Agenda Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (407 OE) "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic regarding the Increase of Support for Youth Extracurricular Activities."
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on restoring and increasing state support for youth hobby activities, deeming the 2022 budget cut highly questionable. The proposed increase in funding (up to 14.25 million euros) is justified by rising prices and the inability of local municipalities to cover the associated costs, thereby underscoring the critical social need. Overall, the policy is primarily aimed at enhancing social values and improving the accessibility of these services.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding local government finances and the funding of extracurricular activities, drawing on their past experience as both a mayor and an athlete. They are capable of explaining the direct effect of the national funding deficit on municipal budgets and the participation fees paid by parents. Furthermore, they are familiar with alternative proposals aimed at increasing state budget revenues (such as a bank tax or adjustments to the number of civil servants).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct, critical, and at times dramatic, employing strong emotional judgments (e.g., labeling the cut "tantamount to a crime"). Both logical arguments (specific cut amounts and inflation) and personal background (athlete, mayor) are utilized to establish credibility. The style is also interrogative, seeking explanations from the opposing side regarding the sources of private funding.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity are limited to active participation in the discussion of Bill 407 OE at the relevant Riigikogu session on May 29, 2024. The speaker presented the bill and responded to several questions, thereby demonstrating engagement in addressing the specific topic. Data regarding broader patterns of activity is unavailable.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is directed at the government and the coalition, particularly concerning the 2022 cuts to funding for extracurricular activities. The criticism is policy-based, focusing on the government's budgetary decisions, which have led to the deterioration of social services. The speaker expresses deep pessimism regarding the bill's passage and calls any potential further cuts "tantamount to a crime."
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is acting on behalf of the Center Party faction and is requesting support for their proposal from other colleagues. They are attempting to build common ground with colleagues who share a similar background (e.g., a professional athlete) in order to secure backing for the draft legislation. There is no information available regarding a broader, cross-party willingness to compromise, as strong criticism has been leveled against the coalition.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national policy and budget decisions, but the direct negative impact they have on local governments is emphasized. The speaker draws on the experience of a former mayor to illustrate how a lack of national funding forces municipalities either to cut services or raise user fees. Specific regions are not mentioned.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports increasing public spending in the social sector (extracurricular activities) and opposes the income tax reform. Proposed funding sources include introducing a bank tax and reviewing the number of civil servants. The sugar tax is deemed a misguided step; instead, they prefer directing those funds toward promoting sports.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the accessibility of extracurricular education and sports activities for young people, stressing that the state must guarantee children the opportunity to participate in these activities without placing an excessive financial burden on their parents. Regarding health matters, promoting sports and supporting sports schools is preferred over implementing a sugar tax.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the initiation and support of Bill 407 OE, which aims to restore funding for youth extracurricular activities to the level of 14,250,000 euros. The speaker is the initiator and a strong proponent, seeking to overturn the budget cut decision made in 2022.
6 Speeches Analyzed