Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart

First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government to abandon the implementation of the Rail Baltic project in Estonia and to withdraw from all international agreements related to the project" (650 OE)

2025-09-24

Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.

Political Position
The speaker is critical of continuing the Rail Baltic project, stressing the need for sensible financing and mandatory risk analyses. This stance is strongly linked to protecting taxpayer interests, with the expectation that these analyses must be completed before any further steps are taken.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
It includes financial data (70 million euros for ordering trains, 30 million euros annually for maintenance) and refers to national sources and protocols; it uses concepts such as risk analysis and contingency plans, demonstrating technical knowledge of financial alignment and project management.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
A critical, fact-based tone. It employs questions to elicit answers and cites concrete examples (such as responses from the Ministry of Climate and official protocols). The style is formal yet pointed, raising highly relevant issues.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Actively participates in the Rail Baltic discussions and delivers two speeches on the same day; refers to previous debates and highlights the need for risk analyses; focuses on continuing the parliamentary discussion.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Critical of the government’s plan, the statement emphasizes the need to assess taxpayer money and risks. It argues that funding should not continue without proper analyses, maintaining a strong focus on industrial and economic considerations.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data

2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The national level is the primary focus, but examples from the Tallinn–Häädemeeste section and Latvia's preparedness are utilized; this emphasizes the project's overall regional and national impact.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economically skeptical; stresses the limited nature of taxpayer money as a resource and the necessity of evaluating economic risks; will not support the project without comprehensive analyses and contingency plans.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data

2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Related to the first reading of the draft legislation; focuses on the Riigikogu's option to abandon the implementation of Rail Baltic and withdraw from international treaties; emphasizes the necessity of risk analyses and contingency plans before proceeding.

2 Speeches Analyzed