By Plenary Sessions: Riina Sikkut
Total Sessions: 39
Fully Profiled: 39
2025-10-15
The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
The political focus is on amending the presidential election law, specifically restoring the proportions of the Electoral College to those preceding the administrative reform. The speaker strongly supports greater representation for rural areas in the Electoral College, considering this fair because investments tend to concentrate in urban areas. This stance is procedural and politically pragmatic, emphasizing the need to improve the accompanying legal amendments. Support is also given to the earlier and public introduction of candidates in the Riigikogu chamber.
2025-10-13
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's fiscal policy, criticizing it for shortsightedness and irresponsibility, especially concerning tax cuts financed by borrowed money and the breaking of promises regarding tax stability. It emphasizes the necessity of restoring trust in political institutions through dignified conduct and maintaining a long-term perspective. The speaker advocates for the sustainability of state finances and budgetary discipline.
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's 2026 state budget, which is characterized as deception, utter confusion, and political short-sightedness. The main concerns are the rapid increase in national debt, an unprecedented budget deficit, and social injustice, which is evident in the preferential treatment given to the wealthiest. This stance is firmly based on values and results, criticizing the lack of accountability and the disregard for true statesmanship. On behalf of the Social Democrats, a motion is proposed to reject the budget during its first reading.
2025-10-07
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
The political position is highly critical of the government's budget strategy, highlighting the growth of the structural deficit and the inability to adequately improve the fiscal position. The primary concern relates to the unlikelihood of achieving the required €1–1.5 billion improvement in the fiscal position post-2030, especially given the public's aversion to tax hikes. The position is strongly policy- and results-driven, calling into question the credibility of the government's long-term planning.
2025-10-06
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
The political focus is on mitigating educational inequality stemming from socio-economic background. The speaker strongly advocates for a proactive role for the state, demanding free school meals and additional support for schools serving students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Emphasis is placed on the need to avoid a "vicious cycle" that results in the closure of neighborhood schools. The political framework is heavily value- and policy-driven, centered on equal opportunities.
2025-09-22
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The political stance is highly critical of the government's actions, particularly concerning the agreement to bring Swedish prisoners to Estonia, which is viewed as detrimental to security, healthcare, and the long-term economic strategy. Furthermore, the necessity of the Minister of Entrepreneurship position is being questioned, especially since the Prime Minister himself is spearheading the reduction of bureaucracy. The political framework itself is primarily policy- and performance-based, focusing on costs and the distribution of resources.
2025-09-18
15th Estonian Parliament, 6th sitting, plenary session.
The political position is strongly critical of the government's fiscal policy, emphasizing irresponsibility and a short-term perspective, particularly the disregard for the recommendations of the Fiscal Council. The speaker stresses fiscal discipline and warns against the debt burden nearly doubling within four years. The stance is strongly policy- and performance-based, focusing on the necessity of covering the permanent expenditures (defense costs) of the state finances.
2025-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
The political position is strongly focused on ensuring trust in data usage and e-governance, while opposing the adoption of the current bill in its present form. The speaker (Social Democrats) stresses the necessity of establishing a legal framework that would allow law enforcement agencies to utilize new technologies to combat crime, while simultaneously safeguarding individual privacy and constitutional principles. This stance is rooted in values and policy, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between security and civil liberties.
2025-09-17
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, press briefing.
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s tax policy, particularly the elimination of the tax bulge, which is viewed as ineffective and a handout to the wealthiest. The Social Democrats’ preferred solution is shifting the tax bulge further up the income scale to offer targeted relief to teachers and other working families. The overall political framework is heavily focused on fiscal responsibility and tax fairness.
2025-09-16
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
The political stance is geared towards improving the quality of legislation and ensuring constitutional review. The speaker strongly supports the role of the Chancellor of Justice and acknowledges their commitment. Simultaneously, there is indirect criticism of the work of the Riigikogu (Parliament), which produces ambiguous laws requiring subsequent amendment. The focus is primarily on effectiveness and procedural quality.
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
The political focus is currently centered on evaluating the government's actions and performance, particularly concerning delays in developing the defense industry and strategic planning within the education sector. Critical questions are being raised regarding the vision for teachers' salary structure and measures aimed at alleviating educational inequality. The viewpoints expressed are moderately critical and policy-driven, focusing on finding concrete solutions.
2025-09-11
15th Riigikogu, 6th plenary sitting
The political focus is centered on financial market regulation and consumer protection, particularly within the non-bank lending sector. Support is being given to legislative measures, such as the creation of a positive credit register and the clarification of valuation requirements for residential property. Further restrictions are under consideration, such as a ban on nighttime lending, aimed at protecting consumers who incorrectly assess the cost of borrowing. This stance is strongly rooted in policy and regulation.
