Agenda Profile: Jaak Valge
Inquiry Regarding Bank Tax (no. 673)
2025-02-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is centered on the super-profits of foreign banks and the necessity of adjusting the state's tax ideology. The speaker strongly advocates for the introduction of a bank tax (solidarity tax) to redirect profits toward societal needs, contrasting sharply with the government's bank-friendly position. This political stance is fundamentally value-based, emphasizing the rights of the people as the ultimate bearer of state sovereignty.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker presents themselves as an economic historian, demonstrating authority on the topic of changes in economic processes and financial transactions. Specific statistical data regarding banks' net profit (940 million and 1.1 billion euros) and the birth rate is utilized to support the argument for the necessity of changing tax policy. Reference is also made to specific Swedbank executives and the years 2007–2019 in the context of their suspicious transactions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is sharp and combative, combining economic calculations (e.g., 57,000 euros per newborn) with an emotional and national appeal. Strong contrasts are utilized (the people vs. the banks), and injustice is emphasized, specifically the idea that foreign powers are controlling the Estonian economy. The speech concludes by citing a national slogan ("Sigtuna is not far anymore!"), lending the tone an urgent and cautionary character.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the government and the prime minister, who are accused of siding with banks instead of the people and defending obsolete economic concepts (legal certainty). There is also strong opposition to foreign banks and their executives, who are seen as the real power brokers in the Estonian economy, raking in massive profits without any social responsibility. The criticism is intense and political-ethical in nature.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker supportively references the slogan of the Estonian Nationalists and Conservatives' demonstration, which indicates ideological alignment. There is no information available regarding cooperation or willingness to compromise with other parliamentary parties.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on Estonia's national tax policy and demographic situation. Strong emphasis is placed on negative external influence, specifically the dominance of foreign banks managed from Stockholm in the Estonian economy and decision-making processes. A comparison is also drawn, highlighting that Estonia is the only Baltic state that has not introduced a solidarity tax.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly advocates for raising taxes (a solidarity tax) on the excess profits of foreign banks to ensure a fairer distribution of wealth and promote social responsibility. Their economic views are focused on regulating speculative financial capital, noting that extreme wealth is no longer tied to the production of goods necessary for society. They support adapting the state’s tax ideology to new conditions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on the demographic situation (record-low birth rates) and social justice. A radical solution is proposed: directing bank profits toward supporting newborns (57,000 euros per child) to defend the interests of the Estonian people and improve the standard of living.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the introduction of a bank solidarity tax, emphasizing that Estonia is the only Baltic country that has not yet done so. The speaker is a strong proponent and advocate for this measure, presenting it as the will of the people.
1 Speeches Analyzed