Session Profile: Marek Reinaas
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary sitting
2024-12-09
Political Position
The political focus is on solidarity with society and cutting the state budget, strongly supporting the reduction of expense allowances for Riigikogu members. The speaker considers this a fundamental step to demonstrate concern at a time when the country is facing financial difficulties. Initially, a reduction by half was supported, but a one-sixth cut was agreed upon as the greatest common denominator. The political framework is strongly value-based, emphasizing responsibility and leading by example.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in parliamentary internal procedures and history, referencing the previous reduction of expense allowances in 2009. Particular emphasis is placed on the understanding of the significance of the Council of Elders format and its ability to achieve complex agreements. He/She is familiar with the duration and details of the bill's preparation, mentioning a two-month negotiation period.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is constructive and formal, focusing on logical reasoning (solidarity) and describing the details of the process. The speaker uses moderately emotional language, emphasizing personal effort ("having spent so many hours grinding away") and expressing satisfaction with the achieved result. The tone is appreciative toward those who signed the agreement and hopeful regarding the full support of the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker describes intensive participation in internal parliamentary negotiations, which lasted two months and required many long hours spent in meetings (the so-called "butt-hours"). This indicates an active role in preparing the draft legislation for reducing expense allowances and in seeking consensus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The backlash is aimed at the members of parliament who labeled the idea of cutting expense reimbursements as populism and simple-minded, while also criticizing their lack of solidarity with the public. The criticism focuses more on their attitudes and skepticism, rather than on any specific counter-policy. Lauri Laats' question regarding whether the measure goes far enough is also mentioned.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is oriented toward compromise, stressing the achievement of an agreement among the four factions regarding the reduction of expense allowances as the "greatest common denominator." The speaker recognizes all the signatory political parties and recommends that the Parliament's Board make greater use of the Elders' Council (Vanematekogu) format in the future for reaching complex agreements.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives center on fiscal responsibility and solidarity, stressing the necessity of cutting the national budget and setting an example during "lean times." Reducing expenditures is supported, even if it is merely a symbolic gesture, to demonstrate concern for the public.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is on solidarity with society, which is being used as the moral and ethical justification for the draft law aimed at reducing expense benefits. This is a matter of social responsibility linked to the economic situation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the bill to reduce the expense allowances for Riigikogu members, a measure the speaker strongly supports and whose negotiation process they actively participated in. The objective is to secure the support of all Riigikogu members for the bill during the first reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed