Session Profile: Ester Karuse
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-05-05
Political Position
The political emphasis is directed towards maintaining the physical accessibility of state services and financial institutions in county centers, particularly Valga, stressing that this is a moral obligation. Responsibility is also demanded regarding the planning of public procurements and infrastructure projects (the Rohuküla line), with the framework clearly being results-based and aimed at alleviating regional inequality. The speaker sincerely considers their demands (the preservation of the bank office) to be justified and not excessive.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of regional policy and service accessibility, specifically citing the closure of offices belonging to the Tax and Customs Board (Maksu- ja Tolliamet), the Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa), Swedbank, and SEB Bank in Valga. Furthermore, they are familiar with the Elron train procurement (16 new Škoda trains) and the requirements of the Rohuküla line, as well as the ongoing discussions regarding vocational school reform within the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and respectful, addressing the esteemed rapporteur and the Speaker of the Riigikogu, but simultaneously worried and demanding. An emotional appeal is utilized, describing the disappearance of bank branches as "a morally very significant blow to the residents of the region." The speaker poses direct, solution-oriented questions, favoring logical argumentation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in plenary sessions, asking questions and participating in several different debates—covering both regional policy and infrastructure—all within a single day. However, there is no information available regarding their personal participation in external events or meetings.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism targets the state's failure to act in preserving regional services (such as bank branches) and the ambiguity surrounding the planning of major infrastructure projects (the Rohuküla line). This criticism is policy- and results-driven, not personal, and calls for the state to intervene more actively to ensure these services are provided.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the necessity of involving key stakeholders, such as the Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities, in the discussion of political solutions regarding vocational schools. This indicates a preference for broad-based consultation and discussing substantive solutions with the minister responsible for the sector.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is very strongly regional, concentrating specifically on Valga County and the city of Valga (population 12,000), as well as Põlva County. The concerns of residents in county centers regarding the loss of state and banking services are highlighted. Regional transport connections (specifically the Rohuküla line) are also addressed, along with their impact on the procurement of trains.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker emphasizes the need to maintain physical banking infrastructure in county centers, referencing the position that the state must ensure regional economic accessibility and mitigate the impact of the private sector's withdrawal. Accountability is also demanded for the expedient use of public procurements and investments (trains).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is placed on the social and moral impact of the loss of services on the region's residents, linking the absence of physical offices with community well-being. Additionally, the organization of vocational education and related community interests (Vana-Vigala) are addressed.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on holding the executive branch accountable for the inefficient planning of regional policy and major infrastructure projects (such as the acquisition of trains pending the Rohuküla line). The objective is to ensure that the state intervenes to maintain the accessibility of services and considers the proposals made by local governments regarding education.
4 Speeches Analyzed