Agenda Profile: Jaak Valge
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act (286 SE)
2024-02-21
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is aimed at improving the competitiveness of Estonian agriculture, highlighting the negative impact caused by high VAT and low EU direct payments. A second key issue emphasized is the need to revitalize parliamentary debate by supporting the allowance of interjections, citing historical and international precedents. This stance is strongly geared towards rectifying unfavorable competitive conditions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding both the comparative levels of European Union agricultural subsidies and VAT, citing a specific data point (75% of the EU average), and knowledge of the Riigikogu's Rules of Procedure and historical parliamentary practices. He/She specifically refers to Section 66 (§ 66) of the Rules of Procedure and compares the Estonian practice with the Parliament of England and the historical Estonian parliament.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and analytical, focusing on logical arguments and comparisons, and presenting its viewpoints in the form of questions. Both numerical data (75% of the EU average) and historical and procedural references (e.g., the parliament during the Päts era, the UK Parliament) are utilized to support its arguments. The tone is critical concerning both the government's economic policy and the procedural rules enforced by the session chair.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during one session day, asking questions concerning both substantive policy (VAT and agriculture) and the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and how to invigorate the debate. This demonstrates a willingness to intervene in both economic debates and procedural matters.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at competitive conditions within the European Union that harm Estonian agriculture, stemming from high value-added tax (VAT) and low direct subsidies. Furthermore, criticism is leveled against the rules established by the session chairman, which forbid interjections, deeming this measure suppressive to discussion and historically unjustifiable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The discussion centers on the state of Estonian agriculture and its competitive conditions within the European Union. The speaker highlights the low level of direct payments received by the Baltic states (including Estonia) compared to the EU average.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are focused on protecting and improving the competitiveness of domestic agriculture. The speaker stresses the necessity of addressing the unfavorable situation resulting from high Value Added Tax (VAT) and inadequate EU subsidies, pointing to the need to either reduce the tax burden or increase the level of support.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on the draft amendment to the Value Added Tax Act (Bill 286 SE), which raises the issue of the tax burden on agriculture. A secondary focus addresses the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules of the Riigikogu, particularly regarding freedom of debate and the allowance of interjections.
2 Speeches Analyzed