Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
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 is sharply critical of the government's budget management and fiscal policy, stressing a complete loss of control and sheer incompetence. The speaker asserts that the activity-based budgeting system has failed, pointing to massive unspent funds (€2.5 billion) and demanding a fundamental paradigm shift. The position is heavily focused on poor results and management failures, accusing the government of engaging in "management for show" and living in a "detached reality." As an alternative, the concept for budget restructuring developed by the Isamaa party is being proposed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in public finance, budget strategy, and auditing. Technical terms are employed, including "zero-based budgeting," "activity-based management," "consolidated basis," and the "system of expenditure categories." The analysis draws directly upon data from the National Audit Office report and the Ministry of Finance's September forecast, citing specific figures and assessments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent, strategic, and strongly critical, using dramatic and condemnatory expressions ("hocus pocus," "a joke," "headless confusion"). The speech is formal and analytical, relying on logical arguments and analogies drawn from business management ("the concept of investment continuity"). Finally, a direct call to pull oneself together is presented, labeling the National Audit Office report an "alarm clock."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is limited to speeches delivered in the parliamentary hall, responding to the National Audit Office's report and the budget discussion. The speaker stresses the necessity of "genuine dialogue" and a feedback environment within parliament. Data regarding other appearances or activities is absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary confrontation is aimed at the government and its fiscal policy, which is accused of losing control and engaging in superficial governance. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, labeling the government's measures (zero budget, reduction of administrative costs) as "deception" or "incompetence." The speaker directly addresses Mr. Reinaasa, criticizing his political platform and demanding a response.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to cooperation with experts, noting that together they developed Isamaa’s alternative budget concept. Emphasis is placed on the idea that governance must be restored before resources are allocated, which suggests a preference for offering independent solutions. There is no information regarding cooperation with other parliamentary factions or any readiness to compromise with the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on the national level, addressing the management of state finances, fiscal policy, and the expenditures of ministries (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of the Interior). Regional focus is absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the necessity of restoring fiscal discipline and governance, while simultaneously strongly opposing the government's tax hike policies. The analysis of budget management employs the logic of the business sector and investments, recommending an honest withdrawal in the event of a failed investment (activity-based budgeting). The objective is to restore political control over state expenditure policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The only social sector mentioned is education, which is used as an example of the absurd overabundance of metrics (one hundred metrics for managing a single performance area). Data regarding other social topics is missing.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at rapidly reforming the structure of the state budget, demanding the abandonment of performance-based budgeting and the implementation of Isamaa’s alternative concept. The speaker, who is spearheading the reform, is calling for the restoration of a system of expenditure line items that enables genuine management, starting already with next year’s budget.
2 Speeches Analyzed