Agenda Profile: Õnne Pillak
Continuation of the first reading of the Draft Law on the State Budget for 2026 (737 SE)
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
Strong support for the government's 2026 state budget, whose main priorities are a sharp increase in national defense expenditure (at least 5% of GDP) and lowering the tax burden (abolishing the tax curve). The budget deficit (4.5%) is justified by the security situation and the need to enhance defense capabilities, citing the European Commission's flexible rules. The political framework is clearly value-based, emphasizing Estonia's freedom and independence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a strong command of public finance and budgetary policy, citing specific figures for deficit percentages (4.5%, 5.2%) and the tax burden (35.2%). Specific details were also highlighted regarding national defense spending (over 10 billion euros over four years) and public sector cuts (totaling 1.4 billion euros, or 10% over three years). Projections for the increase in pension indexation (5.4%) were also presented.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is defensive, persuasive, and occasionally confrontational, especially when criticizing the historical behavior of opponents. Both logical arguments (figures, EU comparisons) and emotional appeals (a reference to a grandmother's advice about bitterness, concern for Estonia's freedom) are utilized. The style is formal, but it includes direct addresses and calls to support the budget.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu session during the continuation of the first reading of the state budget, presenting both a question regarding the opponents' previous activities and a lengthy defense speech to explain the government's budget choices. This indicates the defense of the government's positions and the preemption of criticism from opponents.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary critics are those concerned about the current deficit who showed no such concern during the EKREIKE government (referencing the 5.2% deficit in 2020). The criticism targets EKREIKE's previous fiscal policy ("money was squandered," "reserves were not built up") and the dismantling of the second pension pillar, which has been labeled a "cynical mistake." The opponents' criticism regarding the budget shortfall is viewed as stemming from bitterness.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker points to the cooperation within the government, noting that they have agreed to cut expenditures by 1.4 billion euros and have finalized the budget decisions. The text mentions colleague Annely Akkermann’s explanations regarding how average working people benefit from the tax reductions. There is no direct expression of openness to compromise with the opposition; instead, the audience is urged to support the choices that have already been made.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily on the national and international level, concentrating on Estonia’s security amid the worsening situation in Europe and the utilization of flexibility in EU member states' budgetary rules to enhance defense capabilities. Specific local or regional projects or interests are not mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
We strongly support conditions that foster market economy growth, rather than the distribution of subsidies. This includes lowering the tax burden to 35.2%, abolishing the tax 'hump,' preventing an income tax increase, and maintaining the non-taxation of corporate profits. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of restoring order to state finances by reducing the deficit and cutting public sector expenditures.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sphere, the focus is on improving incomes and financial coping ability, especially regarding salary increases for average wage earners, teachers, rescuers, police officers, and cultural workers, which will be financed through savings. There is strong support for the welfare of pensioners and pension indexation (with a projected growth of 5.4%), while simultaneously criticizing the dismantling of the second pension pillar.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting and adopting the draft State Budget Law for 2026 (737 SE). Emphasis is placed on the importance of budgetary choices in strengthening national defense, reducing the tax burden, and increasing incomes and pensions. The objective is to secure support for the budget in the Riigikogu.
3 Speeches Analyzed