Agenda Profile: Madis Kallas
The 2024 Report by the Minister of Finance on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Eesti 2035" (including an overview of public service development trends in 2022 and 2023)
2024-05-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
Representing the Social Democrats, the speaker stresses the necessity of maintaining state budget stability while simultaneously opposing deep cuts. Instead, they support considering new taxes, particularly a national defense levy. A strong focus is placed on developing the public service sector, reducing staff turnover, and mitigating regional disparities in the allocation of EU resources and job opportunities. The political framework is heavily oriented towards improving administrative policy and ensuring regional equity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in analyzing public service development trends and personnel turnover, citing specific data points (e.g., 10.8% voluntary turnover, which exceeds the critical threshold). Furthermore, they possess a detailed understanding of the effectiveness and regional allocation of European Union funds, highlighting Harju County’s share of over 70%. They employ technical terminology, such as "breaking down silos," and reference relevant analyses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is analytical and moderately critical, balancing recognition (good utilization of EU funds) with areas of concern (regional inequality, high turnover). The speaker employs formal and businesslike language, relying on specific data and percentages to support their arguments. He/She begins with a personal note regarding his/her new role as a member of the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The address was delivered in response to the report by the Minister of Finance, noting that this marks the first time the speaker has addressed the Riigikogu as a member of parliament since leaving their ministerial post. The speaker requested additional time, suggesting a desire to cover the topics comprehensively and in detail.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is directed at the government’s fiscal policy, which is failing to achieve budget stability through necessary cuts, as well as at administrative practices that promote centralization. Specifically, critics argue that optimization and consolidation are leading to job closures in remote regions and a concentration of employment in larger cities. Furthermore, the regionally unequal distribution of EU funds is also being challenged.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is collaborative, expressing willingness to support issues related to state presence and regional development. He/She commends the inter-ministerial cooperation involved in establishing the new ministries (the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture and the Ministry of Climate), prioritizing the "breaking down of silos."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is particularly strong, stressing the necessity of directing EU funds and government work outside Harju County, which receives a disproportionately large share of support (over 70%). There is a demand to ensure state presence in every county and to reduce salary disparities within local governments to facilitate the recruitment of officials in more remote areas. The role of government centers as unified service centers is also highlighted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports achieving state budget stability through taxation (e.g., a national defense tax), rather than relying solely on cuts, given that the required level of reductions is not achievable. It warns against the public sector acting as a generator of wage pressure—a "locomotive"—for the private sector, but simultaneously emphasizes the need to raise salaries and improve conditions in the public sector to reduce turnover.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Attention is currently focused on the situation of public sector employees, highlighting the necessity of improving their working conditions and providing further training. The objective is to reduce the high voluntary turnover rate (10.8%), which has exceeded the critical threshold.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Priorities are linked to the administrative reform, including the process of creating new ministries and establishing government centers in the regions. Going forward, the legislative focus is aimed at expanding the Ministry of Finance’s analyses so that they incorporate a more comprehensive regional perspective and ensure the state’s presence.
2 Speeches Analyzed