Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-01-16
Political Position
An opposition figure and sector representative who champions budget transparency and due legal process. They advocate for balanced democratic oversight and stress that decisions concerning finance and budgetary matters must not be delegated to the executive branch. While ready for cooperation, they maintain strong opposition to the coalition's current approach. Their core priority is improving the structure and transparency of the budget and amending the legislation itself, rather than relying solely on temporary fixes.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The text demonstrates a thorough understanding of the budget process, highlighting the role of the explanatory memorandum, the budget classifier, and the necessity of cost/revenue metrics. It provides concrete examples (Rail Baltic figures, 294 million, references to nine-figure sums, etc.) and cites the viewpoints of the Auditor General and the Chancellor of Justice. The use of technical terminology and legislative nuances within the context of political decision-making demonstrates sustained, theoretically grounded expertise.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is critical yet constructive and fact-based. It employs emotional appeals and pointed examples (such as the shifting figures related to Rail Baltic), while simultaneously stressing the need for dialogue aimed at collective discussion. There is a palpable expectation of transparency, and it uses metaphors, like the rolling snowball, to symbolize and highlight the persistent dynamics of the issue. The approach successfully balances strong argumentation with a rhetoric dedicated to championing democratic processes.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Actively participates in plenary sessions (16.01.2025) and delivers multiple speeches during the same sitting; addresses the procedure for the first and second reading of the budget, including opportunities for submitting amendments. He/She also references the work of special committees (the Anti-Corruption Special Committee, the Finance Committee) and stresses the tight connection between parliamentary procedures and relevant government agencies. While he/she seeks collaboration when appropriate, his/her actions are frequently aimed at enhancing budget transparency and organization.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Primarily critical of the coalition, stressing that the current budget violates the constitution and that the lack of transparency is detrimental to the public's economic and social welfare. Frequently cites examples of administrative failures by the Ministry of Finance and other government bodies, and urgently demands solutions. The tone is direct and forceful, but cooperation with political rivals is not ruled out in order to achieve objective changes.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Inclusive and collaborative, it aims to make joint efforts with the coalition: it calls for debate and cooperation on amendments, emphasizing that the Riigikogu and the government must begin working together to achieve budget transparency. It anticipates that both parties may introduce better ideas during the second reading, and is prepared to incorporate feedback from the government and the Ministry of Finance.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, but regional examples are introduced from Tallinn (Tallinn Hospital, the Kopli Rescue Squad, and issues concerning the residents of Põhja-Tallinn). It is demonstrated that the impact of state policy is evident both in the broader fiscal framework and in local, regionally significant services.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economically, the budget focuses on transparency, control, and the responsible allocation of revenues and expenditures. It highlights that detailed expenditure items must be clearly stipulated in the law itself, not merely in the explanatory memorandum, and emphasizes that resulting cost lines and state funds must be utilized transparently. It does not present an explicit, bureaucratic tax reform program, but stresses financial discipline, proper resource allocation, and accountability, which helps reduce inefficient redistribution.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on social services and welfare: sweeping cuts are anticipated for the school psychologist helpline, suicide and addiction prevention programs, and aspects affecting the coping mechanisms of parents and pensioners (e.g., support for pensioners residing in care homes). It acknowledges that these cuts will impact people's health and standard of living, and emphasizes the need to protect human well-being.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary objective is to amend the basic budget law and legally establish a separate breakdown of expenditures and revenues. It requires that the legal framework be auditable and transparent, and that amendments be permissible during the first and second readings. He/She emphasizes the necessity of cooperation, involving sources of criticism, finalizing the measures for the 2026 budget, and implementing metrics and stricter oversight.
13 Speeches Analyzed