Agenda Profile: Annely Akkermann
Second Reading of the Draft State Supplementary Budget Act for 2024 (456 SE)
2024-06-14
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, additional plenary session
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the state's 2024 supplementary budget, stressing the necessity of adhering to European Union fiscal rules and maintaining the budget deficit below 3% of GDP. The speaker defends the government's decision to cut spending by 104 million euros and defer investments, labeling this move "a step in the right direction." Furthermore, the speaker rejects the amendment proposals from the Isamaa faction, criticizing them for being non-specific and failing to meet legal requirements.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound expertise in budgetary and financial matters, utilizing precise figures and referencing specific legislation (the State Budget Act, the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act). Explains in detail the mechanisms of transferable funds, the effects of abolishing the tax hump, and the budget preparation processes. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of European Union budgetary rules and their application within the Estonian context.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The approach is factual and technocratic, relying heavily on specific figures and legal arguments. The style is formal and explanatory, aiming to educate and convince through logical reasoning. They occasionally become defensive, particularly when addressing criticism concerning transferable funds or processing timelines. They utilize comparisons (for instance, with personal or household budgets) and practical examples to clarify their positions.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
During this period, the scope is limited to presenting the work of the Finance Committee and defending the supplementary budget. It refers to the committee's June 13 session and the detailed voting results. It also mentions the budget's processing from October to December last year, demonstrating long-term involvement in the budget process.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker directly criticizes the Isamaa faction's proposed amendments, labeling them as non-compliant with legal requirements and overly vague. They dispute Urmas Reinsalu's assertions regarding budget surpluses, accusing him of conflating figures and erroneously including the balances of various funds (the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Health Insurance Fund). Furthermore, the speaker dismisses accusations that the coalition is raising taxes.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It emphasizes the consensus-based work of the Finance Committee in clarifying the title of the draft legislation. It refers to the committee's collective decision-making and voting results, thereby demonstrating respect for institutional processes. It recommends that colleagues address specific questions directly to the ministers, showcasing intra-governmental cooperation.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is not enough data.
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Economic Views
It supports fiscal discipline and the reduction of the budget deficit in order to comply with European Union requirements. It defends the abolition of the tax bulge as a tax reduction for low and middle-income workers, while simultaneously justifying the increased tax burden on high earners. It explains that the scarcity of funds is the engine driving the economy, necessitating choices between priorities within the budget.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It acknowledges that expenditures in the social sector are being reduced, including funds for support services for children growing up in substitute care, by over 1.2 million euros. It claims that the Minister of Social Affairs has confirmed the ability to manage with the reduced budget but does not take a clear position on the justification of the social spending cuts.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Focuses on the deliberation of the draft State Supplementary Budget Act of 2024, chairing the second reading and clarifying the procedure for handling amendments. It emphasizes the importance of meeting legal requirements regarding amendments and the committee's obligation to submit only lawful proposals for a vote. It supports the swift processing of the draft and the holding of the third reading on June 19th.
10 Speeches Analyzed