Agenda Profile: Marek Reinaas
Overview of the Use and Preservation of State Property in 2023–2024. Five Years of Activity-Based State Budget: Results of the Reform and Necessary Further Decisions
2024-11-06
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position strongly focuses on maintaining and developing activity-based budgeting, emphasizing its necessity for identifying duplication and finding areas for savings. The speaker firmly supports the core promise of the political party Eesti 200 to implement a zero-based budgeting (ZBB) or comprehensive budget review process. The stance is highly policy-driven, concentrating on improving budgetary methodology and strategic planning.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority in state budget planning, financial control, and budget formats (cost-based versus activity-based), citing the National Audit Office report and their work on the Finance Committee. They clearly differentiate between the methodology of strategic planning (which is sound) and its implementation (which involves "ridiculous metrics"). Technical terms such as "amendments to the framework law," "programs," and "metrics" are employed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and formal, focusing on logical and procedural arguments in defense of the budget methodology. The speaker repeatedly employs the rhetorical question "why?" and mathematical analogies (e.g., the square root of nine) to differentiate between errors of form and substance. The tone is serious and businesslike, while simultaneously conceding existing issues (such as the absurdity of the metrics).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity involves active participation in the work of the Finance Committee, where they have familiarized themselves with the budget planning and metrics of the ministries. The address was delivered at a Riigikogu session in response to a report by the National Audit Office, which points to regular involvement in legislative oversight.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the "orthodox fans of cost-based budgeting," whose views are considered insufficient for evaluating state activities and identifying areas for savings. The criticism is directed at the procedural opposition to activity-based budgeting. Ministries are also indirectly criticized for creating "absurd" and "pointless" goals and metrics.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates openness to cooperation and agreement, conceding the validity of the National Audit Office's conclusions and accepting Professor Irja Lutsar's criticism regarding the metrics. This indicates a willingness to acknowledge external experts and supervisory bodies, even while defending the overall political framework.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on the national level, covering state budget planning, the operations of ministries, and the utilization of state assets. Regional or local issues are not addressed in the speech.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives strongly emphasize fiscal discipline, transparency, and the necessity of a zero-based budgeting process for identifying potential areas for savings. The objective is to ensure that the investment of budgetary funds is strategically justified and results-oriented, by constantly questioning the purpose of the expenditures.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward amendments to the fundamental Budget Law and the implementation of the zero-based budgeting (ZBB) process, which constitutes a full budget revision. The speaker serves in the role of an active supporter and supervisor, concentrating specifically on the methodological integrity of the budget process.
1 Speeches Analyzed