Session Profile: Madis Kallas
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
2024-05-08
Political Position
A strong focus on regional equity and state budget stability, coupled with criticism regarding the inadequacy of the government's current austerity measures. The party stresses the necessity of reviewing the tax system, noting the Social Democrats' willingness to support the adoption of a national defense tax. This political stance is geared toward improving conditions in the public service sector and guaranteeing the state's presence in every single county.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Shows authority on the topics of public service and administrative reform, using specific data regarding staff turnover (total turnover 16.4%, voluntary turnover 10.8%). Possesses knowledge regarding the efficiency and regional distribution of the use of European Union external funds, noting Harju County's share of over 70%. Addresses institutional processes in detail, such as the creation of new ministries and the establishment of state houses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and data-driven, relying on the analysis of the Ministry of Finance's report. The tone is critical, yet constructive, acknowledging positive developments (e.g., the effective use of EU funds) while simultaneously offering fair criticism. It uses technical terms such as "consolidation" and "breaking down silos."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He notes that this is his first address to his Riigikogu colleagues since leaving the ministerial office. He is speaking in response to the Minister of Finance’s annual report on the implementation of the state’s long-term development strategy. He requests three minutes of additional time to present his analysis thoroughly.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The text criticizes the government’s fiscal policy, arguing that it fails to achieve the necessary level of budget stability through adequate spending cuts. It also criticizes regional policy, which is causing job concentration in major cities and the unfair distribution of EU funds. Furthermore, criticism is directed at the operational organization of State Real Estate Ltd. (Riigi Kinnisvara Aktsiaselts) and the State Shared Service Centre (Riigi Tugiteenuste Keskus).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Expresses readiness to support future development directions related to ensuring the state's presence in every county. It welcomes positive steps, such as the initiation of the establishment of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture and the Ministry of Climate. It sees synergy in enhancing cooperation between various state institutions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Extremely strong regional focus, criticizing the unequal distribution of European Union funding, given that Harju County has received over 70% of the resources. It opposes consolidation that leads to job closures in more distant regions and emphasizes the need to ensure the state’s presence in every county. It draws attention to the significant salary disparities within local governments between Tallinn/Harju County and the more distant regions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports achieving state budget stability but deems it necessary to review taxes to do so, specifically mentioning the national defense tax. It warns that the public sector should not be the source of wage pressure, yet simultaneously supports raising the salaries of public sector employees to reduce high turnover. It supports the effective use of foreign funds but calls for improvements in their regional distribution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on the well-being of public service employees, emphasizing the necessity of better working conditions, training, and competitive salaries. This is crucial for reducing voluntary turnover, which has already exceeded a critical threshold. It also raises the issue of regional wage disparities within local governments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on administrative reform and improving the organization of work within state institutions, including the creation of new ministries and the establishment of government service centers (state houses). It proposes that the Ministry of Finance analyze regional trends and the state's presence more thoroughly in future reviews.
2 Speeches Analyzed