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The political focus is strongly centered on national defense and crisis preparedness, mandating the construction of shelters in new apartment buildings, even where it is not cost-optimal. Criticism targets the government's indecisiveness and shifting stances (car tax, income tax, public sector salaries), referencing decisions made back in June 2025. This position is forceful and policy-based, prioritizing the value of readiness above financial savings.
2025-09-09
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session.
The political platform heavily focuses on failures in public sector financial management and demanding systemic accountability. The speaker stresses the necessity of preventing recurring erroneous advance payments totaling tens of millions, shifting the focus to results-based management and systemic oversight. This stance is highly critical of the current system's inefficiency.
2025-09-08
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The political focus is heavily geared towards results-based analysis, demanding specific metrics for evaluating regional policy and immigration management. Key issues include boosting productivity, the need for skilled labor, and achieving regional balance. The speaker is critical of the government’s vague plans and the lack of quantitative data, highlighting concerns about declining productivity compared to the EU average.
2025-09-04
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
The political position is social democratic, focusing on social justice and the state's long-term strategic goals. The speaker is strongly critical of the government's tax policy, which increases inequality, and expresses concern about the security and social service risks associated with immigration and the transfer of Swedish prisoners. The criticism is primarily policy-based and directed at the inefficiency of the government's actions in increasing productivity. Key issues include the fairness of the tax structure and the mitigation of societal risks.
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The speaker, who is in the opposition, sharply criticized the government's priorities, labeling them "bizarre" and illogical. He objects to the tax cut granted to foreign online casinos and the prioritization of prison rent, while simultaneously highlighting the failure to provide a VAT exemption for foodstuffs. The focus remains on evaluating the substance of the policy and the government's actions, noting that life does not begin or end with the appointment of any single minister.
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
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").
2025-06-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
The political focus centers on the overburdening of the judicial system and the need to improve consumer protection, particularly concerning consumer credit. The speaker strongly criticizes the actions of the government (Eesti 200), alleging that the draft competition law is being politically overemphasized while crucial social legislation (the Consent Law and the Equality Law) is being postponed. The political framework appears highly procedural and results-driven, which casts doubt on the government's true motives.
2025-06-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session.
The political focus is on the low added value of the Estonian economy and its historical dependence on foreign capital, a point illustrated by the reference to "Swedish banks." The speaker urgently demands measures that would ensure local Estonian companies have equal opportunities to invest in production. The goal is to overcome the disparity between the high level of education and the low value of exports, emphasizing the need for capital to be locally tied ("kihelkond").
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The politician’s position is one of strong support for withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, a move necessitated by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the significantly altered security environment since 2004. The decision is based on both policy and values, underscoring the need to grant the Defense Forces the flexibility to select weapon systems capable of countering an overwhelming adversary. The objective is to make aggression against Estonia unfeasible, while simultaneously supporting adherence to international humanitarian law. The Social Democrats support leaving the convention.
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
The political focus is on supporting families with children and alleviating the cost of living, strongly backing the increase of child benefits to 100 euros for the first and second child. The speaker prefers addressing social concerns through the benefits system rather than relying on complex tax exceptions. Furthermore, the importance of keeping political promises and maintaining trust is highlighted.
2025-06-03
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fifth session, plenary session
The political position is strongly critical of the government’s infrastructure policy, asserting that this is an exceptionally political domain, not merely a matter of business. The speaker highlights the failure to achieve strategic objectives (such as reducing transport emissions and improving road safety) and urgently calls for the implementation of evidence-based policy. The focus is on results-oriented and values-driven policy design.
2025-06-02
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session
The political platform focuses on social security (raising the subsistence level) and supporting national defense expenditures. The main criticism is directed at the government's budget policy, highlighting the structural imbalance between permanent expenditures and permanent revenues, the resolution of which is being postponed until after the elections. The framing is strongly policy- and value-based, linking livelihood directly to security.
2025-05-21
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
The speaker strongly supports the Social Democrats' programmatic stance regarding the implementation of progressive income tax, viewing it as the foundation for equitable funding. They oppose the government's plan to raise VAT and income tax, arguing that this disproportionately burdens low-wage earners and socially vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the speaker is a firm advocate for gender balance in decision-making bodies, supporting the introduction of quotas stemming from the relevant directive. This political position is clearly value-driven, focusing on fairness and social welfare.
2025-05-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government's tax package, particularly concerning the increase in VAT and the abolition of the tax hump. This position is framed by the necessity of promoting social justice and economic growth, asserting that the government’s choices are unwise and run contrary to the recommendations of the IMF. The address concludes with a proposal to reject the draft legislation. The political framework is clearly driven by policy and values.
