Session Profile: Ester Karuse
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-02-18
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the bank tax, arguing that it complicates the situation for banks and accelerates the closure of physical branches. The speaker stresses the necessity of guaranteeing direct banking services in county centers, thereby highlighting the regional policy aspect of service accessibility. This position is primarily outcome-based, focusing on the negative practical consequences of the proposed policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the accessibility of banking services and the closure of regional offices, citing examples of branch closures in Valga and Narva, as well as the potential threat facing Pärnu and Võru. He/She focuses on the direct impact of financial policy (the bank tax) on local communities. The speaker's expertise lies in using specific regional examples to support a political argument.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is anxious and critical, highlighting the gravity of the situation ("it's very sad what is happening"). Irony is employed (citing the example of the Narva office closure), and the speaker addresses the presenter directly, posing a specific political question aimed at finding solutions. The appeal itself is a blend of logical argumentation (the tax complicates the situation) and an emotional focus on the people who will be left without essential services.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at those establishing the bank tax and the commission, which has failed to discuss the state’s requirements for ensuring banking services. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, focusing on the negative consequences of the proposed tax for regional services.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The statement was posed as a question to the rapporteur, inquiring whether the commission had discussed solutions for guaranteeing essential banking services. Furthermore, there is no evidence of cooperation or readiness to compromise with other political forces.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, highlighting the disappearance of services in smaller towns and county centers. Specific mention is made of Valga, Pärnu, Võru, and Narva, where office closures leave residents without immediate access to services. The speaker calls for state intervention to guarantee direct banking services in county centers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic opinions are divided regarding the bank tax, with critics stressing that it makes the situation tougher for banks and will lead to a decline in the availability of services. The speaker prioritizes financial stability and maintaining regional services over introducing new taxes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social problems highlighted are digital inequality and the inaccessibility of services for those who cannot or do not know how to use smartphones and computers. This is linked to the disappearance of in-person banking services, which deprives people of essential services.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at opposing the bank tax and establishing new regulatory requirements. The goal is to compel banks to ensure a minimum level of in-person banking service—that is, a branch office in county centers.
1 Speeches Analyzed