Session Profile: Riina Sikkut
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-06-11
Political Position
The speaker, a member of the Social Democratic faction, expresses strong opposition to the government's tax policy, particularly the increase in consumption taxes and the elimination of the 'tax hump' (or 'tax bracket adjustment'). They stress the importance of social justice, supporting the ability to cope financially (raising the subsistence minimum), and consumer protection against breaches of competition law. Their political stance is strongly value-based, linking economic well-being to national security ("economic well-being is security").
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in competition law (procedural details, fines, and infringement proceedings) and tax policy (capital taxes, the tax wedge, and the concentration of wealth), also referring to recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). On healthcare topics, they emphasize patient autonomy, the importance of palliative care, and the legal wording of advance directives. They use statistics regarding wealth inequality in Estonia to support their economic arguments.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical and sharply critical, employing emotional assessments (e.g., "embarrassing process," "frightening") to characterize procedures and the government's reliability. The speaker relies on logical arguments, examples (Olerex), and statistics to underscore social inequality and the necessity of deterrence. He/She repeatedly uses rhetorical questions to highlight the oddity and inconsistency of the government’s actions.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active in plenary sessions, addressing several important legislative proposals within a short timeframe (two days), including submitting motions to suspend readings. He/She references participation in coalition negotiations and Finance Committee meetings (e.g., a meeting with the IMF). The speaker handles both substantive and technical matters (e.g., the Botswana double taxation treaty, specific details of the Song Festival Act).
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the parties of the governing coalition (Reform Party, Eesti 200) and specific ministers (Kaja Kallas, Lea Danilson-Järg, Margus Tsahkna, Liisa Pakosta). Criticism is aimed both at political decisions (tax hikes) and procedural unreliability (accusations of stalling the Competition Act, and Prime Minister Kristen Michal breaking promises regarding the tax moratorium). The opposition is intense, manifesting in proposals to halt the reading of draft bills.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Even though the speaker is in opposition, they recognize the cooperation and inclusive procedure used for social affairs bills, thanking Signe Riisalo, the Chair of the Social Affairs Committee, and the experts (Margit Sutrop). They urge colleagues to support the Social Democrats’ proposals (such as raising the subsistence minimum) to achieve a needs-based consensus. Concerning the Competition Act, the speaker details the violation of coalition agreements by the Eesti 200 party.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, but it highlights regional inequality, particularly using the example of kindergarten tuition fees. It warns that differing decisions made by local governments (such as Tallinn and Rae municipality) could incentivize the forced migration of families. It also mentions the need to ensure the availability of primary palliative care throughout Estonia.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports social justice and a more progressive tax system, criticizing the raising of consumption taxes and the maintenance of low capital taxes, which increases the concentration of wealth. It warns that increasing the flexibility of employment contracts shifts business risks onto employees and hinders the restructuring of the economy towards higher productivity sectors. It supports large fines imposed by the Competition Authority as a deterrent against anti-competitive practices.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Focuses on social subsistence (issues concerning the subsistence level and kindergarten placement fees) and patient autonomy in making end-of-life decisions. Strongly supports the draft bill concerning the patient’s advance directive, emphasizing spiritual care and the accessibility of palliative care, but confirms that the bill does not regulate euthanasia or arrangements concerning property. It directly links subsistence to national defense and security.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main priorities are obstructing the government's tax increases and the proceedings of the Competition Law draft bill (via proposals for termination/suspension), and submitting the Social Democrats' amendments to the supplementary budget. (These amendments include raising the subsistence level and abolishing kindergarten fees). He/She is a strong supporter of the patient's end-of-life declaration draft bill, seeing it as a way to make existing rights enforceable.
14 Speeches Analyzed