Agenda Profile: Annely Akkermann
Second reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)
2024-11-13
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The speaker strongly backs national defense and security priorities, stressing the implementation of NATO defense plans and boosting defense expenditure to over 3% of GDP. They advocate for increasing social spending by 7.6%, including pension raises and greater healthcare spending. The speaker defends the government's tax increases as necessary for guaranteeing security, emphasizing that the state returns more money to the economy than it collects in taxes.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound expertise in budgetary and financial matters, utilizing precise figures and percentages. Provides a detailed explanation of the principles of activity-based budgeting and the structure of the state budget. Exhibits strong domain knowledge regarding the calculation of NATO defense expenditures, comparisons of the tax system with other countries, and the procedural aspects of the budget within the Riigikogu.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
They employ a detailed, explanatory style, grounding their arguments in figures and facts. They can be emotional at times, particularly when discussing security and discrimination, often drawing on personal anecdotes. While they tend to react defensively to criticism, they do recognize constructive suggestions from the opposition. They utilize metaphors (such as "a dog without a home" or "a house of cards") to clarify complex subjects.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Actively participates in the work of the Finance Committee, citing regular sessions and the review of proposed amendments. Mentions meetings with representatives of other countries (e.g., the Finnish Finance Committee) and participation in media broadcasts. Demonstrates systematic work in the preparation and processing of the budget.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker criticizes the amendment proposals put forth by EKRE and Isamaa, labeling them as either improper or unrealistic, specifically calling Isamaa's "alternative budget" "political satire." They defend the government's policy against the opposition's accusations, arguing that the criticism is often unfounded. Nevertheless, a constructive approach is maintained by acknowledging well-formulated proposals.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Publicly acknowledges the opposition’s properly drafted amendments and constructive approach. Emphasizes the consensus decisions of the Finance Committee and the cooperation achieved with various factions. Demonstrates a willingness to take into account the observations of the Chancellor of Justice and the Auditor General when refining the budget.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses primarily on national issues, but specifically mentions Pärnu County and the challenges it faces as a sparsely populated region. It emphasizes improving the financing of local municipalities through land tax reform and the Robin Hood law. It provides examples based on his/her experience as a local government leader in Kihnu Parish and the City of Pärnu.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports a pragmatic approach where tax increases are justified for funding security and social needs. It is emphasized that the state injects more money into the economy (2.4 billion) than it collects through taxation (1 billion). The policy advocates for maintaining competitiveness through a low tax burden (35.8% of GDP) and an efficient tax system. Inflation is viewed as the main economic problem.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Strongly supports increasing social spending, including pension hikes and healthcare costs. Defends gender equality and equal treatment programs, sharing emotional examples of discrimination. Emphasizes the importance of transitioning to Estonian-language education and integrating Ukrainian war refugees. Shows empathy toward marginalized groups.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on processing the 2025 State Budget Act, detailing the process and requirements for submitting amendment proposals. It stresses the improvement of the performance-based budgeting system and the enhancement of transparency. It also mentions the continuation of the Rail Baltic project as a statutory obligation, alongside programs for developing the defense industry.
46 Speeches Analyzed