Agenda Profile: Madis Kallas
Second reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is heavily focused on reducing regional inequality and ensuring fairness in the funding of local municipalities. The speaker strongly supports eliminating kindergarten fees nationwide, funded by the state budget, viewing this as a responsible and regionally balancing measure. The political framework is strongly value-based, emphasizing justice and equality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in regional policy and the financial situation of local governments, highlighting migration data (131,000 people moving to Harju County) and the challenges associated with kindergarten teachers’ salaries. They are aware of the limited budgetary possibilities of 78 local municipalities in the context of supplementary budgets. Furthermore, they are familiar with the procedural rules of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), criticizing interruptions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is concerned, analytical, and persuasive, emphasizing justice and accountability. Logical arguments and specific numerical examples (migration, the number of local governments) are utilized to illustrate regional inequality. The second speech is procedural and critical of the conduct of other deputies, deeming interruptions "definitely not in any way acceptable."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the debate on the draft State Supplementary Budget Act for 2025, focusing on regional policy aspects. Immediately following their substantive speech, they raised a procedural question, demonstrating attention both to the political substance and the operational procedures of the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the activities of the City of Tallinn and the governing party there, which exacerbates regional inequality by focusing on the debate over kindergarten tuition fees in the wealthiest municipality. Furthermore, there is sharp criticism of the interference by other deputies (specifically Anti Allas) and the disruption of speakers in the session hall.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker urges all colleagues to support the proposal to eliminate kindergarten tuition fees, which would be funded by the state budget. He/She notes that this is driven by a desire to secure broad-based support for this regional policy solution. Furthermore, the speaker references previous colleagues who have addressed this exact topic, highlighting a shared concern.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on internal regional inequality within Estonia, highlighting the excessive concentration of services and jobs in Harju County and Tallinn, and the internal migration of 131,000 people. The objective is to achieve a "regionally politically more balanced Estonia" by supporting all 78 local governments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the necessity of state intervention and the redistribution of finances to ensure that local governments have the capacity to provide equal services. Support is given to the utilization of state budget funds for alleviating social inequality and resolving the budgetary challenges faced by local municipalities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
When discussing social issues, early childhood education takes center stage. This involves emphasizing the necessity of eliminating kindergarten tuition fees and addressing the issue of kindergarten teachers' salaries. These matters are broadly linked to ensuring regional and social justice, ultimately guaranteeing a high standard of preschool education for children.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on the draft law of the 2025 State Supplementary Budget (651 SE), which includes support for a proposal to allocate state budget funds for abolishing kindergarten placement fees throughout Estonia. The speaker is a strong proponent and initiator of this amendment.
2 Speeches Analyzed