Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi
Second reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position strongly supports social equality and regional balance, opposing policies that deepen income inequality. The speaker demands free access to basic education throughout Estonia and sharply criticizes the government’s tax reform, which they deem misguided and unjust. The stance is strong and value-based, centered on the belief that the party must serve as the Prime Minister’s party for all of Estonia.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of social policy financing (specifically kindergarten fees) and regional economic data, referencing Statistics Estonia figures and the differences in median wages in Southeast Estonia. They are able to calculate in detail the impact of the tax reform on people with different income levels, highlighting that low-wage earners receive only a few dozen euros more, whereas high-wage earners gain hundreds of euros.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate, sharply critical, and direct, combining logical argumentation (salary data, tax calculations) with an emotional appeal for justice. Rhetorical questions and direct address (e.g., aimed at Lauri Laats) are used repeatedly to highlight the opponents' inconsistencies and foolishness. The tone expresses concern regarding regional inequality, yet remains combative.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in Riigikogu debates, participating in the second reading of the supplementary budget bill and submitting repeated questions regarding the substance of the Finance Committee's discussion. He/She also refers to a question posed to the Prime Minister on the same day, which demonstrates continuous and direct communication with high-ranking government officials.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is aimed at the Finance Committee for failing to support any of the Social Democrats' amendments, and at the Reform Party, which is accused of keeping regional policy stalled. Particularly sharp criticism is directed at the Center Party (Lauri Laats), accusing them of political hypocrisy and forgetting their past failures. The criticism is both policy-based (tax reform) and substantive/procedural (regarding committee decisions).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Regarding cooperation, the absence thereof is emphasized, as the Finance Committee failed to support a single amendment proposed by the Social Democrats that would have helped Estonian families. The speaker focuses on pushing through the political priorities of their party (SDE), repeatedly asking why the amendments were not supported substantively or technically.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is extremely strong, underscoring the necessity for balanced development throughout all of Estonia, often contrasting Tallinn and the opportunities it offers with those available in other municipalities. The speaker specifically mentions Southeast Estonia, their hometown Valga, Võru, and Hiiumaa, stressing that the state cannot afford to concentrate solely on the capital city.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly focused on income redistribution and reducing inequality. The speaker opposes the tax reform because it widens the income gap, providing hundreds of euros extra to high earners. He/She supports increasing social benefits, such as raising the subsistence allowance, to combat poverty.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is access to early childhood education and guaranteeing free kindergarten tuition across all of Estonia, which is viewed as a national concern. This is framed as a matter of inequality for children and parents in different local governments, given that some municipalities lack the means to offer the service free of charge.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending the supplementary budget bill (651 SE) to ensure the abolition of kindergarten fees and an increase in subsistence benefits. The speaker supports and initiated these Social Democrat amendments, emphasizing that they would help families across Estonia, and opposes the budget sections related to tax reform.
4 Speeches Analyzed