Agenda Profile: Marek Reinaas
Draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE) - first reading
2024-10-16
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position involves strongly supporting the budget while emphasizing the need to find aibilities in light of the new doctrine and reducing state budget expenditures through targeted cuts and zero-based budgeting. The speaker presents their stance using a results-oriented approach, believing that the budget is correctly oriented toward achieving economic growth and reducing state costs. The position of Eesti 200 is that this balance point has been found, or that they are very close to achieving it.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in public finance and defense policy, citing specific statistical data regarding the ratio between tax revenues (33%) and budgetary expenditures (43%). He authoritatively explains the shift in the defense forces’ doctrine, which justifies the implementation of a security tax, and stresses the necessity of the zero-based budgeting methodology for streamlining state administration. Specific figures (1.6 billion for defense, 160 million for major investments) are used to substantiate the policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and persuasive, repeatedly employing the metaphor of the equilibrium point to justify the budget. The tone is optimistic and logical, focusing on the rational justification of political decisions and the presentation of data. The speaker also uses the question "Why?" (in the context of zero-based budgeting) to challenge conventional practices.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Specific opponents or opposition groups are not being criticized, but the criticism is aimed at previous customary state activities and bureaucracy, which must be reduced using zero-based budgeting. It is stressed that many things are done purely out of habit, without questioning their actual necessity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates strong cooperation with coalition partners by firmly supporting the state budget presented by the government. He calls upon other members of the Riigikogu to ardently support the budget, emphasizing the achievement of a common goal. Data regarding willingness to compromise is unavailable, as the budget is already considered close to the point of equilibrium.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national and international, centering on security and the organization of state finances. Regional topics are absent, apart from a brief, humorous reference to the roof of the Jõgeva church in the context of pork-barrel funding.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It strongly supports fiscal discipline, stressing the necessity of budget cuts ("more cuts are even better") and the implementation of zero-based budgeting. Economic growth is viewed as being driven by entrepreneurs; the state's role is to create opportunities, supporting the defense industry and allocating 160 million euros to large-scale investments. The security tax is deemed a necessary investment for realizing the new defense doctrine.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is supporting the draft 2025 State Budget Act (513 SE) during the first reading. Key measures are considered to be the expansion of zero-based budgeting across ministries and the introduction of a security tax to finance defense expenditures. The speaker emphasized the progress achieved in identifying areas for cuts (over 120 million euros).
2 Speeches Analyzed