Session Profile: Annely Akkermann
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-06-11
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports comprehensive national defense funding, emphasizing its priority in the current security situation. The speaker expresses clear opposition to the Social Democrats' proposals to reduce the government reserve for the purpose of increasing social expenditures, justifying this by the need to avoid creating permanent costs through a supplementary budget. The speaker defends the autonomy of local governments regarding kindergarten placement fees, refusing to support state intervention.
27 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound expertise in budgetary processes, the tax system, and the structure of the state budget. Utilizes precise figures and technical terminology, detailing the various tiers of the budget and the procedure for handling amendments. Exhibits strong familiarity with the systems governing gambling tax, pension indexation, and subsistence benefits, referencing specific procedural rules and statutory requirements.
27 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
It employs an official, fact-based, and explanatory tone, focusing on data rather than emotional appeals. It answers questions in a structured and detailed manner, often referencing specific documents and the voting protocol. Political assessments of local government decisions are avoided, with repeated emphasis placed on procedure and the limits of competence.
27 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Serves as the Chairman of the Finance Committee, chairing the committee sessions on June 5th and 9th, and presenting reports to the plenary session. Actively participates in the question-and-answer session, providing detailed answers to members of various factions. References regular meetings held with the Ministry of Finance and other committee members during the preparation of the budget.
27 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Rejects the amendments proposed by the Isamaa faction due to formal deficiencies, noting that similar proposals have been repeatedly submitted in the past. It opposes the Social Democrats' proposals to utilize the government reserve for social expenditures, relying on the government's position not to generate additional spending. The criticism is primarily procedural and fact-based, rather than personal.
27 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
They cooperate with the Ministry of Finance in drafting amendments and frankly share the committee’s voting results. They demonstrate a willingness to clarify complex budgetary matters for colleagues, stressing that anyone can understand the budget if they dedicate the necessary time. A constructive approach is maintained even when disagreements arise, focusing strictly on facts and established procedures.
27 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It specifically mentions the residents of Valga, Põlva, and Võru counties in the context of comprehensive national defense, emphasizing that all regions across Estonia benefit from security. It points to Hiiumaa and Southern Estonia as examples of regional thinking regarding national security issues. Local governments are primarily addressed from the perspective of autonomy and the division of competencies.
27 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports fiscal discipline by opposing the creation of permanent expenditures through supplementary budgets and stressing the necessity of limiting the burden on taxpayers. It defends the increase in the gambling tax and the planned relief of the car tax for specific groups. It emphasizes that pension indexation is outpacing inflation and that the purchasing power of working individuals has returned to pre-crisis levels, although it acknowledges disparities in wage growth.
27 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text addresses the increase of the subsistence benefit as appropriate, but stresses the necessity of long-term planning. It supports the autonomy of local municipalities concerning kindergarten placement fees, refusing national intervention. It notes that pensioners are not among the recipients of the subsistence benefit, and their purchasing power has improved due to indexation.
27 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on implementing the 2025 supplementary budget, the primary goal of which is to fund comprehensive national defense to the tune of 44.2 million euros. Work is underway to evaluate proposed amendments and verify their compliance with legislative requirements. The text mentions planned bills aimed at easing the car tax and lowering the gambling tax, emphasizing that these are still in the preparatory stage.
27 Speeches Analyzed