By Plenary Sessions: Aivar Kokk

The speaker, speaking on behalf of the Isamaa Party, supports the draft legislation aimed at reducing expense allowances, but simultaneously calls for greater transparency and consistency from the bill’s initiators. He strongly stresses that the Riigikogu must lead by example in terms of nationwide austerity, particularly in a situation where, in his estimation, the government is failing to do so. His stance is clearly supportive of the bill, but critical regarding its actual effectiveness and the integrity of the proponents.

The speaker adopts a strong stance in opposition to the government's budget policy, leveling sharp criticism at the lack of transparency and the influence of the Social Democrats in the formulation of the state budget. He calls for a clear separation of budget lines (specifically, the payroll fund and operating expenditures) and argues that the current system grants ministers excessive discretionary authority. Furthermore, the speaker advocates for collegial decision-making within the Riigikogu, rather than relying on individual ministerial discretion.

The speaker consistently opposes tax hikes, criticizing the government's "tax spree" and claiming that taxes have risen by 2 billion euros annually. He/She strongly supports security spending but argues that the so-called security tax does not actually go toward defense; instead, it is used to cover income tax benefits for high-earners within the Reform Party. Representing the Isamaa Party, he/she promises that the first order of business upon coming to power will be to abolish the car tax.

The speaker adopts a clearly oppositional stance, accusing the current government of cutting social benefits. They strongly highlight the positive achievements of the Isamaa party in the social sector, including support for single pensioners, benefits for large families, and the increase in child support payments. The position is value-based, focusing on the protection of families and the elderly.

The speaker strongly advocates for the positions of the Isamaa Party, consistently opposing the coalition’s tax policy and criticizing the increases in excise duties and the establishment of the security tax. They support lowering taxes to stimulate the economy, citing the 2020 experience as a positive example. Furthermore, they express fierce opposition to the amendments to the kindergarten law, particularly the transfer of the decision-making power regarding the daily fee to local municipalities.

The speaker clearly takes a position on protecting the transparency and fair competition of state-owned companies. He urgently demands that Eesti Energia use public tenders for major purchases, and directly criticizes the 5-million euro wood chip purchase being made without a procurement process. Furthermore, he strongly supports converting the old oil shale boilers to run on pellet fuel, citing it as a cheaper alternative.