2025-05-19
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
The speaker heavily emphasizes environmental values, contrasting the view of the forest as a mere asset with the view of the forest as a living environment. He criticizes the government's policy, which relies on isolated, singular decisions (such as the nuclear power plant or the boundaries of protected areas) rather than being guided by a comprehensive, inclusive strategy document. Furthermore, he demands political consensus and a national referendum on crucial strategic matters (like the nuclear power plant), opposing decisions rushed through the Riigikogu (Parliament).
2025-05-15
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The political emphasis is placed on educational inequality and the challenges associated with artificial intelligence, which the speaker links to the importance of mathematics. The speaker strongly advocates for a rigorous approach to teaching mathematics in order to develop analytical thinking skills. This stance is outcome-based, requiring that every graduate achieves at least a satisfactory level of proficiency in mathematics.
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
The speaker holds a strongly progressive and values-based political position, supporting the improvement of gender balance (the 60:40 principle) in the governing bodies of listed companies, and identifying as a social democrat and a feminist. They consider the representation of Estonian women in management bodies (10–11%) to be exceptionally poor and support the introduction of quotas as a necessary measure to reduce inequality. The speaker is idealistic, standing in opposition to conservative cynics.
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The political position is strongly oriented towards evidence-based policy, robust state institutions, and social protection. The speaker supports increasing the powers of the Competition Authority and demands political accountability for the transposition of EU directives. Particular emphasis is placed on the social protection of platform workers, as their overtime is often driven by economic necessity rather than a desire to invest. The political framework is value-based, underscoring the role of social democrats in defending democracy and the rule of law.
2025-04-24
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The political stance is strongly in favor of developing renewable energy (especially wind power), emphasizing the necessity of local, decentralized, and fuel-free generation to guarantee energy security. The objective is to achieve 100% coverage of electricity consumption using renewable sources, establishing this goal as a key political priority. The speaker dismisses objections rooted in pseudoscientific nonsense and fearmongering, relying instead on a science-based approach. The political framework is distinctly policy- and objective-driven.
2025-04-23
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The speaker, a Social Democrat, strongly advocates for public health regulations, particularly the prevention of youth nicotine addiction through the prohibition of flavors in heated tobacco products. Regarding energy, they stress the necessity of having a comprehensive strategic plan (ENMAK) in place before making isolated decisions. They firmly support implementing patient autonomy at the end of life, considering this a matter of value-based responsibility.
2025-04-22
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The political position emphasizes culture as the core of the Estonian nation's existence and survival, as well as a strategic value. The speaker sharply criticizes treating the cultural sector as a mere budget line item that is subject to division and subtraction operations (i.e., cuts). He/She strongly supports better compensation and the provision of social guarantees for cultural workers, basing this stance on both inherent values and measurable performance.
2025-04-16
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
The political focus is heavily directed towards improving public health and protecting young people from nicotine addiction, emphasizing the need for unified European Union regulations. Moderate support is also given to research and development and innovation in healthcare, even when this necessitates a legislative compromise. The political framework is strongly policy- and value-driven, centered on the interests of patients and children.
2025-04-15
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
The political position is strongly value-based, focusing on the protection of workers and income stability, while opposing the government's planned amendments to the Employment Contracts Act. The need to improve the state's data policy is also emphasized, in order to utilize collected registry data for better decision-making. The speaker criticizes the government's handling of human rights and professional competence issues, citing the Pihlakodu case as an example.
2025-04-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The political focus is on reducing regional inequality in income and assets, and increasing social justice. The speaker is cautious regarding narrow tax solutions, arguing that they fail to address deep-seated concerns about inequality, and prefers to consider support measures more broadly. Their approach is strongly policy- and value-based, emphasizing the achievement of justice.
2025-04-09
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
The political position is strongly focused on prioritizing patients' interests and safety, supporting the availability of innovative medicines through a hospital exemption procedure. It emphasizes the need to reduce bureaucracy and shorten procedural deadlines to ensure rapid treatment for patients. This stance is clearly policy- and results-driven, focusing on the elimination of specific regulatory barriers.
2025-04-08
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The political stance is one of strong support for promoting gender equality in the governing bodies of listed companies, backing the transposition of the EU directive with a 40% target. This position is value-driven, emphasizing the necessity of breaking down cultural prejudices and enhancing management quality, given that organic progress has been too slow. The speaker is urging the rapid processing of the draft legislation to avoid an infringement procedure by the European Union.
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The speaker strongly emphasizes procedural correctness and the importance of democratic processes, arguing that in the case of weighty decisions, the manner is just as crucial as the substance. While he substantively supports the removal of voting rights from citizens of aggressor states (a stance he has maintained since 2022), he sharply criticizes the procedure of the constitutional amendment bill, which has been altered and now entails the disenfranchisement of grey passport holders. His political position is value-based, centered on protecting the reputation of the Riigikogu and Estonia's internal peace.