Agenda Profile: Riina Sikkut
First reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)
2025-06-02
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session
Political Position
The political platform heavily focuses on two issues: the deficit in state budget sustainability and the rapid increase of needs-based social benefits. The Social Democrats support broad national defense spending, but stress that economic well-being is also a security issue. The government is criticized for postponing budget problems until the period following the 2027 elections. This stance is strongly policy- and value-driven, emphasizing the need for an honest debate on unpopular topics.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in budget policy and the mechanisms governing social benefits, referencing the positions held by the Fiscal Council and the State Budget Strategy (RES) period. They utilize specific data concerning the balance of permanent revenues and permanent expenditures, as well as estimates for the cost and potential increase of the subsistence benefit (e.g., 5.3 million euros for a 50-euro increase). This expertise is further underscored by the precise recall of historical budgetary decisions, such as the 2022 supplementary budget.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical, consistent, and pressing, particularly regarding the resolution of social concerns, emphasizing that livelihood worries cannot afford to wait. Logical appeals are employed, citing budgetary regulations and historical precedents, and repeated questions are posed to the Minister of Finance concerning the persistent budget deficit. The discourse is formal and fact-based, linking technical budgetary problems with people’s economic survival and security.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative process, participating in the first reading of the supplementary budget and the work of the Finance Committee, where the Fiscal Council provided an overview. He/She demonstrates persistence, noting that the question of covering fixed expenditures was presented to the Minister of Finance twice.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is leveled against the government and the Minister of Finance, who stand accused of delaying the resolution of budget problems until after the 2027 elections. The government is also criticized for fiscal maneuvering, specifically accelerating one-off expenditures to ensure compliance with budget rules in subsequent years. The criticism is rooted in both policy and procedure, and also involves ideological disagreements (for example, regarding the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic: government expenditures related to national defense are supported, but political support is simultaneously being sought for the Social Democrats’ amendment proposal to raise the subsistence level. The speaker emphasizes that there should be consensus in the chamber regarding need-based benefits and called on colleagues to support the amendment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national and macroeconomic, addressing the state budget deficit and the nationwide impact of the social benefits system. The prioritization of Estonian food producers through a reduction in VAT is also mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the necessity of long-term fiscal discipline and a sustainable budgetary path, demanding a balance between recurring revenues and fixed expenditures. Simultaneously, there is support for active state intervention aimed at addressing social concerns, which includes increasing need-based benefits and reducing the value-added tax (VAT) on food products. Criticism is leveled against the government's efforts to maximize spending simply to comply with budget rules.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social theme is livelihood and security, emphasizing the urgent need to raise the subsistence minimum, given that prices have increased by nearly a fifth over the last three years. Social policy is directed towards needs-based assistance for those who are genuinely struggling the most. Improving livelihood is considered an integral part of security.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the amendment of the draft law on the 2025 supplementary budget (Bill 651 SE). The speaker is the initiator of an amendment proposal aimed at raising the subsistence level, while simultaneously supporting the broad national defense expenditures planned in the same supplementary budget. Lowering the VAT rate on foodstuffs is also a priority.
3 Speeches Analyzed