Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, press briefing
2025-02-26
Political Position
Critical of the continuing ownership policy, which is being carried out under strict control; the speaker emphasizes that the payment of dividends by state-owned enterprises reduces investment and raises consumer prices. He stresses the protection of affordable travel for consumers and market competition, and asks directly whether the ownership policy will be changed if such a practice continues. The style is policy-driven, featuring substantive criticism and advocating for consumer interests.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates knowledge of airport financing, earmarked funding, and the role of dividends within state-owned enterprises (SOEs). It draws a comparison between the airport charges in Riga and Vilnius and analyzes their effect on consumer pricing. Furthermore, it addresses the owners' expectations concerning the green transition and compliance with CO2 standards, providing specific examples (€5.6 million in dividends for 2025, €7.2 million for 2026). This constitutes a demonstrative technical and economic discussion on the governance of state-owned companies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Critical and designed to elicit discomfort; uses direct questions and data-driven rhetoric to compel answers. Employs a reasonable and fact-based approach, but also injects sharp, attention-grabbing observations and skepticism toward government narratives. Procedurally and emotionally balanced, but maintains an overall tone of combative assertiveness.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speeches presented during the Information Hour on 26.02.2025; demonstrating consistent attendance at information sessions and a readiness to immediately pose questions and provide examples. References related to previous statements are utilized, emphasizing the necessity of receiving clear answers to their inquiries (concerning dividend and ownership policy). This illustrates firm, regular participation and the continuous discussion of current issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Heightened conflict with the official ownership policy and the regulations governing dividend payouts in state-owned enterprises; criticism primarily aimed at the unfair balance between policy (as economic activity) and consumer prices. Intensive, direct, and demanding: it seeks specific explanations and brings the arguments into the spotlight, but may not articulate a concrete or intuitive compromise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Tallinn Airport serves as the focal point/prime example. The text references the Baltics as a network region (including Riga and Vilnius) and draws comparisons. It addresses issues related to national infrastructure and consumer pricing, affecting both Tallinn specifically and the wider regional context. The primary focus is on national and regional competition and price dynamics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The objective is to protect consumer prices and access. [There is] criticism regarding the taxation of dividends of state-owned enterprises and the allocation of investments, which, according to him/her, is closely linked to price growth. [The speaker] advocates for maintaining competition to ensure cheaper air travel and stresses the importance of balancing investments and financing. [The speaker] acknowledges the necessity of the green transition and adherence to CO2 standards, but not the abandonment of consumer price increases under clearly defined maximum conditions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text emphasizes guaranteeing travel opportunities for all segments of the population, irrespective of income. It focuses on consumer protection and the issue of affordability as a key social priority. It asserts the need for state enterprise policies not to create further problems for consumers, and that maintaining partnerships with low-cost airlines is crucial for social equality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Priorities include the modification of ownership and dividend policies in state-owned enterprises, emphasizing the need to clarify if and how these terms will be changed. It highlights compliance with CO2 standards and the regulatory aspects of the green transition as components of the austerity policy. It mentions that there is or was a lack of legislative progress in answering these questions, and stresses the continued demand for concrete plans and action from the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed