Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-11-06
Political Position
A member of the Center Party has adopted a strongly oppositional tone regarding the budget process, highlighting the lack of transparency, the loss of control by ministries, and stressing the necessity of amending the State Budget Act. He/She is clearly in favor of budget reform, emphasizing the inclusion of a cost-based/understandable approach and clear performance indicators in the explanatory memorandums.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates a strong knowledge base concerning the state budget process, utilizing references to National Audit Office audits from 2019 and 2023. Specifically cites examples of ministerial replies and problems related to the transparency of NGO funding. Also mentions interoperability, the function of explanatory notes, and the absence of a legal basis for grants provided to legal entities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is primarily adversarial and critical, employing emotional rhetorical techniques (such as, “Are you kidding me?”) alongside claims that are heavily supported by evidence. It offers numerous examples and sharply defines the overall context.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Having appeared before the extraordinary session of the Special Anti-Corruption Committee, [he/she/it] continues active involvement and discussion within Riigikogu institutions; emphasizes the necessity of compiling the list of supported individuals for the ministries and clarifying the bases for this support. Furthermore, [he/she/it] highlights the efforts toward regular correspondence and cooperation between the ministries.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
A strong opposition stance toward the government and the coalition: the criticism centers on budget transparency, the erosion of oversight, and the superficial approach taken by ministries. The opposition is prepared to submit alternative bills and stresses the necessity of a professional, verifiable budget.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Demonstrates readiness for cooperation with the Riigikogu and ministries, emphasizing the need for discussion and the submission of amendment proposals; wishes to involve the coalition and the Ministry of Finance through open discussion and to supplement the basis for individual support; while maintaining a firm, critical position.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Limited data for regional focus; it primarily addresses budgetary matters and the activities of ministries at the level of the entire country, highlighting separate regional centers but without presenting a specific regional focus.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It emphasizes the responsibility and transparent management of public spending and the role of performance-based budgeting and explanatory notes; it criticizes budget allocations that "roll over" and complicate the identification of expenditures; it highlights the need for close monitoring and efficiency improvements, as well as transparent cost-cutting, including in the reallocation of positions. It notes examples of half a million euros in cuts that do not reflect the actual cutting process.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Sufficient data is lacking on social topics (e.g., abortion, LGBTQ+, immigration, etc.); it focuses primarily on financial and transparency issues and the clarity of the bases for support.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Key legislative priorities: amending the State Budget Act (explaining the expenditure-based/clearly described budget objectives and performance indicators in the explanatory memorandum); intentions to amend the Budget Base Act; strong emphasis on restoring transparency and control in the budget process and clarifying the responsibility of ministries; additionally, it requires clarifications regarding the distribution of grants and cooperation at the level of the Riigikogu.
3 Speeches Analyzed