Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
2025-11-05
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on addressing the waste of public funds and management inconsistencies within the social and healthcare sectors (the Health Insurance Fund, the Ministry of Social Affairs). The emphasis is on results-based criticism, highlighting that money from the European Social Fund and the state is not reaching those in need (such as children with special needs), but is instead being spent on administrative costs and motivational events. The speaker demands intervention and a full investigation of the situation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the budget and procedures of the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) and the Ministry of Social Affairs, highlighting specific expenditure figures, such as 500,000 euros for advertising and 400,000 euros for management consulting. The expertise focuses on the lack of transparency in decision-making processes and the non-purposeful use of funds, also referring to documents that can be challenged in court.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly combative and critical, especially directed at the Minister of Social Affairs, who is accused of unethical behavior and media leaks. Sharp accusations of wasting public money ("squandering") are employed, and rhetorical questions are raised regarding the activities of the Health Insurance Fund. However, the necessity for constructive answers is simultaneously stressed, and labeling is opposed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the Riigikogu Q&A session, engaging in the oversight and investigation of expenditures of government agencies (the Health Insurance Fund, the Ministry of Social Affairs). Work on a special committee is mentioned, as is responding to tips received from citizens regarding the lack of transparency in decision-making processes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets are the Minister of Social Affairs and the leadership of the Health Insurance Fund, who are criticized for procedural irregularities, the opacity of decision-making processes, and the squandering of funds. The criticism is intense and includes accusations of unethical behavior and media leaks. Furthermore, the Reform Party’s general approach to livelihood and welfare issues is also being indirectly scrutinized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is confrontational toward the government, particularly with the Minister of Social Affairs, with whom a public dispute is ongoing regarding ethical boundaries and data leakage. Nevertheless, the speaker acknowledges the chairman's intervention and supports the principle of constructive dialogue.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, addressing the activities of the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) and the Ministry of Social Affairs, as well as the utilization of European Social Fund money in Estonia. There are no references to specific regional or local topics.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress strict fiscal discipline and the purposeful use of public funds, strongly opposing the expenditure of money on administrative luxuries (consulting, parties, travel) at the expense of essential services. The Health Insurance Fund’s significant spending on business and management consulting is being criticized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is ensuring support services for children with special needs and severely ill individuals who require assistance. The speaker sharply criticizes the bureaucracy and the ministry’s activities, which are preventing funds from reaching actual social services.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on parliamentary oversight and investigation, emphasizing the special committee's duty to respond to allegations regarding the lack of transparency in decision-making processes. Specific bills or legislative initiatives were not mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed