Session Profile: Annely Akkermann
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-08
Political Position
Strong backing for the government's 2026 state budget, highlighting the aggressive increase in defense spending (exceeding 5% of GDP) and a reduction in the overall tax burden. The political framework is heavily geared toward delivering on election pledges (such as eliminating the income tax 'kink' and maintaining sound fiscal policy). It defends the resulting deficit as a necessary measure to cover investments and defense costs. The method used to draft the budget—lowering revenues while simultaneously increasing expenditures—is being commented on ironically, drawing attention to Isamaa's prior recommendations.
26 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High level of expertise in state budget management, financial administration, and tax systems. Utilizes technical terminology (Maastricht Criteria, activity-based budgeting, depreciation, chart of accounts) and clarifies detailed procedures (budget compilation information system, data access). Advocates for the benefits of activity-based budgeting, stressing the importance of political objectives over mere accounting expense lines.
26 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly formal, substantive, and procedural, especially when presenting the committee's work. When responding to criticism, the tone becomes defensive and mathematically argumentative, emphasizing numerical precision (e.g., the impact of abolishing the tax hump on the median wage). It uses slight irony toward opponents (e.g., Isamaa) and stresses that the committee sessions took place in a constructive atmosphere.
26 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Highly active in leading and representing the work of the Riigikogu Finance Committee, serving as the representative of the responsible committee. Provides a detailed description of the committee's activities, which included four meetings with ministers and budget preparation efforts since August. Actively addresses questions regarding both the technical specifics of the budget and the underlying political choices.
26 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is mainly directed at Isamaa (for the ironic interpretation of their previous budget recommendations) and EKREIKE (for the large prior deficit of 5.2% of GDP). It disputes the mathematical and definitional claims made by opponents, especially regarding the benefit of abolishing the tax hump for the wealthy and the definition of "governance costs." Furthermore, it rejects the bill initiated by the Center Party parliamentary group concerning motor vehicle tax concessions.
26 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It describes extensive cooperation with the ministries, noting that all ministers attended the committee to explain their respective budget sections. Within the committee, consensus was demonstrated on procedural issues (such as appointing the representative for the lead committee), but a clear division emerged in substantive decisions (the completion of the first reading), resulting in a vote split (5 in favor, 3 against).
26 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national and international issues, particularly the state budget, defense spending (over 5% of GDP), and the external environment (the war in Ukraine, the provocation of the EU). Regional or local focus is absent from the speeches, with the exception of the transfer of income tax revenue to local municipalities.
26 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports lowering the tax burden (by 1.4 percentage points) and cutting income tax to eliminate the unfair tax hump, which taxed wage growth in the range of 1,200–2,100 euros at 33%. It defends taking out loans if they cover investments (1.3 billion) and defense expenditures, and emphasizes fiscal discipline (adherence to the Maastricht criteria).
26 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It supports boosting families' purchasing power by lowering income tax, a measure intended to improve family well-being and encourage childbearing. It favors supporting people with disabilities by increasing social benefits (€9.1 million) rather than granting motor vehicle tax exemptions, referencing the president's stance on equal treatment.
26 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is on preparing and concluding the first reading of the 2026 state budget draft. Another significant issue is the rejection of the motor vehicle tax benefits bill initiated by the Centre Party, with preference given instead to increasing social benefits. An upcoming amendment to the motor vehicle tax law aimed at resolving bottlenecks is also noted.
26 Speeches Analyzed