Agenda Profile: Annely Akkermann
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Approval of the State's 2024 Financial Year Consolidated Report" (Bill 720 OE)
2025-11-06
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political emphasis is placed on the technical and procedural management of state finance, highlighting the necessity of improving performance indicators (metrics) so that they are tied to the allocation of funds. National defense is recognized as a clear budgetary priority, and there is strong support for increasing infrastructure funding, particularly for road construction, with the goals of enhancing traffic safety and military mobility. The overall approach is predominantly policy- and performance-based.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates strong expertise in state financial reporting, budget execution control, and performance indicator methodology, referencing criticism from the National Audit Office and issues within the ministries. He/She is well-versed in budgeting trends, noting the transition to performance-based budgeting both domestically and in the context of European Union funding. This expertise is supported by detailed knowledge of audit problems at the Ministry of Defence and the procedures for carrying forward budget balances.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and procedural, focusing on summarizing the work and discussions of the Finance Committee and clarifying the procedural course of the draft bill. The speaker employs logical arguments and references to experts (the National Audit Office, the Minister), avoiding emotional appeals, but adds a personal remark regarding the "vibrancy" of the Finance Minister’s foreword. The presentation is balanced, acknowledging the complexity of the relationship between metrics and funding.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active representative of the Finance Committee, providing a detailed summary of the October 13 session and the resulting procedural decisions. They referenced ongoing work related to budget oversight, specifically mentioning earlier discussions in May regarding the carryover of balances and the need for closer scrutiny of future performance indicators. This highlights their consistent involvement in the technical supervision of the budgetary process.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism primarily targets administrative issues within the ministries, particularly the Ministry of Defense, and the late submission of data, which prevents timely oversight of budget residuals. Earlier performance indicators are also criticized because they were not tied to the allocation of funds, citing, for instance, the previously removed metric concerning the public's perception of security. The criticism is procedural and systemic, not personal.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stressed cooperation and consensus within the Finance Committee, noting that the majority of procedural decisions were reached by consensus. He highlighted the constructive dialogue and fundamental unity of purpose, even during intense debates (citing Aivar Sõerd and Sven Kirsipuu), which demonstrates an openness to compromise and analytical collaboration. He also mentioned discussions with the Minister of Defense aimed at resolving outstanding issues.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national budget management, but regionally, significant infrastructure projects are highlighted. Particular emphasis is placed on the construction of four-lane roads towards Pärnu and Tartu, and the importance of the Tallinn–Pärnu route for the deployment of Military Mobility assets, which also serve civilian use.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports fiscal discipline and performance-based budgeting, where expenditures are tied to measurable results. It advocates for a significant national investment in road construction, which will increase in the 2026 budget and be partially financed by the motor vehicle tax, viewing this as an investment positively correlated with improving road safety. It recognizes national defense as a clear budget priority of recent years.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social sector addresses the perception of security and safety, noting with satisfaction the removal of the subjective security indicator. Traffic safety (measured by the number of fatalities in traffic) is treated as a crucial social metric, emphasizing that achieving results requires not only better roads but also a good traffic culture.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the processing and completion of the first reading of the State's Consolidated Annual Report (720 OE). The long-term priority is reforming the performance indicator system to ensure a stronger correlation between these indicators and funding allocation, and requiring earlier data submissions from ministries regarding budget balances to improve overall oversight.
5 Speeches Analyzed