Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
Continuation of the first reading of the Draft Law on the State Budget for 2026 (737 SE)
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the 2026 state budget draft, which is deemed poor, lacking transparency, and unjust. Key issues include the poor management of state finances, the massive debt burden, and tax hikes that disproportionately benefit high earners. The speaker criticizes the government for causing the economic downturn and demands the rejection of the draft bill.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in analyzing the revenue side of the state budget, demanding a detailed breakdown of the sources of VAT revenue (electricity, heating, fuel, foodstuffs). Specific figures are utilized (11 billion vs 19 billion, 1.7 billion in loans, 146 euros in salary increases), and reference is made to previous experiences with budget adoption. A data-driven approach is preferred, but the budget presenters are criticized for failing to provide adequate information.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and accusatory, employing strong emotional appeals ("Shame on you!"). The speaker contrasts data-based arguments (figures on taxes and loans) with sharp accusations regarding the government’s lying and failure. The tone is harsh, and the objective is to highlight the moral and political injustice of the opponents’ actions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The focus of the activity centers on the debate surrounding the first reading of the state budget bill in the Riigikogu session hall. The speaker actively participates with questions and comments, insisting on detailed explanations regarding the budget revenues. Reference is made to the speaker's long-term experience, having witnessed the adoption of more than ten state budgets.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the ruling coalition (the Reform Party, the Social Democrats, Estonia 200). Criticism is particularly directed at Kaja Kallas’s leadership and the role of the Social Democrats in family policy. The criticism is intense, focusing on political mistakes (energy, taxes) and the incompetence of the ministers. Compromise is ruled out, as there is a proposal to reject the draft bill.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The approach to cooperation is characterized by zero tolerance towards the current government, leading to the proposal that the draft legislation be rejected. The previous coalition (Isamaa, Center Party, EKRE) in 2020 is cited as a positive example, having successfully managed the economy through excise duty reductions and wage subsidies.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (the state budget, economic recession, energy prices). A regional angle emerges when comparing the fuel market with Latvia and Lithuania, where Estonia’s higher excise duties drive consumers across the border. It is also stressed that people living further away from Tallinn do not earn high salaries either.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, particularly concerning VAT, excises (on electricity, gas, and fuels), and the motor vehicle tax. They favor policies that stimulate economic growth (such as reducing excises and providing wage support) and criticize the budget for increasing inequality. The budget is geared toward the wealthier segment, offering higher-income earners a greater income tax exemption, financed by taking on debt.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is family policy, where the speaker sharply criticizes the Social Democrats for stripping large families of 2,400 euros. It is emphasized that this decision is hostile and harms families whose incomes are not high.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the proposed rejection of the 2026 state budget bill (737 SE) at the first reading, a proposal put forward by the Isamaa Party. Furthermore, the need for a more detailed breakdown of revenues is stressed, which would allow for the submission of substantive amendments. The introduction of the motor vehicle tax is also facing criticism.
5 Speeches Analyzed