Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Second reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
Strong opposition has emerged against the government’s supplementary budget, arguing that it increases state expenditures and deepens the persistent budget deficit, thereby sending the wrong signal to society. The speaker demands the preparation of a negative supplementary budget and a reduction in administrative costs, prioritizing fiscal discipline and future economic prospects. The political framework is strongly performance-based, emphasizing the government’s poor quality of governance and the resulting crisis of confidence.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in public finance and fiscal policy, employing technical terminology such as "budget architecture," "nominal volume," and "projected motor vehicle tax revenue." He substantiates his arguments by referencing economic experts, bank analysts, and IMF forecasts, particularly concerning the methodology for calculating GDP and the deterioration of purchasing power. Specific emphasis is placed on knowledge of tax policy (including the remote gambling tax) and the financing of national defense.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is extremely combative, critical, and anxious, employing sharp labels such as "bungling failure," "financial fraud," and "lying government." The speaker balances logical financial arguments (deficit, rising costs) with emotional appeals, accusing the government of mocking the Estonian people and generating a wave of pessimism. The style is formal, yet it includes pointed accusations of political brazenness and unjust deception.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The MP is highly active during the Riigikogu session, posing recurring and substantive questions regarding the supplementary budget procedure and demanding its rejection. In addition to the budget debate, the MP is actively involved in preparing the upcoming motion of no confidence against a government member, demanding that the Presidium disclose classified information (KAPO, PPA, PwC analyses).
12 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the coalition parties—the Reform Party, the Social Democrats, and Estonia 200—who are accused of pursuing poor policy and losing public trust. The criticism is predominantly policy- and performance-based (tax hikes, deficit, economic recession), but it also includes procedural accusations (procedural tricks, withholding information). Compromise on the budget has been ruled out, with demands for its complete rejection.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents Isamaa's unwavering stance regarding the rejection of the budget, referencing the party’s proposals (a negative budget, a motion to reject the bill) which failed to reach a vote due to the lack of coalition support. A willingness to cooperate is demonstrated only in supporting comprehensive national defense expenditures, provided that these are financed by reallocating funds within the existing budget.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is predominantly on national financial and economic policy issues, such as tax hikes, the deficit, and the deterioration of purchasing power. The topic of abolishing the kindergarten fee in Tallinn is being used as a rhetorical parallel to the government’s short-term, election-related policy.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates strict fiscal discipline, demanding a reduction in government spending and the implementation of a negative budget to curb inflation. They are vehemently opposed to new tax hikes, arguing that these measures erode purchasing power and damage the prospects of the Estonian economy. It is stressed that Estonia is the European "champion" of tax and price increases—a policy they deem a complete failure.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme is the well-being of families with children, criticizing the government's "anti-family policy" (cutting benefits, abolishing income tax exemption) and temporary relief measures. There is a demand for permanent, stable, and predictable steps to achieve demographic goals. Furthermore, the confusion among people with disabilities regarding car tax relief measures is also being raised.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is the rejection of the State 2025 Supplementary Budget Bill (651 SE). The subject is a strong opponent of the bill and has initiated a motion to terminate proceedings. Furthermore, they are gathering information via the Parliament's Board concerning the upcoming motion of no confidence against a member of the government.
12 Speeches Analyzed