By Months: Mati Raidma

The political focus is heavily centered on national defense and security, emphasizing the need for a swift and decisive adaptation of defense capabilities to meet the challenges posed by the current security environment. The speaker firmly supports the implementation of a security tax until the end of 2028 to guarantee the necessary investments in both military and internal security. This stance is deeply policy-driven, highlighting the absolute necessity and priority of defending Estonia.

The political focus is on international justice, human rights, and historical memory, concentrating specifically on recognizing the 1944 deportation of the Crimean Tatars as an act of genocide. The speaker adopts a strong, value-based stance, severely condemning the centuries-long policy of genocide pursued by the Russian Federation and the Russian Empire. The most crucial position affirmed is that Crimea belongs to Ukraine, along with demonstrating solidarity with Ukraine and the Crimean Tatars.

The political position strongly favors strengthening national defense and security, recognizing the government's actions and emphasizing that lowering the bar is not a solution. We support long-term assistance to Ukraine amounting to 0.25% of GDP, as well as the government's initiative to introduce a temporary, broad-based security tax. Ensuring security is presented as a value-based and existential issue, the stakes of which are independence and territorial integrity.

The political position centers on a cost-based system for state fees, supporting a moderate increase in these fees following a long period without change. This increase is driven by the necessity of covering actual administrative costs. At the same time, flexibility is demonstrated by supporting the reduction of fees related to gun permits and hunting, owing to security concerns and the national duties performed by hunters. The position is strongly policy- and cost-based, emphasizing that generating revenue for the state is not the objective.

The political stance centers on the cost-based rationale for state fees, strongly backing the draft legislation that brings these fees in line with the actual cost of the procedures. He/She stresses that even the increased rates are, in many instances (e.g., firearms permits), lower than the service's prime cost, which demonstrates the careful consideration behind the amendments. His/Her approach is distinctly policy-driven and technical, focusing on budgetary accuracy for the state.

The political position is strongly value-based, focusing on international security and support for Ukraine. The speaker expresses concern regarding the weakened position of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), laying the blame for this on Russia and Belarus. The overall stance is heavily geared toward defending collective security.