Agenda Profile: Madis Kallas
Review of the Use and Preservation of State Assets in 2024–2025. Objectives and Reality in the Transport and Mobility Sector
2025-11-06
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance is firmly focused on supporting increased funding for public transport, emphasizing its crucial importance for regional development and the preservation of rural communities. The government is criticized for setting ambitious targets without providing adequate budgetary coverage, which amounts to a critique based on performance and value for money. It is stressed that state-provided public transport is the only means of mobility available to many citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates expertise in the field of transport and mobility, using comparisons with Switzerland regarding GDP and population density to justify the high cost of quality public transport in Estonia. Is aware of previous analyses conducted by the National Audit Office and the limited potential for savings offered by pilot projects (e.g., demand-responsive transport). Calls for a comparative analysis regarding the growing funding shortage in the transport sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is serious and concerned, particularly regarding regional development, warning against the decline of rural life. It employs both logical arguments (statistical comparisons) and emotional appeals (the need to view things through the lens of people in rural areas). The first address also includes formal and procedural criticism regarding the inappropriate timing of the session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
They participated in the Riigikogu (Parliament) sitting during the debate on the National Audit Office report, criticizing the inappropriately late time of the presentation by the head of the constitutional institution. Other regular patterns of activity are not clear from the data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the government (coalition) and the state budget strategy, because while they have been generous in setting objectives, there is a significant shortfall when it comes to providing the necessary funding. The criticism is policy-driven and focuses on the budget's irresponsibility. Procedural arrangements, specifically concerning the timing of the session, are also being criticized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Acting on behalf of the faction (the Social Democratic Party faction), [the speaker] expresses readiness to fully support and participate in the discussions concerning public transport. They thank the National Audit Office for the report, demonstrating an openness to cooperation with institutions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly regional, emphasizing the needs of rural residents and warning of the deterioration of regional development if public transport is lacking. It specifically mentions the movement of 140,000 people to Harju County over the last 20 years, as well as the transport challenges associated with the islands. It demands that all decisions be made from the perspective of people living in rural areas.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports significant state investment in public transport, emphasizing that additional resources are needed to improve quality. It is believed that the current tax model and the increasingly hollowed-out state cannot sustain life in rural areas. The cost of these cuts to the country is considered unfairly high.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on social justice and regional equality, emphasizing that state-provided public transport is the only means of mobility for many Estonians. It demands that public transport services run in rural areas at least twice a day to support working-age residents and their children's extracurricular activities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
It focuses on the implementation of the state budget and budget strategy in the transport sector, requiring adequate funding for planned activities and investments. It requests a comparative analysis from the National Audit Office regarding the growth of funding shortfalls in order to better assess the urgency of the situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed