Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
Inquiry concerning the revenue base of local governments (No. 802)
2025-10-13
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The speaker is a strong advocate for fundamentally changing the financing models of local governments (LGs), demanding a significant increase in the percentage of the revenue base (over 12%) and greater financial autonomy, citing the US model as an example. The political position is sharply critical of the government's fiscal management, which is deemed unsuccessful and has driven the country "to the brink of collapse."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of Local Government Unit (LGU) financial management, referencing specific figures (the state budget of 18.6 billion; the reallocation of 17 million) and addressing issues related to debt burden. They note that the debt burden for one-third of local governments is "maxed out." This expertise is supported by a detailed case study on the successful investment strategy of Põltsamaa municipality.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is urgent in tone and sharply critical, especially regarding the government's actions, utilizing strong expressions such as "is lying" and "crap." The style is logical and fact-based, relying on concrete examples and figures, but it is delivered with emotional intensity, emphasizing the need for bold decisions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is primarily aimed at the current government/coalition, accusing them of inefficient fiscal management and non-transparent use of funds (specifically, the reallocation of supplementary budget lines). Previous local government (KOV) leaders are also criticized for making ill-considered investments during the merger process, which resulted in an excessive debt burden.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker acknowledged previous positive achievements, thanking Helmen Kütt for advancing the social sector (the funding of nursing homes) during the term of the previous Parliament (Riigikogu). However, the overall focus was on encouraging the minister and the ministry to make independent and bold decisions, rather than emphasizing direct cooperation within Parliament.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly placed on local municipalities and the quality of their governance. Specific regional examples are utilized, highlighting the success story of Põltsamaa municipality in Jõgeva County and the issue of two million euros being withdrawn from the city of Tartu.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports the decentralization of revenues, granting local governments a larger share of tax income, but simultaneously demands oversight to prevent reckless investment and excessive debt burden. The current government's budget redistribution (for example, distributing 17 million in increments of 50,000) is considered trivial and ineffective.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The provision of social services is addressed, particularly the financing of nursing homes, supporting the previous step toward increasing the state's contribution. Emphasis is placed on citizens' desire to be self-sufficient and avoid having to request funds from social welfare departments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on increasing the revenue base for local governments and reforming funding models. The speaker is calling for an extensive debate before the next elections regarding which services the state should fully fund (100% with taxpayer money) and which services citizens should partially pay for.
3 Speeches Analyzed