Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart

The primary objective of the Tallinn Hospital co-financing bill is, first and foremost, to secure funding through cooperation between the state and the city; it strongly advocates for the modernization of healthcare infrastructure and the enhancement of regional capacity. The speaker criticizes the policy of the Reform Party, arguing that the removal of 2022 EU funds harmed the national healthcare system. They emphasize that the project is not merely for Tallinn, but is a matter of national healthcare and crisis preparedness. The focus is on flexibility and cooperation with the coalition; they stress that the goal is to unite the involved parties and proceed through the first reading as the initial step, rather than getting bogged down in lengthy planning.

The speaker demonstrated a deep understanding of healthcare infrastructure and state/municipal financing, citing the €280 million EU grant (2021), the potential return of €300 million to the state budget, and Tallinn's €550 million contribution. Mention was made of a hospital district with regional coverage (serving up to 600,000 inhabitants), emphasizing the need for managing hospital capacity and infection control, while also referencing underground levels and the civil defense perspective.

It employs a style of discourse that is emotional yet fact-based; it heavily utilizes attention-grabbing techniques imbued with a tone of personal responsibility and blame (e.g., accusations of political undermining aimed at the Reform Party). A combination of formal, argumentative speech and amplified ethical emotion; it presents a historical narrative and a critical prescription designed to mobilize public opinion.

Repeated public addresses on the same topic throughout the same day; references committee negotiations, faction meetings, and voting; highlights the first reading and the necessity of achieving progress within the scope of the next budget; demonstrates continuous involvement in parliamentary work and the active pursuit of cooperation opportunities. The text includes several reflections on previous developments spanning 2019–2022, alongside consistent effort toward project implementation.

The main rival is the Reform Party, which is being accused of the decisions made in 2022 and the politicization of project funding. The speaker frequently employs strong criticism and accusations at the political level, emphasizing that, in contrast to the coalition, what is vital is a continuous and consistent funding commitment and robust cooperation between the state and the city. While asserting that the opposition (with the Social Democrats playing a central role) should back the draft bill, the speaker also engages in blame-seeking and symbolic political resistance regarding the obstacles facing the project. The intensity of the debate is high, and while the search for compromise is stressed, the critical rhetoric remains strongly evident.

Focuses on close cooperation with the Tallinn City Government, the Social Democrats, Health Minister Riina Sikkut, and the members and management of the Tallinn Hospital Council; emphasizes the need to negotiate decisions and conditions later, while maintaining flexibility within the framework of the newly presented draft bill. Forms or mentions support groups (the Tallinn Hospital support group) and expert groups; demonstrates a readiness to find consensus and involve various stakeholders.

The primary focus is on Tallinn and its catchment area (specifically, the vulnerability and crisis preparedness of Harju County and the broader North Estonian regions). We emphasize the impact of the regional expansion of Tallinn Hospital on the entire Estonian healthcare system, as well as the synergy with various counties (Harju, Lääne, Saare, Hiiu, Rapla, and Ida-/Lääne-Viru). The project is introduced as a national-level strategy with a wider scope, though its immediate benefits are prioritized for Tallinn and the surrounding counties.

The economic argument focuses on the financial benefits of the investment: the estimated return on state taxes (300 million euros) and Tallinn's share (550 million), along with the added value to the economy, are highlighted as key outcomes of the investment. It is emphasized that a modern hospital campus will improve accessibility and working conditions, which may reduce staff attrition and stimulate the economy (through state budget revenue, job preservation, and the adoption of new technologies). The impact of European funds is assessed, and there is criticism regarding the political background and transparency of the decisions, but the overall narrative frames the investment as potential for growth.

The core focus of the address is the accessibility and quality of healthcare services, the well-being of patients and medical staff, and improving the motivation and working conditions of the personnel. Emphasis is placed on the growing strain associated with the aging population and the need to modernize hospitals (e.g., infection control, hospital beds, crisis situations). Also strongly considered are civil protection measures (underground floors), retaining young talent, and attracting qualified specialists to Estonia.

The main objective is the first reading of Riigikogu draft resolution 498 OE concerning the allocation of co-financing funds for the Tallinn Hospital. It is emphasized that this is a draft decision, not a draft law, which increases the flexibility of both the government and the city administration and allows for further negotiations. The speaker stresses the necessity of cooperation between the coalition and the opposition, and the need to increase support for state budget resources. Furthermore, the matters discussed may proceed within the framework of the next budget cycle. The need to secure a majority of votes in the Riigikogu is also mentioned.