Agenda Profile: Ester Karuse
Inquiry Regarding Rural Areas (no. 713)
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance focuses on ensuring the availability of services in rural areas, particularly within county centers. The speaker strongly supports the preservation of physical bank branches, viewing their disappearance in Valgamaa as a substantive problem and a moral blow to the residents. The position is aimed at prompting state action in finding solutions, emphasizing that maintaining these services is not asking for too much.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a strong awareness of regional service closures, specifically naming the Tax and Customs Board, the Unemployment Insurance Fund, Swedbank, and SEB Bank. Specific demographic data is utilized regarding the populations of Valga city and the surrounding municipality (12,000 and 15,000, respectively), which points to a deep understanding of the subject matter. The expertise relates to regional financial and public service infrastructure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is one of concern and directness, emphasizing the seriousness of the problem for the residents of Valga. Both logical arguments (specific data and a list of closures) and emotional appeals are utilized, describing the situation as "a morally significant blow." The text concludes with a brief and compelling statement asserting that the demands being made are not excessive.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is directed at the state's inaction regarding the preservation of services and at the banking sector (Swedbank, SEB Pank) for closing physical branches. The opposition is policy- and results-based, emphasizing the state's responsibility to guarantee essential services in county centers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The emphasis is heavily regional, centering on the loss of services in Valga and Põlva counties. Particular attention is drawn to the situation in Valga, the county seat, where banking services are now entirely absent. The necessity of maintaining services specifically in these county seats is stressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize the importance of physical banking infrastructure for regional development and residents’ livelihood. The speaker prefers a real service presence over digital solutions and pop-up offices, citing the need to ensure the availability of financial services in county centers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on regional inequality and the quality of life in rural areas. The disappearance of services is viewed as a social problem that delivers a "moral blow" to residents and undermines their ability to cope.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed at the government's accountability regarding services in rural areas, stemming from a formal inquiry. The objective is to initiate national action or regulation that would ensure the continued existence of physical bank branches in county centers.
2 Speeches Analyzed