Agenda Profile: Annely Akkermann
Third reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports increasing national defense funding (a 9.3% rise) and continued assistance to Ukraine, stressing that this effort constitutes the defense of the entire Western world. The speaker backs the current tax policy even though the tax burden will increase by 0.7 percentage points, but regrets that the tax notch (or tax hump) was not abolished. Furthermore, the speaker demonstrates robust support for utilizing foreign aid and taking out loans for national defense objectives.
30 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound expertise in budgetary matters, utilizing precise figures and percentages (e.g., revenue growth of 5.2%, expenditure growth of 3.5%). Possesses a strong command of the technical aspects of taxation, detailing the mechanism of banks' advance income tax and the impact of various tax types. Shows excellent familiarity with international comparisons (OECD, NATO, EU statistics) and budget preparation procedures.
30 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Uses a fact-based, technically detailed style, relying on figures and statistics. The tone is predominantly explanatory and pedagogical, but becomes more emotional when discussing support for Ukraine and national defense. It references personal experiences (grandmother, life on Kihnu) to introduce human examples, but generally maintains a formal approach.
30 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Participated actively in the work of the Finance Committee on December 2nd, 5th, and 9th, in preparation for the third reading of the budget. Provides thorough answers to questions regarding various aspects of the budget, demonstrating systematic preparation and familiarity with the documents. Also noted the regular provision of economic forecasts to the members of the Finance Committee.
30 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Critiques the formal deficiencies in the Isamaa faction's proposed amendments, stating they do not comply with the requirements of the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act. Makes an ironic remark directed at Urmas Reinsalu, suggesting he should learn how to draft amendments from the Centre Party. Overall, the tone remains constructive, focusing on procedural matters.
30 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Commends the proper drafting of the Center Party’s amendment proposals and took into consideration Tõnis Lukas’s proposal for supporting the Estonian Literary Society. It emphasizes cooperation with the ministries during the budget refinement process and demonstrates openness to constructive proposals. It notes the consensus decisions reached in the Finance Committee.
30 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It refers to life on Kihnu and local pensioners as examples of the rural life experience. It mentions Vana-Vigala school due to a personal connection (a cousin who is a teacher there). It focuses primarily on national issues, but occasionally uses local examples to illustrate broader points.
30 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
They support a pragmatic approach: accepting tax hikes necessitated by national defense requirements, while stressing that the state reinvests 2.5 times the amount it collects in taxes back into the economy. They advocate for keeping the competitive tax system within the lowest third of the EU range. Furthermore, they express skepticism toward the proposed bank tax, citing its potential negative effects on the domestic banking sector.
30 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It emphasizes the 7.6% growth in social spending as a priority, particularly the raising of pensions. It supports the transition to Estonian-language education (61 million euros). It expresses cautious optimism regarding the well-being of the population, based on the growth of pensions and salaries, but acknowledges individual differences in how people manage financially.
30 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Focuses on the adoption of the 2025 State Budget Act, emphasizing funding for national defense, the growth of social expenditures, and investments. It supports the creation of a defense industry fund (100 million) and the strengthening of electricity grids (74 million). It stresses the necessity of submitting a more detailed budget and the importance of clarifying the specific textual clauses.
30 Speeches Analyzed