Agenda Profile: Signe Kivi
Second Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Estonian Cultural Endowment Act and the Gambling Tax Act (338 SE)
2024-02-21
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position expresses strong support for the draft legislation (338 SE) amending the Estonian Cultural Endowment Act and the Gambling Tax Act, emphasizing its critical importance for the preservation and development of culture. The objective of the bill is to ensure social guarantees for freelance creative professionals and to finance one additional significant cultural structure, alongside projects of national importance. This stance is clearly policy-based, linking support for the cultural sector to previous tax increases. The faction of the Estonian Reform Party supports the adoption of the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates significant expertise regarding cultural policy and the funding schemes of the Cultural Endowment, referencing both the history of legislative amendments and specific financial data. Technical terms such as "gambling tax receipts," "nationally important cultural structures," and "creative work grants" are utilized. Specific figures are presented to justify the changes, including the size of the reserve (nearly 25 million euros) and the percentages allocated for scholarship funding (3.8% versus 2%).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is formal, explanatory, and informative, focusing on a detailed description of the bill's content and the preparation process. The emphasis is placed on logical argumentation, justifying the changes by citing growth in tax revenues and long-term cultural policy requirements. The tone is moderate and geared toward consensus, avoiding emotional appeals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively engaged in legislative work, presenting the draft bill for its second reading and requesting an extension of time. Their working methods involve close cooperation with Riigikogu advisors, the Ministry of Culture, and a wide range of stakeholders during the preparation of the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct opposition; no criticism is leveled at any political group. The only thing mentioned is a general historical apprehension regarding the amendment of the Cultural Endowment Act, which is more a matter of political caution than concrete confrontation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is highly consensual and broad-based, emphasizing close collaboration with the Riigikogu Culture Committee, the Ministry of Culture, and representatives of the creative sector. During the preparation of the draft bill, meetings were held and issues were discussed with 18 different creative unions, as well as representatives from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, the Estonian Academy of Arts, and the University of Tartu.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national, addressing the funding of nationally important cultural buildings and nationwide cultural policy. The construction of the Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) TV complex and the renovation works of the National Library are mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views support channeling tax revenues (gambling tax, excises) into the development of the cultural sector and the creation of social guarantees. Fiscal pragmatism is supported, utilizing the accumulated reserve of the Cultural Endowment (Kultuurkapital) and the forecasted revenue growth to cover new expenditures. The adjustment of the gambling tax rate to support the creative activities of teaching staff (from 3.8% to 2%) is justified by the growth of the tax base.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is ensuring the livelihood and providing social guarantees for freelance creative professionals, a problem that has persisted for years. The draft legislation supports the possibility for creators to gain health insurance coverage by receiving remuneration for their creative work, upon which the Cultural Endowment will begin paying social taxes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill (338 SE) amending the Estonian Cultural Endowment Act and the Gambling Tax Act, the purpose of which is to expand the funding of cultural infrastructure and establish social guarantees for creative professionals. The speaker is a strong supporter and presenter of the bill, noting that the initiator is the Riigikogu Cultural Affairs Committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed