Agenda Profile: Annely Akkermann
The Minister of Finance's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term strategy "Estonia 2035" (including an overview of the development directions of the public service in 2024)
2025-05-06
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker strongly advocates for increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP and supports the corresponding rise in the tax burden required to achieve this, stressing that life cannot flourish without peace and security. The speaker also favors implementing the Estonia 2035 strategy via stable and transparent fiscal policy. Furthermore, the speaker expresses clear opposition to the standard corporate income tax, commending the prime minister’s decision to revoke it before it could take effect.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates deep knowledge of public finance, utilizing precise statistical data (median wage increase 7.7%, average wage increase 8.1%, old-age pension increase 5.7%). Is highly proficient in tax policy topics, referencing the comparison of 44 OECD countries and the Maastricht criteria. Shows expertise regarding the state budget position, the impact of ratings, and the correlation with interest costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Adopts an optimistic and fact-based approach, relying on specific numerical indicators. The rhetoric is formal and analytical, yet it also includes emotional elements such as "taking one's hat off to Estonian companies." It combines technical explanations with colloquialisms and metaphors ("gently embracing the entire Estonian universe").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches took place on the same day (May 6, 2025) as part of the Minister of Finance’s presentation. The speaker requested additional speaking time, which indicates thorough preparation and a desire to explain the government's financial positions in detail. This was an official parliamentary address concerning the implementation of the "Estonia 2035" strategy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
He directly criticizes the claims made by his colleague Urmas Reinsalu concerning the decline in residents' well-being, labeling them "base political rhetoric" and offering specific numerical data as counter-evidence. He also criticizes the simultaneous application of two corporate income tax systems, describing the situation as "very strange."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Expresses support for the Prime Minister’s decision to abolish the standard corporate profit tax, thereby demonstrating intra-governmental cooperation. It utilizes formal and collegially respectful language ("Honorable Chairman! Dear colleagues!"). It emphasizes the interconnectedness of various sectors and the necessity of a holistic approach.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses primarily on national issues, mentioning "the entire Estonian universe" and ethnic Estonians living in foreign countries. It emphasizes Estonia's position in the international context, especially regarding the competitiveness of the tax system among OECD countries. Regional or local issues are not addressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports a competitive tax environment, especially the taxation of corporate profits upon their distribution. Favors fiscal discipline within the framework of the Maastricht criteria, but accepts a derogation for defense spending. Emphasizes the recovery of economic growth, export growth, and the maintenance of a strong labor market. Supports pension pillars as investment vehicles.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses primarily on the economic aspects of social well-being, specifically mentioning increases in old-age pensions and wages. It stresses the importance of financial literacy and investment knowledge to ensure people's improved economic security. It does not cover other classical social topics such as education, healthcare, or equality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
It focuses on the implementation of the "Estonia 2035" strategy and linking it to the budget strategy and the government's action program. It supports the Prime Minister's intention to introduce a bill in the Riigikogu to abolish the classical corporate income tax. It emphasizes the stabilizing function of public finance and its impact on all other sectors.
2 Speeches Analyzed