Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Second Reading of the Draft State Supplementary Budget Act for 2024 (456 SE)
2024-06-14
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, additional plenary session
Political Position
The opposition is highly critical of the entire supplementary budget; it stresses the lack of a strategic budgetary blueprint and instruments designed to foster economic growth. Its position strongly contrasts with the coalition’s approach, arguing that the funding crisis and lost tax revenue are a direct result of the government's policies, and demanding a focus on economic growth and long-term vision, rather than quick fixes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker presents a factual analysis of the budget impacts, highlighting specific figures and consequences (€20–30 million in tax revenue, a €30 million deficit), as well as precise areas of cuts within the social sector (children's rehabilitation, special care services, victim support services, and the family mediation budget). They utilize the explanatory memorandum and numerical conclusions to support their argument.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Bitterly critical, emotional, and confrontational; employing rhetorical questions, heightened accusations, and a personal tone, using phrases like “populism,” “finally the state is governed in a ruling manner,” and even examples; combining facts and emotions to maximize impact.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech delivered on June 14, 2024, focuses on the second reading of the supplementary budget and the next steps. It references the preceding debate and the example of Tallinn regarding budget cuts, but there are no other references to regular foreign or domestic visits. It establishes a lasting framework of opposition built around this single address.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The core message is a critique of the adopted coalition supplementary budget and the policies of the state government and ministers; it accuses the government of budget manipulation and populism, stressing that essential social services are being slashed at the expense of vulnerable people. It firmly expresses opposition and does not claim to completely rule out possibilities for cooperation, but emphasizes the need for a better strategy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Less cooperative tone; emphasizes the need for control and discussion (an interpellation directed at the Minister of Economic Affairs), and critically references a colleague's statements and the coalition's decisions. It shows an open attitude toward mutual scrutiny but does not demonstrate significant readiness to easily enter into direct cooperation with the coalition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
At the national level, the focus is primarily on the budget and the broader economic context; it separately mentions the cuts made in the social sector in Tallinn, but the main focus remains the national budget, tax revenue, and growth strategies. It does not highlight regional disparities or separate priorities for local projects.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Emphasizing economic growth and structural sustainability, but criticizing the government's quick-fix, payday-loan mentality regarding the budget; it stresses that the planned cuts will harm tax revenue and increase the deficit. It favors steps that promote economic growth (avoiding excessive bureaucracy, considering a windfall tax on banks, and refraining from heavy-handed intervention in the economy), while simultaneously insisting that the state budget must be balanced and based on reasonable requirements.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The strongest focus is on cuts to social welfare services: the budgets for children's rehabilitation, special care, victim support services, counseling for giving up violence, and family mediation. It describes the vulnerability of vulnerable people and the vulnerability caused by long waiting lists (queues), and claims that the coalition's decisions deepen inequality. The tone regarding the priorities of the social sector is condemnatory.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The central theme is the second reading of the supplementary budget 456 SE. The speaker highlights the interpellation directed at the Minister of Economic Affairs and maintains the position that government decisions must be fundamentally reviewed and altered, with a focus on fostering economic growth and directing investments and structural reforms. It is argued that a clear, legally established strategy is lacking, and in the context of the voting results, the viability and resilience of state decisions are underscored.
3 Speeches Analyzed