Session Profile: Züleyxa Izmailova
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-06-11
Political Position
The political focus is on the well-being of families with children and protecting labor income, strongly advocating for the abolition of kindergarten fees and preferential VAT treatment for foodstuffs. The politician criticizes the government (the Reform Party) for its inability to fulfill promises and for prioritizing narrow business interests over the welfare of families. He emphasizes that effective national defense starts with a strong home front and ensuring the basic subsistence of Estonian families.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence in public finance (supplementary budget, VAT, gambling tax) and labor law, focusing on issues concerning the compensation of overtime for part-time employees and the wage rate for minors. He/She analyzes the economic and social consequences of the draft legislation, using specific terminology, such as regional policy implications.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, direct, and at times confrontational, featuring sharp questions and accusing opponents of vagueness or negligence. Both emotional appeals (the difficult situation of families) and logical argumentation (questioning the logic of economic policy) are employed. The politician uses strong language, accusing the Reform Party of "throwing dust in people's eyes."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The politician actively participated in plenary sessions on two consecutive days (June 11 and 12), repeatedly raising questions and stating positions regarding the supplementary budget and amendments to the Labor Law. This pattern of activity suggests focused engagement in the debates surrounding crucial draft legislation.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the Reform Party and the government, which are facing fierce criticism over their political choices (VAT, gambling tax) and their failure to uphold election promises. The criticism is intense, accusing the government of neglecting the well-being of families while prioritizing "the servicing of narrow business interests." Opponents are also criticized for their vague and confusing communication.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The politician is seeking cooperation, calling on colleagues to support the Social Democrats' corresponding amendment proposal to the supplementary budget aimed at abolishing the kindergarten attendance fee. This demonstrates a readiness for cross-factional cooperation in order to achieve specific social objectives.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, calling for the elimination of kindergarten placement fees for families with children throughout Estonia, rather than just for Tallinn residents. However, the regional policy implications are recognized, specifically the risk of increased urbanization and the marginalization of rural areas, should the measure not be implemented with careful consideration.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are focused on social well-being and protecting the workforce, supporting measures to mitigate the reduction in family incomes. The politician advocates for lowering the VAT on food products and opposes making labor cheaper at the expense of part-time workers. He criticizes the government’s decision to make the temporary VAT increase permanent and to reduce the gambling tax.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the well-being of families with children and the abolition of kindergarten fees, which is considered fair and a long-standing programmatic position of the Social Democrats. It is emphasized that the basic economic security of families is paramount during crises.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on an amendment to the supplementary budget aimed at abolishing kindergarten fees throughout Estonia. Furthermore, attention is also centered on the opposition to the government-initiated labor law bill, which is projected to reduce the income of part-time workers and establish unequal treatment.
5 Speeches Analyzed