Session Profile: Marek Reinaas
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-11-06
Political Position
The political focus is on state budget reform, with strong support for activity-based budgeting as a tool for increasing transparency and identifying potential areas for savings. The fundamental promise of the Eesti 200 party is the implementation of a zero-based budget (ZBB), or a complete budget revision, which they believe is only possible through activity-based budgeting. The overall approach is policy- and results-driven, emphasizing the continuous question: why are we doing this?
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in state finance and budget planning, utilizing specific terminology such as activity-based and cost-based budgeting, metrics, and zero-based budgeting. They emphasize their role as a member of the Finance Committee and possess detailed knowledge of the ministries' budget planning processes. They distinguish between the validity of the mathematics (the format) and the quality of its implementation (the metrics).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and logic-based, repeatedly focusing on the question of "why" behind every expenditure. Although the tone is generally factual and agrees with the conclusions of the National Audit Office, strong criticism is employed to describe the poor metrics used in budget planning ("absurd," "brainless"). He uses metaphors (the rearview mirror) and strives to be concise.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active member of the Finance Committee who has reviewed the ministries’ budget planning, programs, and metrics for the coming year. He refers directly to recent and temporally close events at the Parliament podium, for example, the Auditor General’s address half an hour earlier.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is primarily directed against the "fans of orthodox expenditure-based budgeting" who oppose the activity-based approach. Also criticized is the procedural quality of the goals and metrics compiled by the ministries, which leaves a ridiculous impression.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style indicates a readiness to support the sound questions and viewpoints of other colleagues and experts (e.g., Professor Irja Lutsar) when these align with the speaker's analytical concerns. He/She is prepared to agree with the conclusions of the National Audit Office, although noting that the problems are partially being addressed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on the national level, addressing the structure of the state budget, ministerial planning, and the problem of internal state-level duplication.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize fiscal discipline and efficiency, supporting the identification of savings and the avoidance of duplication through budget revision (specifically, zero-based budgeting). Strategic planning is preferred, linking expenditures directly to achievable results, while simultaneously stressing that both cost-based and activity-based budgeting are essential.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on improving the budget process, pointing to the need to resolve issues through amendments to the underlying legislation. The primary priority is implementing a zero-based budgeting (ZBB) or comprehensive budget review process in order to identify areas for savings.
1 Speeches Analyzed