Session Profile: Jaanus Karilaid
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth Session, Plenary Session
2024-11-18
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on the inefficiency of the government's actions and the deterioration of the economy. The main themes are the decline in competitiveness, the violation of tax peace, and the silencing of criticism, with the focus squarely on the government's poor performance. The speaker criticizes the prime minister for constricting democracy and for submitting to the dictates of the Social Democrats.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in matters of macroeconomics, tax policy, and the energy portfolio, demanding specific impact analyses and calculations. He/She refers to official sources (the Chamber of Commerce, the Institute of Economic Research) and uses comparisons with neighboring countries (Lithuania, Finland) and the economic programs of previous governments (Jüri Ratas’s government 2016). He/She is particularly detailed in questions concerning the forecasts for price increases in electricity, food, and waste collection for 2025 and 2026.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, highly charged, and demanding, accusing the Prime Minister of losing internal stability and clarity. Strong metaphors and loaded judgments are employed, such as "tax chaos," "regression," "social democrat dictate," and "political fog and obfuscation." The speaker demands concrete facts and figures, contrasting them with the government's generalized evasiveness, and is direct and confrontational within the formal parliamentary setting.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in plenary sessions, submitting inquiries and follow-up questions, which were often handed in as long as a month prior. They are consistent in comparing the government's promises with its actual plans and demand detailed information regarding legislative initiatives. They also refer to a previous inquiry addressed to the Minister of Climate (Yoko Alender).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the government led by the Prime Minister and its coalition partners, particularly concerning economic policy and taxation. The criticism is both political (destroying competitiveness) and procedural (silencing dissent and ignoring stakeholder engagement). The Social Democrats are directly criticized for dictating policy, which forces the Prime Minister into making half-hearted decisions, especially regarding constitutional amendments.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data. The speaker focuses on criticizing the government and highlighting the success stories of previous governments (Jüri Ratas), rather than focusing on opportunities for cooperation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily national (covering the competitiveness of the Estonian economy and tax policy) and international. Comparisons are drawn with Lithuania and Finland to highlight the poor condition of the Estonian economy. Efforts to increase tax revenue for local governments are also mentioned, but this falls under the broader topic of taxation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to the introduction of new taxes and levies that reduce competitiveness and worsen economic prospects. He supports targeted investment programs to stimulate the economy, citing the success of the Ratas government. The necessity of ensuring tax stability is emphasized, alongside concerns about the rising costs of electricity, food, and waste collection.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The only social topic addressed is the constitutional amendment concerning the holders of the grey passport, where the speaker demands that the full measure be taken. He criticizes the current solution as "weak" and incomplete, claiming it is dictated by the Social Democrats.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently aimed at opposing the government’s planned tax hikes (the packaging tax and the waste fee) and demanding a comprehensive list of these initiatives. Furthermore, there is a demand for the complete and swift resolution of the constitutional amendment, as well as clarity regarding legislative initiatives within the energy portfolio (specifically, the accelerated support for nuclear energy).
6 Speeches Analyzed