Agenda Profile: Õnne Pillak
Political statement by Prime Minister Kristen Michal regarding the transfer of the draft State Budget Act 2026
2025-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is heavily centered on national defense and stimulating the economy, labeling the budget the "budget of security and prosperity." The Prime Minister justifies the growing state budget deficit as the price of freedom, while simultaneously stressing the courage required to make necessary decisions and emphasizing a fact-based approach. The administration's stance is strongly results-oriented, focusing on record investments and reducing the tax burden.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in macroeconomics and public finance, citing the Bank of Estonia's forecasts for economic growth, inflation, and wage increases. Concrete statistical data is utilized concerning defense expenditures (over 10 billion euros over four years) and the effect of tax cuts (780 million injected into the economy). The detailed presentation of budget figures and facts serves to counteract emotional criticism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is optimistic regarding economic forecasts, but simultaneously defensive and counter-positioning itself against previous emotional rhetoric. There is a strong emphasis on relying on facts and data, calling for substantive discussions rather than playing on emotions. The word "fact" is used repeatedly (10 times in total) to validate its positions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech is connected to the submission of the 2026 State Budget Bill to the Riigikogu and is timed as a response to the parliamentary debate. It references the recent presentation of the Bank of Estonia’s economic forecast ("the day before yesterday").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Opponents are being criticized for playing on emotions and painting a bleak picture of the economic situation, which distorts the factual situation and the Bank of Estonia's forecasts. The criticism is directed at the rhetoric and interpretation of data, rather than specific opposing policies. The Prime Minister is calling for an end to the emotional arguing and urges everyone to face the facts.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively national, concentrating on protecting the Estonian state and its people, and enhancing the prosperity of the nation as a whole. Investments are described as a contribution to "our greatest asset – our home, Estonia."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports stimulating economic growth through the reduction of the tax burden (by 1.4%), emphasizing the positive impact of abolishing the tax kink and preventing an income tax increase. It accepts the increase in the state budget deficit to finance historical defense expenditures, but simultaneously demands cuts to public sector labor and operating costs (an additional 20 million on top of the planned cuts).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The socio-political focus is centered on raising the salaries of public sector employees (teachers, rescuers, police officers, cultural workers, special care workers, and prison officials) and increasing pensions (by 5.4% according to the forecast). In addition, the subsistence benefit will be increased by 4 million euros to provide greater support to those who are struggling the most.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is the 2026 State Budget Act, aimed at implementing historical defense spending levels and tax policies designed to stimulate the economy. Emphasis is placed on abolishing the tax hump, preventing an income tax hike, and securing pay raises for the public sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed