By Plenary Sessions: Stig Rästa

The speaker strongly supports the long-term strategy of the Minister of Social Affairs, "Estonia 2035," emphasizing the necessity of maintaining Estonia as a caring and compassionate nation. The political position is strongly value-based, focusing on humaneness, dignified aging, and the safe development of children. The need to act immediately is stressed, rather than waiting for ideal circumstances, prioritizing care above financial constraints.

The most prominent theme is Estonia's low tax burden within the context of the European Union. The speaker adopts an analytical and measured position, investigating whether this low tax burden represents an economic strength or a risk to future tax revenues, thereby signaling concern about the state's fiscal sustainability. This clearly operates within a policy and performance-based framework.

The speaker adopts a strong, value-driven stance supporting enhanced security and advocating for equipping law enforcement officers with modern tools. The central issue is the legislative regulation of license plate recognition (LPR) cameras, which is viewed as a crucial step toward a safer Estonia. This position is robust and specifically targets the removal of ambiguity caused by the current legislative vacuum.

The political focus is currently on boosting the productivity and international competitiveness of the Estonian economy. The speaker strongly advocates for the transition to a smart economy and stresses the necessity of a long-term strategy and political continuity. This stance is heavily policy- and results-driven, directly linking productivity growth to wage levels and national welfare. The primary objective is to address the issues of low added value and insufficient R&D investments.

The political focus is heavily centered on strengthening gender equality and the protection of human rights. The speaker firmly supports acceding to the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), stressing the necessity of additional international protection mechanisms. Their stance is primarily value-driven, highlighting justice, equality, and Estonia's reputation as a nation that takes human rights seriously.

The political position centers on value-based loyalty to the Republic of Estonia and its constitutional order, affirmed through the execution of the duties of a member of the Riigikogu. This constitutes a strong, institutional, and value-driven stance, which is appropriate for the administration of the oath of office. The address contains no other specific political positions.