By Months: Riina Sikkut

The collaborative style is institutional, referencing the work done in the Finance Committee and the collective guidelines issued to all ministers concerning budget drafting. Although he poses pointed questions to the minister, the manner of communication remains respectful and purposeful, focused on identifying clear next steps.

The speaker highly values cooperation with independent institutions—such as the Bank of Estonia, the Fiscal Council, the Chancellor of Justice, and the Financial Supervision Authority—and supports the wider publication of their recommendations. Furthermore, the speaker notes cross-party consensus on establishing the foundations for financial regulation (specifically regarding credit unions/savings and loan associations) and data usage, while stressing the necessity of substantive debate.

The speaker is seeking political backing for the Social Democrats' proposed amendments (specifically concerning the subsistence level and kindergarten fees), stressing that need-based support is, in fact, universally endorsed. The speaker recognizes successful cooperation on national defense matters (such as withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention alongside neighboring states) and within the Social Affairs Committee (regarding patient advance directives), yet remains uncompromising toward the government on procedural issues related to the budget and the justice sector.

As a representative of the Finance Committee, he emphasizes consensus decisions (e.g., regarding deadlines) and shares the workload with his colleagues. Within his own party, he supports the implementation of zebra lists to achieve gender balance. He is open to procedural cooperation but remains resolute and uncompromising on matters of principle (e.g., progressive income tax, gender quotas).

The speaker highly values the contribution of experts and officials to the legislative process, highlighting the exemplary and lengthy preparation process for the draft bill concerning end-of-life declarations. He/She collaborates with ministries (the Ministry of Social Affairs) and is open to compromises (for instance, regarding the hospital exception) provided they serve the interests of patients, even though he/she does not always consider them ideal.

The speaker stresses the necessity of cooperation when making significant decisions, suggesting that common ground should be sought in the chamber early on. However, in the current situation, he criticizes the lack of collaboration and the hurried amendment of the draft bill, which makes arriving at a well-considered decision impossible.