Session Profile: Urmas Kruuse
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
2024-09-25
Political Position
The political position strongly focuses on regional policy, food security, and agricultural competitiveness. The speaker supports strategically increasing direct payments to the European average level of 90–95%, alongside reducing bureaucracy through risk-based checks. The framework is policy- and structure-oriented, emphasizing specific funding measures and systemic solutions. Furthermore, the need to improve funding systems for public transport and local authorities is highlighted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding agricultural policy, EU subsidies (with reference to specific percentages), food security, and the funding of regional development. Technical terminology and statistics are utilized, including the expenditure on the preferential rate for agricultural diesel (over 30 million euros), the proportion of organic land (23%), and the food waste rate (up to 30%). Furthermore, a detailed analysis is provided concerning the succession of veterinary professionals and the funding challenges faced by local municipalities.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and highly detailed, relying on logical arguments and concrete policy examples. The tone is critical yet constructive, highlighting shortcomings (such as the slow progress in public procurement and the decline in the quality of school meals) and offering systemic solutions. The speaker also poses a technical question, expressing doubt about the statistical effectiveness of reducing the VAT on foodstuffs. Finally, the speaker references their previous ministerial experience.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the plenary session, delivering a detailed keynote address, posing a technical question, and utilizing additional speaking time. These patterns of activity suggest a strong involvement with the work of the Committee on Rural Affairs (referencing the upcoming presentation of the Court of Auditors' report) and engagement with stakeholders (businesses, officials). The length and depth of detail in the speech demonstrate comprehensive preparation regarding regional policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the actions of the government and the minister, citing slow progress in developing the rules for local food public procurement (with a deadline set for 2027) and the improper framing of policy (such as the terminology used for free school meals). There is also criticism regarding the inefficiency of public transport (buses and trains running simultaneously) and past mistakes in local government funding. Crucially, the criticism is policy- and procedure-based, not personal.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker offers positive recognition of the current coalition government’s previous decisions concerning the preferential rate for special diesel, thereby demonstrating a willingness to acknowledge steps that benefit the sector. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of cooperation in guaranteeing the quality of school meals (involving the state, local authorities, and the individual), as well as the importance of cross-border collaboration between local municipalities for sharing services and expertise. Solutions that engage various stakeholders are supported.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is strongly directed towards rural life and regional development, emphasizing the efficiency of the Foundation for the Promotion of Rural Life (MES) program when settling in rural areas. People-centered solutions, such as single-family homes, are preferred over the construction of apartment buildings in rural areas. Also mentioned are the differing circumstances of grain growers in various regions of Estonia and the funding problems faced by municipalities located in peripheral areas.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support subsidies and tax incentives aimed at strengthening competitiveness (e.g., preferential rates for special diesel fuel, emergency grants). There is skepticism regarding the effectiveness of broad measures, such as reducing VAT on foodstuffs, citing the higher prices in neighboring countries. When funding local governments, increasing the equalization fund is preferred over increasing the local share of personal income tax.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issues addressed cover the quality and funding of school meals, as well as securing the pipeline of new professionals in veterinary medicine. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of high-quality, palatable school food, while criticizing the unequal contributions from local municipalities, which risks lowering overall quality. Support is given to reforming veterinary education (shorter programs, involving teaching assistants) to boost the number of new professionals entering the field.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on reforming bureaucracy into a risk-based system and expediting the development of rules for the inclusion of local food in public procurement. Priorities also include the establishment of a unified ticketing system for public transport and the improvement of local government financing (the equalization fund). The processing of animal welfare bills in the Riigikogu is also mentioned.
4 Speeches Analyzed