Agenda Profile: Annely Akkermann
Continuation of the first reading of the Draft Law on the State Budget for 2026 (737 SE)
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly supportive of the government's 2026 state budget, emphasizing the robust growth of defense spending (over 5% of GDP) and the reduction of income tax. The framing of the budget is politically motivated, citing the fulfillment of the Reform Party's election promises and fiscal correctness, contrasting with the previous expansion of the deficit. The main keywords are the rise in defense spending and the drop in the tax burden.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High expertise in state budget procedural processes and technical structure, detailing the work of the Finance Committee, developments in the budget information system, and the logic of activity-based budgeting. Uses specific terminology such as "administrative units," "programs," "Maastricht criteria," and the "state accounting chart of accounts," emphasizing the priority of policy objectives over accounting detail. Can mathematically justify the impact of abolishing the income tax hump on various salary levels.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and informative, given that it is presenting the steering committee's report, but it also incorporates irony (specifically regarding Isamaa’s budget recommendations) and a robust defense of the political choices made. It employs logical and mathematical arguments to defend the tax policy, stressing that eliminating the tax bracket distortion benefits the average worker most significantly. The tone is generally constructive, but becomes defensive when addressing opposition questions concerning administrative costs or the allocation of taxes.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Demonstrates significant activity in legislative work, serving as the representative of the leading committee and providing a detailed description of the four Finance Committee meetings held between August and October. Is actively communicating with ministers and the Budget Council, ensuring thorough preparation for the bill's first reading. Offers members of the Riigikogu the opportunity to apply for personal access to the state budget information system to view more detailed data.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at Isamaa's budget philosophy ("lower revenues and raise expenditures") and the previous EKREIKE government regarding the large deficit (5.2% of GDP). It rejects the opposition's (Urmas Reinsalu) repeated attempts to debate "governance costs," arguing that no such line item exists in the budget, and criticizes their arbitrary definition of the term. The criticism is politically and fiscally justified.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The text describes the constructive and thorough cooperation with ministers within the Finance Committee, noting specifically that the sessions were held in "a very constructive atmosphere" and that the ministers had a strong grasp of their respective portfolios. The appointment as the representative of the lead committee was achieved by consensus, signaling an internal readiness for collaboration. Furthermore, the budget drafting process is viewed as both transparent and evolving.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national budget policy and international security, referencing the war in Ukraine and the exceeding of NATO guidelines for defense spending. There is no regional or local focus; the discussion is directed toward macro-level fiscal policy and ministerial programs.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports lowering the tax burden (by 1.4 percentage points) and implementing a flat income tax system to improve the purchasing power of the average wage earner and abolish the "terribly unfair" tax hump (a 33% effective tax rate in the range of 1200–2100 euros). It emphasizes fiscal discipline, adhering to the Maastricht criteria, and considers inflation an unpleasant quasi-tax. The budget aims to reduce revenue while increasing expenditures (defense).
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are tied to economic well-being, arguing that eliminating the tax hump and boosting families' purchasing power will lead to improved livelihoods. It suggests that increased purchasing power could encourage people to have children, thereby directly linking economic policy to demographic objectives.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the deliberation and adoption of the 2026 State Budget Bill (737 SE). There is strong support for the implementation of activity-based budgeting and the development of the budget information system to make budget monitoring simpler and more comprehensible for politicians. It is emphasized that members of the Riigikogu cannot submit amendments regarding the calculation of depreciation, as this area is regulated by specific standards.
14 Speeches Analyzed