Session Profile: Ants Frosch
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
The political stance is distinctly oppositional, centered on challenging the government's actions and procedural rules, while simultaneously stressing consistency and the provision of solutions. The main political issues are the restoration of appointing civil servants through competitive selection processes and strong opposition to the 2025 income tax increase. The overall approach heavily emphasizes procedural justice and governmental effectiveness.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expertise is evident in a thorough knowledge of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and procedural rules, challenging the definition of obstruction and the shaping of the agenda. It also demonstrates detailed awareness of cases involving the clawback of state support measures (KredEx) and demands specific quantitative data from the Minister of Finance regarding the impact on income tax revenue.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is resolute and confrontational, employing strong metaphors (e.g., "carrying water with a sieve," or "salami slicing tactics"). The tone is formal, yet it contains irony and sharp accusations levelled at the board regarding procedural unfairness, ironically asking who the "god in heaven" is that evaluates the obstruction.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speech patterns indicate consistent activity in submitting draft legislation and interpellations throughout the entire observed period. A significant portion of this activity is directed at challenging the decisions and procedural rules of the Riigikogu Board, including raising issues related to technical problems and the order of the agenda.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition's stance is directed against the coalition and the board, sharply criticizing procedural unfairness and the restriction of the opposition's rights. The criticism is also aimed at the government's financial policy (the income tax hike) and the misuse of state subsidies, citing the Otepää case as an example. He/She defends his/her actions against accusations that they constitute obstructionism.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is open to broad-based collaboration within the opposition, achieved by submitting bills and interpellations jointly with colleagues. The draft Public Service Act was submitted alongside several members of the same faction, whereas the interpellation regarding income tax involved members from various opposition factions (including Isamaa and the Centre Party).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
While most topics are of national importance (tax policy, public service), there is also a specific regional focus. A separate inquiry specifically addressed the case in Otepää municipality where state support (KredEx) was clawed back due to violations, thereby highlighting the actions taken by the local government.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are fiscally critical, opposing the income tax increase and demanding precise data regarding its impact on both revenue collection and the total amount paid by individuals. Strict control over the use of state subsidies (KredEx) is emphasized to prevent them from effectively becoming "interest-free loans" for the benefit of private companies.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the draft amendment to the Public Service Act, which seeks to reinstate the competitive appointment process for state officials. A substantial portion of the work involves overseeing the government’s financial decisions (income tax) and the distribution of state subsidies (the Otepää case) through parliamentary inquiries, primarily by initiating draft legislation or submitting these inquiries.
8 Speeches Analyzed