Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
Second reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)
2024-11-13
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.
Political Position
Takes a sharply oppositional stance regarding the 2025 state budget, labeling it a "confidence-destroying budget." It is strongly asserted that the government is harming the weakest segments of society—pensioners, large families, and the elderly living alone. It is stressed that 800 million is being collected through the security tax, yet only 70 million is allocated to defense expenditures. The remainder, it is claimed, serves the income tax exemption for high-wage earners.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates detailed knowledge of the state budget structure and figures, citing precise amounts (17 million from pensioners, 200 euros for child benefits, 46 million from the government reserve). Shows in-depth understanding of accounting practices and the tax system’s impact on the business sector. References specific investment budget lines and planned cuts across various ministries.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs highly combative and emotional rhetoric, repeatedly accusing the coalition of lying ("I haven't heard that many lies in 16 minutes before"). The style is direct and confrontational, utilizing irony ("although I don't understand how they got so smart—there aren't any actual business people in that bunch") and common folk wisdom ("the wise man learns from the mistakes of others, the fool from his own").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in state budget debates and refers to committee work where they have questioned ministers. They mention carefully listening to the speeches of representatives from other parties and conducting a detailed analysis of budget lines, which demonstrates systematic preparation for parliamentary discussions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Sharp criticism is primarily directed at the Reform Party and the Social Democratic Party, accusing them of lying and budget fraud. The speaker claims that the coalition is misleading the public regarding budget transparency and is making cuts solely at the expense of the vulnerable in order to provide tax breaks for the highly paid. There are no signs of a willingness to compromise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates cooperation with representatives from Isamaa and EKRE, citing their joint participation in the discussion ("the others are from Isamaa and EKRE"). There is no indication of a willingness to cooperate with the coalition; rather, the attitude is entirely oppositional.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It specifically mentions the Võru shooting range project as a 9 million euro budget line item, which demonstrates attention to regional investments. It also refers to issues concerning cross-border trade on the Latvian border, which impacts the local economy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly opposed to tax hikes and new taxes (security tax, car tax, excise duty increases), arguing that they harm the economy and weaker social groups. Criticizes the government's economic policy, which has led to a three-year recession. Supports the interests of entrepreneurs and warns against tax evasion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on supporting pensioners and large families, criticizing the taxation of pensions and the reduction of child benefits. It emphasizes that pensioners living alone constitute the poorest social group in Estonia, and that cutting their benefits is unjust. It advocates for the protection of vulnerable social groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Focuses on criticizing the 2025 state budget draft bill, meticulously analyzing the budgetary lines and planned austerity measures. Actively engages in matters of budget transparency and demands explanations from ministers regarding the specific destination of investments. Opposes the current budget, labeling it as "confidence-destroying."
2 Speeches Analyzed