Agenda Profile: Siim Pohlak
Third reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's 2025 state budget draft, deeming it "very bad" and likely to freeze the economy. The primary focus is on the negative impact of the government's actions on the cost of living and the financial ability of most Estonian people to cope. Criticism is aimed both at the government’s stated goals (Rail Baltic, climate transition, immigration) and its overall economic performance.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in economic and fiscal policy, especially regarding the calculation of the direct impact of tax increases on the average wage earner (claiming that five days of "free work" are needed to cover the tax hikes). Large national projects, such as Rail Baltic, are also a focus, with criticism directed at the lack of transparency in their financing.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of speaking is extremely combative, protest-driven, and forceful, relying on strong emotional appeals and outright labeling. The act of labeling government critics as Russian stooges is referred to as "fascist logic," and the government's attitude toward the populace is described as a "slave-owner mentality." The objective is to paint a picture of a government that uses a "steamroller" to crush the people, completely disregarding facts and reality.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the Riigikogu session, repeatedly posing questions to the rapporteur and delivering an extended protest speech against the budget. This pattern of activity is focused on intense opposition at a critical legislative juncture (the third reading of the budget).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the ruling coalition (the Reform Party, the Social Democrats, and Eesti 200), especially the Reform Party. The criticism is both political (concerning the budget and tax hikes) and personal/procedural, protesting the practice of labeling government critics as Putin's lackeys. Compromise is ruled out, and representatives are instead urged to vote against the budget.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker adopts an oppositional and adversarial style, citing substantive proposals put forth by EKRE (such as freezing Rail Baltic funding) that the government has refused either to put to a vote or to consider. No readiness to cooperate with the government is evident.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national economic problems and the overall well-being of the Estonian people. International issues are also mentioned, specifically concerning the hundreds of millions of euros being sent abroad and the immigrants who are burdening the state's systems.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to tax increases, arguing that they make life more difficult and expensive for the majority. They support plugging the budget deficit by cutting government expenditures, bureaucracy, and corruption, rather than by raising family benefits or increasing taxes. They favor policies that support economic growth and the survival of businesses.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker raises the number of immigrants as a social problem, arguing that it is overwhelming the nation's health and education systems. The primary social concern is the deterioration of the Estonian people's standard of living due to the government's economic policy.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the opposition to the 2025 State Budget Act draft (Bill 513 SE). The speaker is an opponent who emphasizes the substantive proposals submitted by EKRE—such as freezing Rail Baltic funding and cutting administrative costs—which were ultimately excluded from the vote.
6 Speeches Analyzed