Session Profile: Signe Kivi
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-02-21
Political Position
The political position is strongly supportive of the draft amendment to the Cultural Endowment Act and the Gambling Tax Act, the aim of which is to address the lack of social guarantees for freelance creative professionals and to finance significant cultural construction projects. This support is based on policy and solutions, emphasizing the positive impact that previously raised taxes have had on funding the cultural sector. The speaker represents the position of the Estonian Reform Party faction in supporting the adoption of the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in cultural policy and the funding mechanisms of the Cultural Endowment (Kultuurkapital), utilizing specific data concerning EKK reserves (nearly 25 million euros) and projections for gambling tax revenue. This professional knowledge also encompasses the complexities of social security for creative individuals and the financing of cultural infrastructure, referencing the history of legislative amendments dating back to 1996.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of the speech is formal, informative, and highly detailed, focusing on explaining the history and preparation process behind the legal amendments. It utilizes logical arguments and fact-based justification (e.g., growth in tax revenue and the size of reserves), deliberately avoiding emotional appeals. The initial request for three additional minutes indicates a desire to provide a comprehensive and exhaustive overview.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in legislative work, presenting at the plenary session to defend or introduce draft legislation. This scope of activity includes participating in committee work and maintaining close communication with stakeholders during the preparation of the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct opposition; the speaker neutrally addresses previous hesitations regarding the amendment of the Cultural Endowment Act, but does not criticize any specific opposing party. The focus is on presenting solutions, not on confrontation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is highly inclusive and consensual, emphasizing close collaboration with Riigikogu advisors, the Ministry of Culture, the Cultural Endowment, a wide range of creative associations (17 unions listed), and universities. This demonstrates a readiness to address the key issues raised by stakeholders during the preparation of the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, addressing the financing of cultural buildings of nationwide importance and amendments to the Cultural Endowment Act. Higher education institutions in both Tallinn (EMTA, EKA) and Tartu (Tartu University) are mentioned, but there is no regional emphasis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support the strategic use of the state budget, directing the revenue from raised taxes (gambling tax, excises) towards the development of culture and the creation of social guarantees. Fiscal correction is supported to ensure the efficient funding of lecturers' scholarships following the tax increase (the change in rates from 3.8% to 2%).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around ensuring the livelihood and social guarantees (including health insurance) for freelance creatives. The speaker strongly supports improving their social standing by creating a mechanism for them to receive payment for their creative work, inclusive of taxes, which the Cultural Endowment will begin covering.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the amendments to the Estonian Cultural Endowment Act and the Gambling Tax Act, which were initiated by the Riigikogu Culture Committee. The objectives include creating social guarantees for freelancers, enabling the financing of an additional major cultural structure, and adjusting the rate of support for the creative activities of academic staff. The speaker is a strong proponent of adopting the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed