Agenda Profile: Jaak Valge
Second reading of the draft law amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Tax Act and other laws (510 SE)
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is moderately skeptical regarding the proposed excise duty increase bill, stressing the need to find more effective methods for reducing alcohol consumption. The position is policy-driven, focusing on the effectiveness of the measures and regional coordination. The speaker strongly supports the objective of reducing alcohol consumption in Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of alcohol policy, differentiating between excise tax hikes and restrictions on sales hours as methods for reducing consumption. This expertise is evident in their familiarity with the regulatory practices of neighboring countries (Latvia, Lithuania, the Nordic countries) and their ability to highlight these examples.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, factual, and interrogative, posing two direct policy questions to the presenter. The address is logic-based, seeking information regarding Latvia’s plans and utilizing international examples (Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Denmark) for argumentation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient information.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct opposition or personal attacks, but the speaker casts doubt on the effectiveness of the method chosen in the draft bill (excise duties). The criticism is policy-based, offering alternative solutions (restricting sales hours) to achieve the social objective.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the necessity of developing a joint policy with Latvia concerning excise duties, citing a desire for regional cooperation. Information regarding the manner of domestic cooperation is unavailable.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus, emphasizing the need to coordinate excise policy with Latvia to avoid border trade problems. In the context of social policy, broader reference is made to the practices of the Nordic and Baltic countries (Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Denmark).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives center on the regional impact of excise duty policy, stressing the necessity of reviewing Latvia's future plans and developing a joint policy. This indicates concern regarding economic competitiveness and cross-border trade.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker strongly supports the goal of reducing alcohol consumption in Estonia, deeming it necessary. From a social policy perspective, stricter regulation of sales hours is favored as a means of curbing consumption, citing the experiences of other countries as examples.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill (510 SE) amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel, and Electricity Excise Duty Act. The speaker is critical of the bill’s methodology and proposes considering the restriction of sales times as an alternative legislative solution.
1 Speeches Analyzed