Session Profile: Annely Akkermann
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.
2024-11-13
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports activity-based budgeting and increasing national defense funding, emphasizing that defense expenditures must exceed 3% of GDP due to NATO’s new defense plans. The speaker advocates for maintaining tax peace and increasing social spending, particularly raising pensions. The speaker defends the government's budget policy, arguing that the state is putting more money back into the economy (2.4 billion) than it is taking out through taxes (1 billion).
52 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates deep expertise in budget drafting and procedure, utilizing precise figures and legal references. Explains in detail the history and principles of the performance-based budget, highlighting the differences between administrative and activity-based classification. Exhibits thorough knowledge of the State Budget Act, the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure, and the requirements for submitting amendments.
52 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Uses a pedagogical and explanatory approach, often drawing comparisons with the business sector to clarify budgetary principles. Highlights personal experiences as a local government leader and Minister of Finance. The style is fact-based and technically detailed, but also incorporates emotional elements, particularly when discussing national defense and security issues.
52 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Actively participates in the work of the Finance Committee, chairing several committee sessions (November 4, 7, 11). Provides comprehensive briefings on the proposed amendments and the budget procedure. Answers colleagues' questions in detail regarding various aspects of the budget, demonstrating continuous engagement with budgetary issues.
52 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
He/She sharply criticizes the amendments proposed by Isamaa and EKRE, labeling them formally defective and non-compliant with the law. EKRE is accused of abandoning the performance-based budget after having introduced it themselves. Furthermore, he/she dismisses allegations regarding the budget's illegality, referencing the Constitutional Review Chamber.
52 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Acknowledges the opposition's properly formalized amendments, especially the proposals put forward by the Centre Party. It emphasizes the consensus-based work of the Finance Committee and notes that the opposition is proportionally represented on the committee. It expresses readiness to involve all critics of the budget in the preparation of the 2026 budget.
52 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
He/She mentions his/her experience leading the local government in Kihnu municipality and Pärnu. He/She stresses the importance of supporting border regions through the "Robin Hood Law," which channels more funding to areas with lower population density. He/She admits that economic activity in Pärnu County is low (3 people per square kilometer).
52 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports a moderate tax increase for financing national defense, emphasizing that Estonia's tax burden (35.8% of GDP) is low compared to the Nordic countries. It advocates for maintaining competitiveness through a low tax burden and an efficient tax system. It claims that the state stimulates the economy more than it restricts it, putting back 2.4 billion euros compared to a 1 billion euro tax increase.
52 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Strongly supports the 7.6% growth in social expenditures, especially the raising of pensions and increased funding for the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa). It defends gender equality and equal treatment programs, highlighting the detrimental effects of historical discrimination. It emphasizes the importance of transitioning to Estonian-language education, allocating 61.8 million euros for this purpose.
52 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is primarily on the amendments and procedure related to the State Budget Act, while chairing the review of the proposed changes. Emphasis is placed on fulfilling legal requirements during the formalization of these amendments. Work is underway to increase budget transparency, with a commitment to further improving the 2026 budget outlook in cooperation with all parliamentary factions.
52 Speeches Analyzed