with the Olympic Committee in maintaining the list of nationally significant sports facilities. Emphasis is placed on establishing a trust pact between the state and the business sector through the Private Funding Mobilization Fund, which leverages corporate donations. This cooperation is deemed crucial for shaping a new culture of giving.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Incomplete: Profile is incomplete as parliament did not provide full information regarding person's speeches.
The focus is strongly international (bringing global tax revenue into Estonia) and national (funding culture and sports). There is also mention of potentially building sports facilities in Tartu, Pärnu, or Viljandi, but this is a future plan contingent upon generating additional revenue. The goal is to make Estonia an attractive tax jurisdiction in the international market.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Incomplete: Profile is incomplete as parliament did not provide full information regarding person's speeches.
Advocates a competitive tax strategy and a phased tax reduction (down to 4%) to attract international companies and tax revenue to Estonia. Supports the state matching business donations (up to an additional 50%) and emphasizes a responsible fiscal policy where new funds are launched only with the support of additional revenue. Views the tax environment as a tool for attracting foreign investments.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Incomplete: Profile is incomplete as parliament did not provide full information regarding person's speeches.
The social impact of gambling is addressed, strengthening the framework for preventing money laundering and terrorism, and establishing a requirement for an on-site contact person. The ethical dilemma of using the gambling tax to fund culture and sports is acknowledged, but this practice is defended as a societal agreement that has been in place for a couple of decades. The objective is not to foster addiction, but rather to strengthen the independence of cultural and sports funding.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Incomplete: Profile is incomplete as parliament did not provide full information regarding person's speeches.
The main legislative priority is the adoption of the draft act amending the Gambling Act and the Cultural Endowment Act (728 SE), of which he is the initiator and a strong supporter. The aim of the draft act is to establish two new earmarked funds (the Sports Facilities Fund and the Private Money Inclusion Fund) and to strengthen oversight by creating a total of six new positions in the MTA and the RAB.
12 Speeches Analyzed