Session Profile: Ester Karuse
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
2025-09-08
Political Position
The political focus is currently centered on ensuring the accessibility of vital regional services, particularly given the lack of physical bank branches in Southeast Estonia. The speaker strongly emphasizes that banking is a socially essential service, not merely a business operation. This stance calls for the state to take an active role in engaging in dialogue with and guiding banks, primarily to protect the elderly population.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates specific knowledge regarding the impact of banking service closures in Southeast Estonia, highlighting Valga and Põlva counties, and noting the significant distance (nearly 200 km) to the nearest physical branch in Tartu. Emphasis is placed on the practical needs of the elderly who cannot access digital services, entrepreneurs, and individuals requiring their first bank card.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is concerned and urgent, emphasizing both the practical (long journey) and moral aspects of the problem (the danger of scam calls targeting the elderly). It employs both logical arguments (banking profit figures versus social role) and emotional appeal. The address is formal and focuses on demanding accountability, seeking specific answers to the inquiry submitted three months earlier.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity demonstrates consistency, having submitted an inquiry on May 13th and demanding answers regarding the ministry's actions three months later (in September). They also mentioned previous contact with the former minister (Piret Hartman) to initiate the resolution of the issue.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at banks, viewed as private companies that are closing branches purely for profit while completely disregarding the public need. Secondary criticism is leveled against the government and the ministry for their inaction, as promised meetings with the banking association have failed to materialize over the last three months.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrated a willingness to cooperate by contacting the previous Social Democrat minister (Piret Hartman) to resolve the issue. The current minister is urged to convey the message to the banking association, emphasizing the need for state guidance and assistance.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly regional, concentrating on Southeast Estonia, particularly Valga and Põlva counties, which lack physical bank branches. The issue is highlighted by the distance separating the residents of Valga (12,000 – 15,000 people) from the nearest branch (Tartu, 200 km away).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is critical of the banks' profit-centric approach, arguing that the provision of an essential service must transcend mere commercial objectives. They support a guiding role for the state to ensure the availability of this service, regardless of the banks' status as private enterprises.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern revolves around protecting the elderly who lack access to digital services and who, due to the lack of physical offices, are vulnerable to scam calls and financial fraud. This issue is framed as both a practical and a moral problem, underscoring the point that not every individual is required to own a smartphone or a computer.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on oversight and controlling the actions of the executive branch through interpellation. The speaker does not believe that legislation can currently be used to compel banks, but emphasizes the state’s role in questioning, guiding, and facilitating.
4 Speeches Analyzed