By Months: Urmas Kruuse
Total Months: 10
Fully Profiled: 10
12.2024
2 Speeches
The political focus is on advancing the legislative process, particularly concerning the implementation of the European Union’s social conditionality. The speaker strongly supports concluding the first reading of the draft bill, stressing that the new requirements are not burdensome for the agricultural sector. Their position is policy- and value-driven, highlighting the specific characteristics of the Estonian cultural space in employer-employee relations.
11.2024
7 Speeches
On the political front, the speaker strongly emphasizes maintaining the competitiveness of agriculture and opposes support schemes that are becoming more socially oriented, viewing these as a threat to Estonia's robust farmers. Regarding social issues (specifically abortion), he adopts a strong values-based stance, defending the state funding of the service while condemning the stigmatization of women. In climate policy, he stresses that the future cost of inaction is both politically and substantively underestimated, and he seeks a sensible balance between the pace of adaptation and the associated cost.
10.2024
7 Speeches
The political platform is heavily focused on supporting economic stability and entrepreneurship. It vigorously opposes additional taxation on banks, viewing such measures as detrimental to economic growth and the investment climate. It supports efficiency in the work of the Riigikogu (Parliament), opposing procedural time-wasting. Regarding social policy, it highlights concerns about the discrimination faced by large families and the rising amount of child support arrears. The overall framework is strongly policy- and results-driven, relying heavily on economic data.
09.2024
9 Speeches
The speaker is a strong advocate for regional policy, food security, and agricultural competitiveness, stressing the necessity of reaching 90–95% of the European average in EU direct payments. They forcefully defend the autonomy of local municipalities (citing the issue of kindergarten fees in Tartu, for example) and criticize bureaucracy and the sluggish pace of reforms, particularly concerning the integration of local food into public procurement processes. A key value-based issue is the balancing of individual liberties and children's rights, especially in the provision of support services.
06.2024
2 Speeches
Political attention is centered on financial stability and consumer protection, particularly concerning the true drivers of inflation (opportunistic price increases) and the risks associated with cryptocurrencies. The politician critically questions whether cryptocurrencies are merely extended pyramid schemes designed to conceal income. Their approach is policy- and outcomes-driven, seeking clarity on systemic issues.
05.2024
6 Speeches
The politician is a strong proponent of e-voting, using analogies and challenging the reliability arguments put forth by opponents, whom he accuses of creating false illusions. He stresses legislative correctness and the integrity of the process, for instance, by ensuring the president is allotted sufficient time to proclaim the draft legislation. A significant focus is also placed on the quality of early childhood education and improving the planning capabilities available to local municipalities.
04.2024
13 Speeches
The political focus is heavily directed toward strategic issues concerning rural development and food security, particularly the crisis in veterinary medicine. He/She emphasizes the necessity of increasing state-funded placements in veterinary training, arguing that this field is far too crucial for the country to require tuition fees. Furthermore, he/she supports technical legislative changes that would harmonize Estonian law with relevant EU directives and result in savings for taxpayers.
03.2024
6 Speeches
The political focus is directed toward issues of energy policy (renewable energy, gas plants, security) and social policy (education, healthcare). The speaker stresses the necessity of evidence-based solutions and strategic risk mitigation, expressing skepticism toward simple cash injections (such as funneling additional money into the Health Insurance Fund). The overall approach is rather policy- and results-driven, seeking evidence behind political decisions. The speaker criticizes the minister's view that a 100 million deficit is insignificant, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility.
02.2024
13 Speeches
The speaker strongly advocates for adherence to the existing legislative framework, particularly European Union regulations concerning food safety and labeling. He emphasizes the critical importance of national defense, specifically inquiring about the timeline for achieving the NATO 2% GDP contribution. Furthermore, he defends the necessity of the climate law as crucial for maintaining the global competitiveness of Estonian enterprises. The underlying political framework is distinctly policy- and legally-based, stressing rationality above emotional considerations.
01.2024
5 Speeches
The political stance is strongly pro-reform, particularly concerning the school network, viewing the 2035 deadline for the upper secondary school reform as clearly too distant. They emphasize the necessity of optimizing services across municipal boundaries, based on population distribution. Furthermore, concern is voiced regarding the centralization of research funding, fearing that focus will be lost in crucial sectors.